4 Tips To Help Your Dog Handle A Long-Distance Moving Day
If you are planning on moving long-distance soon, make sure that you don't forget to make a moving plan for your dog. Here are four tips to help make moving day less stressful on your dog:
Tip #1: Arrange For Your Dog To Be Somewhere Else When The Movers Are Working
Try to schedule a couple of days for your move. On the day that the movers will be coming to your house, see if a family friend can watch your dog. Or, if you have a local dog boarding business such as Daily Wag that you use when you go on long trips, see if your dog can stay there during moving day.
Having so many strange people in and out of their house can be stressful on your dog. Your dog could also get in the way when people are trying to move boxes and furniture out of your house. Additionally, if you keep your dog at home on moving day, you'll need to schedule in time to take care of your dog's needs on top of everything else you have to keep track of.
Getting your dog out of the house while the movers are present will reduce the stress of moving on both your dog and yourself.
Tip #2: Pack Dog Road Trip Supplies
After the movers have finished with your house, go and pick your dog up. Make sure that your car is equipped with all the supplies you need for a road trip with your dog. You will want to pack up these supplies before the day of your move. You will need some of the following items:
- Water Bowl
- Food Bowl
- Dog Food
- Leash
- Dog Carrier
- Dog Blanket Or Bedding
- At Least One Dog Toy
Tip #3: Plan Dog Friendly Stops In Advance
Make sure you also check out the map and decide before you start the drive to your new home where you can stop and let your dog out for a break. If you have a puppy who is not potty trained, you'll want to make stops every hour. If you have an older dog that is potty trained and is used to being in your vehicle, you can stop every couple of hours instead.
When you stop, make sure that you take your dog for a walk so they can stretch out and go to the bathroom. You should also provide them with an opportunity to drink some water and eat some food as well during your breaks.
Tip #4: Book Pet Friendly Hotels
If the drive to your new home is going to take more than one day, you should also book pet friendly hotels in advance. Many hotels have a limited number of pet friendly rooms; if you wait to find a place to stop at night until the day of, you may have a really difficult time finding a hotel that can accommodate you and your dog.
The best way to avoid this problem is to book your hotel rooms for your trip to your new home in advance, and make sure your reservation specifically states that you need a pet friendly room. Once you get to the hotel, make sure you give your dog plenty of time outside to get in a little exercise after a long day in your vehicle.
Long-distance moves require a lot of work and planning; make sure that you don't forget to also plan for your dog as well. Try and provide them with a safe place to be while the movers are at your house, and make sure that you plan a pet friendly route to your new home. A little bit of planning on your part will make your long-distance move a little easier on your dog.