How to Keep a Dog Calm and Safe Before Moving

This article is the first chapter of the ultimate guide to moving with a dog to a new home. It answers the most important question during the preparation stage of a house move with man’s best friend: how to keep your dog CALM, SAFE, and HEALTHY during a move. And happy too.

Dogs are our best friends and nobody can deny that, when treated the right way, they have pure souls and are ready to be by our side no matter what.

Just think of Hachiko, the lovely Akita dog born on a farm near the city of Odate, Japan, and you’ll likely shed a compassionate tear or two in his memory.

After all, who could possibly stay indifferent to a dog’s extraordinary loyalty, undying friendship, and unconditional love?

If you’re a dog owner who’s about to move away to a new house or apartment, then the very first thing you should be aware of before the actual relocation is that dogs are very sensitive and may have a strong reaction to the news of moving to a new home. That’s right – pups they love the safety and comfort of their familiar surroundings and will not welcome easily any sudden changes in their set routines.

If you happen to be wondering, “Will moving affect my dog?”, the inevitable answer is, “Yes, it will.” Just like humans, different dogs will react differently to a residential move and the effects of moving on dogs can be profound. As a rule, moving with a dog can be a bit tricky, so you need to be ready to face all canine challenges and overcome specific obstacles along the way.

Learn how to keep your dog calm, stress-free and safe during the initial pre-move stage by following these expert tips for moving house with a dog. From chasing away your dog’s fears and keeping their routine unchanged to the best practices of preparing your pup for the relocation trip, including all the details about the recommended medical checkup.

How to keep your dog CALM during a move

Dogs happen to be highly sensitive creatures and before long, your canine companion will sense that something BIG is going on – something that is definitely out of the ordinary.

To your surprise, it’ll be the small things that are likely to catch your pup’s attention:

• the tense and anxious tone of your voice when you’re talking on the phone,
• the gradual accumulation of cardboard boxes of various sizes,
• the huge frightening roll of bubble wrap standing in the room’s corner,
• the sudden appearance of strangers in the house (movers performing an in-house visual survey for accurate price calculation),
• the seemingly chaotic scattering of clothes on the bed and shoes on the floor as part of the pre-packing sorting process.

Sooner or later (understand sooner), your poor dog will pick those subtle and not-so-subtle changes in their immediate surrounding and will start to get agitated, exhibiting unmistakable signs of anxiety and nervousness.  

The truth is that moving can make dogs confused. Your canine companion will have a much harder time understanding the true meaning of all the changes that are happening around them with lightning-quick speed. This is why you need to act immediately before the relocation stress and anxiety take over your pet.

“Dogs are creatures of habit and love to be surrounded by things that are familiar to them and they can pick up when something weird is happening.”, say the pet insurance team at Pet Plan New Zealand.

“Think about when you are packing to go away on vacation, they always look at you with a worried look wondering if they are going to be left behind! The same can be said when packing up your home, only on a larger scale.”

Now, your pet friend is not far from the truth – you really are going away to a new place… with the exception that you’re taking them with you.

The real trouble is that you can’t just calm down your animal companion by explaining to them what is really going on. Well, if dogs understood human speech, you could do it… but since that is not the case, you’ll have to use other proven methods to keep your dog calm during a move.

Calming method #1: Address your dog’s FEARS

Although dogs are unable to understand human speech, you should still try to assure your best friend that things will be just fine and there’s nothing to worry about. Reassure him or her that you will be there for them during that tough transitional period and that you won’t neglect their needs or ignore their presence despite the hectic pre-move preparations.

The idea here to use your most soothing and reassuring tone of voice to make them see that they have nothing to fear – you’ll soon be in a new home and things will get back to normal in no time.

As long as you yourself feel calm enough – never an easy thing to do considering the approaching move, you can even go as far as to describe the new home for your pet pal and to point out all the advantages that the move will bring for all of you. Sure, your dog will not understand exactly what you’re telling them, but they will be able to pick the positive vibe and the tranquility of your voice – a powerful weapon to chase away your pet’s fears and reduce the dog moving anxiety they must be feeling.

When moving with a dog across the country, you shouldn’t underestimate the destructive power of fear. In the majority of case, the best way to calm down a dog before the move is to address their strongest fear – that of you going away somewhere FOR GOOD and them getting left behind. 

