Is Your Dog Moving with You? Pack Your Stuff and Make sure NO Canine is Left Behind with these Must-Have Tips!

Are you moving soon and is your dog moving with you?

Is it time to relocate – going off to College perhaps?

Have you saved up enough “bling-bling” and finally steppin’ into your new dream home?

Maybe you’re moving to a yet unknown destination or going wherever your heart takes you hoping to find your authentic self…

Just maybe you’re moving a dog to Hawaii like one of our good friend’s JT did recently. We’re jealous, BTW!

If you see yourself taking that leap in your near future you gotta read these must-have tips. They will help your transition go supa smooth for you and your pooch.

Wouldn’t that be nice? For things to go smooth as originally planned! (Sending the Universe some positive vibes.)

First…

Why is it that ‘certain people’ will confidently come right out to your face and say “I’m moving and I have to get rid of my dog” like they’re asking for 1 cream and 4 sugars in their cuppa? Hello! Were you just talking to that creepy little voice in your head… ‘cause everyone can hear you?

WTF is wrong with you people! Is your dog NOT in style any more? Does he NOT give you 100% selfless love all day, every day? Maybe your dog doesn’t color-coordinate with your new apartment?

Nothing MAKES MY BLOOD BOIL like an ignorantly selfish comment like that!

How about you? Sound off in the comments below. Would appreciate your opinion on this.

Ahem…

The amount of absolutely amazing dogs that get abandoned on the streets and are victims of careless dog owners (who apparently decided that their loving companion was an object that could be tossed away at will) numbers in the hundreds of thousands come moving season.

It’s simple my friends. If you’re moving, your best pal is moving too!

When you have a real, real, real good reason and you’ve actually made special humane arrangements for your dog, where he’ll be absolutely loved and cared for, then you get a pass.

OK I’m done ranting…

If you don’t happen to fall into the “moving-anytime-soon” category but you’re in the mood to ROFL, check for the surprise link near the bottom of this article.

But if you’re happily moving then I’m so excited for ya! The following tips will guarantee a headache-free dog move! Don’t worry it’s not going to rain and everything will go as planned – promise.

Here’s the deal.

When you’re moving with a dog, you’re stressed and your dog is stressed too. Dogs are super smart they have the power to feel your emotional state instantly.

The Secret is to Plan Ahead.

Do whatever you need to do to make sure you and your dog are happy and safe while all the boxing and unboxing are going on.

For example, if you have a dog with severe separation anxiety then you might want to accommodate his needs and make sure that he doesn’t get into a full blown panic attack. The last thing you want is your dog freaking out. Maybe your dog is very well balanced and leaving him at the kennel for a couple of days while you completely lose your mind with all the moving craziness works just fine. Get creative. Figure it out so that everybody is ok.

The good news is that any well socialized dog will have a smooth transition to his new abode.

Must-Have Dog Moving Tips to save yourself from headaches on moving day:

- Make sure you’ve ordered and received your dog’s new license and ID tag before the big moving day. As soon as you arrive at your new home put it on your pup and scratch that off your OMG-Things-To-Do-at-New-House list.

- Use your iPhone and locate the nearest vet and animal hospital. Once you’ve finally recycled that last moving box, that’s when you start Googling vet reviews in your area.

- Read up and get yourself familiar with your new neighborhood’s dog by-laws and policies. Very important. Yes, of course you still have to pick up your dog’s business. C’mon, what where you thinking?

- While you’re at it locate the nearest dog-friendly walking areas and dog parks too. Remember an exercised dog is a happy calm dog.

- Dogs and Flying don’t mix – period. If you have to fly to your new destination consider all other options before putting your dog on an airplane. Most dogs don’t do so well when they are airborne. Between the pressure changes, loud noises and the uncomfortable unfamiliar environment, it’s taxing on them. On top of that the bustling airport can be very frightening and stressful.

Worst, your dog can get lost, get sick, have separation anxiety bouts and end up scared and confused. If you don’t want to deal with flight delays and other airport silliness – don’t put your dog on a plane. Leave your dog with family or friends and take a nice road trip to pick him up. It might be a bit more time/energy consuming but you’ll end up with a calmer, happier dog. ONLY Fly your dog as a last resort.

- When moving to another country make sure you have all the required air traveling and border documentation filled out and ready. You don’t want to be doing that minutes before landing. Plan ahead.

- Use your iPhone again and locate a dog food and supply store. Your dog still needs to eat silly.

- Maintain your dog’s normal routine as much as you possibly can. Include feeding, play and potty schedules. A quick game of fetch or tug is perfect!

- Take some time for yourself. Leave your dog with a guardian for a good 48 hours. You get peace of mind during your big moving day and time to unpack the next morning. The event can quite chaotic and stressful for your pup.

- If you must take your dog with you along for the move bring along a familiar designated “you-betta-take-good-care-of-my-dog” person. Someone who will hang around with your pup and occasionally bring in some boxes. Or make sure that you have someone at your new place waiting to take care of your dog while you finish up with the boxes. Positive Reinforcement works with Humans too – reward with pizza at the end of the day!

- If you’re moving to a brand new country or city and you don’t know anyone, create a safe and cozy environment for your dog. A moving dog is not necessarily happy dog. Set up his crate in a nice quiet place with some fave toys and some nice fresh water. Dogs can easily get dehydrated when stressed so keep plenty of clean water on hand. That goes for you too.

I prefer the crate idea to just letting your dog run around the new house or backyard. Things can get very dangerous very quickly. With people coming in and out and a constantly open door it takes one second and your pup can end up out exploring his new neighborhood, unsupervised. Don’t rush things. There’s a time and place for everything. Take care of the moving part and then enjoy all the great things like settling into your new home with your dog. Remember to occasionally comfort your dog with some sweet words, treats and a game or two. You could say something like “I can’t wait to chase you around the new house you furry-lovey!”

Bottom line, moving with your dog CAN be a pleasant experience. Yes it can. It all depends on how well you’ve planned and followed that plan during the whole shebang! Happy moving!

Oh and the surprise link I promised, if you want to seriously ROFL with tears blinding your eyes you must read the funniest comic strip EVER…

Dogs Don’t Understand Basic Concepts Like Moving!!!! haha

“I like being the Helper Dog!” – Halle

“I stay literally lounging fam… I’m the Simple Dog!” – Charlie

So tell us. How did your dog moving go? Have you made any specific arrangements for your dog while bustling, packing and unpacking?

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