Moving to a new home is an especially stressful experience for dogs. Pets thrive on routine and familiarity, and relocation adds a tremendous amount of stress. Read our guide below for tips on how to move with your dog, how to make sure your pet feels secure and safe as you pack, and how to help your dog feel settled in your new home.

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Understanding the Impact of Moving With Dogs

Dogs can feel the stress of a move before the moving process even begins. The sight of strangers and cardboard boxes can disrupt a dog’s routine and make your pet feel uneasy. Look out for signs of stress in your dog as you prepare.

Common Stress Signals in Dogs

A stressed dog may exhibit the following behaviors:

• Destructive behavior
• Excessive panting or drooling
• Hiding or seeking isolation
• Increased vocalization (barking, whining)
• Loss of appetite
• Restlessness or pacing

If you spot these signs, offer your dog a distraction, such as a toy stuffed with treats. Remember that dogs can sense your stress, so take care of yourself, too.

Long-Term Effects of Relocation on Canine Behavior

Some dogs adjust quickly to new environments, but others may experience longer-lasting effects. These can include:

• Changes in appetite or eating habits
• Heightened territorial behavior
• Increased anxiety or fearfulness
• Regression in house training
• Separation anxiety

Most of these behaviors will go away with time. If they become severe, though, ask your vet for advice.

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Before the Move: Preparing Your Dog

Plan ways to keep your dog calm before moving day arrives. The American Kennel Club recommends taking the precautions below, which will help you to reduce stress levels in your household:

Stage Your Home with Care

Maintain as much of your dog’s routine as possible while you stage your home. Extend the length of walks or trips to the dog park so that your dog can expend extra energy.

Get your dog out of the house during any showings. If there’s not a family member available to take your dog for a walk, arrange a stay for your dog at a doggy day care, or schedule a grooming date. Designate certain rooms in which your dog can stay so that you don’t have to deep clean after each showing.

Desensitize Your Dog to Moving Supplies

Introduce moving boxes and supplies to your dog several weeks before your move. Allow your dog to investigate at its own pace, and build positive associations by offering treats and affection to your dog for remaining calm around moving supplies. Keep your dog’s bed or toys near the moving supplies to give your pet a sense of security.

As you begin packing up your house, let your dog spend more time around moving supplies. Reward calm behavior with praise and occasional treats. 

Provide Mental Enrichment While You Pack

Offer your dog methods of mental enrichment as you pack, such as activities or exercise. These will stimulate the dog’s brain and reduce its anxiety. Mental enrichment also prevents boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior in dogs.

Use a mix of approaches to keep your dog stimulated. Try interactive toys that dispense treats such as Kongs or puzzle feeders. Play hide-and-seek games to encourage your dog to use its sense of smell, or play tug-of-war for an additional bit of exercise.

Give Them a Space To Feel Safe

Familiarity is key for dogs, so set up a safe space in an area of the home that your dog enjoys. Place a comfortable bed or crate in the space and fill it with familiar bedding. Add the dog’s favorite toys and blankets and provide easy access to fresh water. 

Keep the space quiet and pack elsewhere in the house. Encourage your dog to spend time in the safe space, even when you’re not engaged in moving activities. This reinforces the idea that the space is safe and secure. Remember that this space, like a crate, is not a punishment for bad behavior. It’s a place to relax.

Go for Walks in the New Neighborhood

Take your dog for long walks in your new neighborhood. Start with short walks and gradually lengthen them. Allow your dog to sniff and become familiar with the scents of the area. Reward your dog with treats or praise during successful walks. Walking helps your dog see the new neighborhood as a positive experience, and strengthen’s its bond with the new area.

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During the Move: Keeping Your Dog Calm

Your dog will probably be stressed during your move, especially if you’ve hired a moving company. Help your dog cope with the strategies below.

Be Prepared

Make sure some of your dog’s toys and treats are accessible on moving day. Give your dog a soft shirt or blanket that smells like home and family.

Double-Check Dog Collar and Tags

Take a moment to double-check your dog’s collar and tags before you hit the road. Make sure these feature your current phone number, and make sure the collar fits properly. You should always monitor your dog on moving day, especially when doors are open.

Schedule a Puppy Playdate

Scheduling a puppy playdate on moving day can help your dog to stay calm in the face of chaos. Reach out to neighbors or friends with dogs. Schedule the playdate when moving activities are in full swing to provide distraction.

Stick to the Regular Routine

Maintain your dog’s routine as much as possible on moving day. Feed your dog at the usual time, and stick to typical bathroom breaks. Work walks or play into your moving schedule. Consistency will minimize your dog’s stress levels.

Transport Your Dog Safely

Make your crate has the ventilation necessary for a safe move, whether you’re traveling by car or plane. You can also invest in a car harness and seat belt clip.

Set Up the Same Safe Space

Set up your dog’s safe space before you arrive at your new home. Choose a quiet spot in which the dog can relax, and incorporate some familiar items, such as blankets or toys. Offer fresh food and water right away. 