Again, one good way to deal with your dog’s fears is to talk to them in a very calm and reassuring manner – the same type of tone you would use to calm down a baby who had woken frightened in the middle of the night.

Try showing some photos of the new home to your canine friend, especially when you’re moving to a house with a large backyard. Don’t be skeptical about this little trick to chase away your pup’s fears: it’s no coincidence that dogs are believed to be one of the smartest animals on the planet.

Calming method #2: Maintain your dog’s ROUTINE

Another great way to keep your lovely dog calm and relaxed prior to moving away is to make a real effort to maintain their set routine throughout the move. It’s important to know that dogs feel calmest and safest when they have a predictable routine. Unfortunately, a house move will definitely disrupt their familiar daily activities and can easily force them to step out of their comfort zones.

From their own perspective, dogs suddenly, and reluctantly, become mere spectators of controlled chaos in the house – excitement, noise, piles of moving boxes, strange people coming in and going out. That is about the time when man’s best friends become increasingly anxious and confused simply because they do not understand the reason for all that commotion and they cannot ask what’s going on either.

Lauren Novack, the owner and head dog trainer of Lauren’s Leash, stresses out how important routine is for dogs being moved between two homes.

“Like children, dogs do best with consistency and routine. Moving can be stressful for them because their entire lives are being upended. As with any other big changes – having a baby, bringing another animal into the home, planning a wedding, parents leaving for vacation – pups immediately notice a change in schedule, routine, and attention.”

Lauren specializes in problem prevention and canine behavior modification in New York City and the very first question she asks her numerous clients is what changed in the environment to precipitate their pups’ change in behavior.

“The first piece of advice I give clients is to keep their pups’ routine as similar as possible before, during, and after the move. If your pup has a crate, set it up just as it was in the first home. If your pup goes for walks 4 times a day, stick to it. If Dad comes home from work and plays fetch with Fido for an hour, that should remain the same.”

The American moving experts at Stewart Moving and Storage have handled many situations where a client’s dog needed to be soothed and one of their top pieces of advice on how to keep dogs calm during a move is to avoid overstimulating your loyal animal friend while keeping up with his or her routine.

“The moving process involves a lot of large items moving around and noise. These things can easily worry your dog and can make moving difficult. Try to find a spot in your home, where your dog won’t be overstimulated by the moving of objects and people. A good secluded place should help to keep him or her calm. If your dog is used to eating or going out on a walk at a certain time make sure to stay consistent with that schedule. Disrupting this pattern may lead to increased confusion and anxiety during the moving process.”

“Keep things normal”, urges NorthStar Moving Company Co-Founder and rescue dog owner Laura McHolm. “Instead of pulling an all-nighter to pack, try to pack over a long period of time so that your pet thinks everything is normal. This will keep their stress level down. Put their favorite treats and toys inside their carriers so they can get used to it before the big moving day. Don’t pack the food away! Keep your pet’s food, water, bowls, medication and any other important supplies (like that favorite squeaky toy) off the moving truck and with you.”

As you can see, one of your most important tasks when moving to a new home with a dog is to minimize the disruption of their routine. Dogs love their routine, dogs feel calm and secure when their days follow a well-established pattern because, for them, that daily routine gives them a sense of normalcy and balance. Without it, they will quickly get confused, anxious, and ultimately – stressed out.

Thus said, it can be next to impossible to maintain exactly the same routine for your dog during a house move. With so many things to do and thinks to think about, you’re likely to promptly find out that you just can’t spare enough time for your pup if you wish to have a chance of a decent house move with as few problems as possible. Still, as a loving dog owner, you just have to give it your best shot.

How to keep your dog SAFE during a move

There’s no denying that the sheer number and urgency of all the tasks you have to complete in order to guarantee the successful outcome of the house move can easily overwhelm you. The busy preparations leading up to Moving day is the period when things tend to get rather chaotic and even a single human misstep can easily compromise dogs’ safety.

And what that means is that you, as a loving dog owner, may not be able to dedicate as much time to your pet as you used to – as your moving date draws nearer and nearer, the time to spend with your canine friend will get more and more limited with each passing day.

Nevertheless, regardless of your limited time and reduced energy, it’s crucial that you continue to provide enough exercise and mental stimulation for your lovely dog on a daily basis.

Keep your dog out of harm’s way

Without a doubt, one of the best ways to keep your dog perfectly safe during a house move is to keep them out of harm’s way. Moving out of state with a dog is not a walk in the park, so remember to take the safety of your pet friend really seriously.

“Don’t skimp on the exercise”, advises Beth Bradley, one of the top professional dog trainers and competitors in the United States. “Dogs need about 45 minutes to one hour of exercise each day; some need more! In the busiest weeks leading up to the move, strongly consider using a doggie daycare, a dog walker, or visits to a friend or family member.

Utilizing this kind of outside help on a regular schedule has several benefits:

• It provides a dependable routine for your dog during an otherwise chaotic time.
• It gives your dog an outlet for pent-up energy and nerves resulting from the move.
• It gives your dog a break from the stressful environment of a house being packed or unpacked.
• It ensures your dog is in a safe place—away from open doors and moving vehicles—during the move.”

Dr. Eloise Bright, a Canberra veterinarian, offers a unique piece of advice on how to keep dogs safe and stress-free during a house move. Her rich experience as a vet has taught her that the method of crate training allows pet owners to easily travel with their dogs and set up a ‘safe place’ for their companions.

“It can be useful to crate train your dog, which essentially means creating a safe place (or den) that your dog can go to when worried. Just use a cage or transport crate, but make sure it is big enough to comfortably stand and turn around. To start training set the crate up in the main area of the house where your dog can still see everyone.

Put a nice comfy towel or blanket inside. Take the door off or leave it propped open, so your dog doesn’t accidentally get trapped in there or have the door hit them on the way in or out. Give lots of treats and Kongs to chew on inside the crate to make a positive association. Over time as your dog feels more comfortable in there, it will become a safe zone and they won’t worry if the door is shut.”

Professional dog trainer Beth Bradley is also a firm believer in crates and says that they can be useful for dogs of any age.

“During the packing period, the crate will provide a safe haven where your dog can feel safe and secure away from the traffic and movement. If your dog must be in the house on moving day, the crate will safely contain him. Moving day is the perfect storm of strangers in the house, open doors, scary noises, moving vehicles, and inattention. You will not be able to keep an eye on your dog at all times. The crate will keep him safe.”

Make sure your dog is HEALTHY

Not skipping your dog’s daily exercise should keep them in good shape during the difficult transition between two homes. Still, you’re going to have to go one step further and ensure your canine friend is declared healthy and good to go after a medical consultation with a licensed vet.

So, do find some time in your busy moving schedule to take your tail-wagger to your family veterinarian for a full medical checkup. Talk to the veterinarian openly and voice any specific concerns you may have about the way you think your dog is likely to handle the upcoming trip to your new residence.

If you notice that your dog is becoming more and more anxious and stressed out shortly before the actual moving trip, discuss with your family vet whether the prescription of anti-anxiety medications can contribute to a more pleasant moving experience for everyone.

Additionally, ask your veterinarian whether he or she can recommend other proven dog stress and anxiety treatments for your dear pet such as ThunderShirts and Adaptil collars.

• ThunderShirts: A ThunderShirt is a wrap which will apply gentle pressure to the body of a stressed dog and will relieve the accumulated moving stress thanks to the calming effect of deep pressure on the canine nervous system.
• Adaptil collars: An Adaptil collar is a collar that slowly releases Adaptil pheromones to help dogs deal with changes, phobias, anxiety, and a number of other behavioral problems. Dogs have a highly developed sense of smell and while the pheromone therapy is completely undetectable to humans, the synthetic form of these pheromones (Adaptil) gives dogs the feeling of comfort and security they need during very stressful situations such as a house move.

Dr. Sara Williams, a practicing veterinarian for 13 years and the owner of Northwest Animal Hospital in Plymouth, MN, also believes that you should consult with your vet about anti-anxiety medications if your dog becomes very anxious before the move.

“Thundershirts can help diminish stress and anxiety in some dogs. Be sure to try the thundershirt before any of the moving activities begin. Adaptil collars are pheromone collars that have been shown to reduce stress in some dogs. The collar should be worn for a month prior to the move and then continue to wear it after the move. Of course, discuss any of these with your primary veterinarian before starting.”

Dr. Sara Williams also adds that medication may be needed to help your dog adjust to his new home after the move.

Lauren Novack from Lauren’s Leash offers another great piece of advice on how to help dogs cope with stress and anxiety when moving house.