Consider arranging your furniture in a pattern that’s similar to your previous arrangement. Put your dog’s belongings in similar places, too. If the dog’s food and water bowls have always been in the kitchen, place them in your new kitchen, for example.

Walk your dog from room to room in the new house. Offer treats and praise as you move to build positive associations. If your dog displays signs of stress, stop the walk, and allow it to calm down in its safe space.

Other Moving Day Tips with Dogs

Consider the additional moving day tips below to help mitigate your dog’s stress:

• Don’t keep your dog in the car for any longer than is necessary.
• Feed your dog smaller meals on moving day to prevent an upset stomach.
• Inspect the new house and yard for hazards or possible escape spots such as holes in fences as soon as you arrive.
• Let your dog exercise before movers arrive.
• Use calming aids such as pheromone diffusers or anxiety wraps.

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Special Considerations for Long-Distance Moves with Dogs

Consider the tips below if you’re planning a long-distance move, either by car or by plane:

Air Travel

If you’re flying with your dog, research airline policies in advance. Consider the tips below.

• Ask your veterinarian about any necessary health certificates or sedation options.
• Book a direct flight when possible to minimize stress.
• Choose a well-ventilated, airline-approved carrier that allows your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

Road Trips

Plan frequent stops for bathroom breaks and exercise if you’re moving by car. Research pet-friendly hotels and motels at which you can stop along the way. Pack a travel kit for your dog that includes the following:

• Collapsible bowls
• Food and water
• Favorite toys and blankets
• Necessary medications

You can contact professional pet transportation companies, too, but these are usually expensive, especially for long-distance moves.

International Moves

Moving overseas with a pet requires careful planning. Research policies surrounding the following variables in advance:

• Breed bans
• Microchip requirements and updates
• Necessary vaccinations and health certificates
• Pet passports or other documentation needs
• Quarantine requirements for your destination country

Consider purchasing pet insurance that covers international travel.

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After the Move: Settling In With Your Dog

Moving to a new home is a significant life change for both humans and dogs, and the adjustment period can vary. Be patient with your pet as you all adjust to your new surroundings.

Establish a New Routine

Quickly establish a new routine that closely mirrors your old one. Keep feeding time and playtime consistent to help your dog feel secure. Don’t wash your dog’s favorite blankets, and always keep familiar toys near your dog. Scents can provide reassurance during big changes.

Introduce Your Dog to the New Neighborhood

Gradually introduce your dog to the new neighborhood through short, positive experiences. Start with brief, leashed walks around your immediate area, and slowly expand your route as your dog becomes more comfortable. Reward calm behavior with treats.

Encourage positive social interactions with new neighbors and other dogs in the community. If you’re in a rural location, seek out doggy daycare options. Making new friends is just as important for your dog as it is for you.

Address Behavioral Changes

Even a well-trained dog can regress after a move when it comes to potty training. You may have to show your dog new places to go. Reward the dogs for successful new potty trips.

Dogs may develop separation anxiety in a new environment, so try not to leave them alone as you adjust to the new house. Show them comfort and patience, and make sure they’re surrounded by familiar scents when you leave them alone. Distract them with a sound machine or the TV.

If your dog starts showing signs of aggression, talk to your vet or a professional dog trainer. Remember to be as patient with your pet as you can be.

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Post-Move Essentials for Dog Owners

Check the tasks below off of your list once you settle into your new home:

• Explore pet-friendly areas: Look for parks, trails, and other dog-friendly establishments.
• Find a new vet: Schedule a check-up with a vet during which you can discuss any concerns about your dog’s adjustment to the new environment.
• Register your dog: Some municipalities or subdivisions require you to register pets with local authorities.
• Update your dog’s tags and ID: If your dog has a microchip, contact the manufacturer to update your contact details in its database.

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FAQ About How To Move With Dogs

How long does it take a dog to adjust to a move?

The time it takes a dog to adjust to a move depends on the individual dog and the unique circumstances of the move. Some dogs may exhibit shutdown behavior during the first three days. Most dogs feel comfortable and settle into their new space within three weeks, but they may not fully adjust for about three months.

What should you do with your dog if you are moving by plane?

If you are traveling by plane, start by researching the airline’s policies about traveling with dogs. Most airlines allow dogs to fly, but policies surrounding crate size, health certificates, and fees vary. Arrive at the airport early on the day of your flight and bring all the proper paperwork.

What should you do if you can’t move with a dog?

If you can’t move with a dog, consider rehoming your dog, or give your dog to a fostering service that finds new homes for older animals. If moving day is the biggest hurdle, you can hire a professional pet shipping service to help with logistics and stress.

Is moving stressful for dogs?

Yes, moving can be stressful for dogs, as it disrupts their everyday routines.

Do dogs get homesick?

Yes, dogs get homesick. Research shows that dogs may feel disoriented or frustrated when you introduce them to a new environment. Reach out to a vet for help if you notice symptoms such as loss of appetite, excessive whining, restlessness, pacing, or destructive behavior.

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