“If your pup is sensitive and tends to get stressed out quickly, it can’t hurt to use an Adaptil collar or Adaptil spray during the moving process. Adaptil mimics the mother’s calming pheromones. I put this product into the can’t hurt, might help category of stress relief aids. You can spray a towel with Adaptil, hide treats in the towel and knot it. This doubles as a homemade puzzle toy, and will encourage the pup to really sniff and absorb the pheromone spray. The Adaptil collar can be worn around the dog’s neck and is effective for up to four weeks.

Other products in the can’t hurt, might help category include the ThunderShirt and the nutraceuticals ANXITANE, Zylkene, and composure. Speak to your vet before giving your pup anything new. If your vet is not aware of these nutraceuticals, encourage them to get on the phone with the nearest veterinary behaviorist. Most veterinary behaviorists will offer free phone consultations to vets.”

Monique, a Registered Veterinary Technician from Kamloops Veterinary Clinic in the city of Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada, believes that Adaptil will help anxious dogs relax and feel more at ease.

“For a typically anxious dog, purchase a product called ADAPTIL from your veterinarian. It can be bought as a spray, a plug-in diffuser or as a collar. ADAPTIL is a calming pheromone, scentless to humans, but detectable by dogs, it mimics a mother dog’s pheromones after having puppies and can really help relieve stress. It can be used in the crate during transport as well as in the new house.”

Becca Barnett, the Social Media Manager from BringFido, warns dog owners not to attempt to medicate their pets without consulting a qualified and experienced veterinarian first.

“The level of stress a dog endures during a move is specific to the individual dog. It is important to be mindful of your dog’s behavior. Should your dog show signs of stress, take them to their Veterinarian and only after seeking your Vet’s advice should you medicate your dog.”

What to do when moving with a dog to a new home

Once you’ve taken care of the two priority tasks when moving across the country with a dog: 1) keeping your pup SAFE, and 2) keeping your pet HEALTHY, there are only two more things you need to do before the day of the actual move – the period when you’ll surely have your hands full.

While the medical checkup of your animal friend and the discussion about possible anti-anxiety medications will be the top priority topics when you visit your family veterinarian, there are other essential questions to ask your pet’s doctor that will eliminate potential problems when you arrive in your new city with your dog.

To ease the transition of your dog to a new home, you’ll also need to get from the vet the necessary documents to register your pet with a licensed veterinarian in the destination city or town. Additionally, you should also ask your current vet to recommend you a good dog specialist in the place you’re moving to.

Get the necessary documents

Don’t forget to request your dog’s complete medical records from the vet during the recommended medical checkup.

• OBTAIN an official health certificate that proves your pup is fit for the relocation journey. If you’re flying with your dog to your new home, you need a document called Airline Veterinary Health Certificate.
• REQUEST a copy of your pet’s vaccination certificate as it may be required by your airline company in case you’re flying to your destination or by the destination state itself.
• ASK the pet doctor if you will need to present any other special documents to register with a new qualified veterinarian in the town or city you’re about to move to.
• MAKE a mental note to keep your dog’s medical records in the moving file where you’re keeping the rest of the important moving paperwork. Do not hand over that file to your movers but keep it with you throughout the entire relocation endeavor.

Get recommendations for a good veterinarian

Your veterinarian may have heard of or even know personally a good dog specialist in your destination city, so it’s always a good idea to ask your pet’s doctor for first-hand recommendations. Needless to say, the best case scenario for you is to have sufficient time to research and find a reputable pet specialist before the move but that is not always the case.

“Talk to your veterinarian”, advises Beth Bradley who also works as a consultant on canine behavior and temperament.

“If your move is far enough that you will need to change vets, make sure your vet has transferred your dog’s health records to his new vet. Get copies of vaccination records. If your dog has a nervous or anxious temperament even under the best of circumstances, your veterinarian may recommend a short course of anti-anxiety medication to help him over the most difficult days of the move.

Keep in mind that medication alone is never sufficient. It can aid, but cannot replace, your role in ensuring that your dog makes a successful transition. After the move, schedule a checkup, especially if your dog does not seem to be adjusting in a reasonable amount of time.”

The next critical stage when moving to a new home with a dog is Moving day itself and the challenges it hides for you and Fido: how to move with a dog across the country.