Moving ranks as one of life’s most stressful events. This can be equally true for your dog. With new rooms, a new yard, unfamiliar smells, and a new neighborhood full of new people and pets, a move can be overwhelming for your dog. In order to make the transition as smooth as possible, follow The Cesi Pagano Team’s tips for introducing your dog to a new home.
1. Pack gradually
Packing little by little will not only keep your stress level down, but your dog’s as well. Packing gradually will help your dog get used to seeing furniture out of place, moving boxes, different smells, and an unfamiliar layout in the home. If you pack and move all at once, it could be quite a shock for your furry friend.
2. Find a vet and change your pet’s tags/microchip information before you move
Make sure you find a reputable vet in your new hometown. Ask your new neighbors with pets who they’d recommend or look online for vets with excellent reviews. You also need to make sure you get new tags for your pet with new contact info on it. As for microchips, you can update your contact details by contacting the pet microchip registry your pet is enrolled with. Visit the company’s website for information on updating your pet’s record online, or to get the telephone number to call.
3. Check your new home for potential pet dangers
Before you move in, make sure you do a thorough walkthrough of the interior and exterior of the home to ensure there aren’t any potential hazards to your dog. Be especially careful to look for:
- Poisons: Household cleaners, antifreeze, paint, pesticides, medications etc. need to be stored away in a safe place.
- Choking hazards: Look for any chocking hazards like buttons, needles, nails, sticks, and other small knickknacks
- Escape routes: Make sure fences and gates are closed and look for loose or missing window screens. The last thing you need during a move is a missing pet.
- Falling objects: Remember, your pet will be curious and want to sniff out and explore their new home. Furniture, lamps, box cutters, large potted plants or other new and unfamiliar objects could topple and injure your pet, so make sure they are out of the way or secured.
- Outdoors: If you’re moving to a new climate, be aware of new potential hazards that didn’t exist in your old home. Examples include poisonous plants, fire ants, snakes, etc. Also, if your dog isn’t used to the heat, be sure he/she has a shady area and plenty of water.
4. Make the introduction fun 
Make the transition to your new home fun for your dog. Walk through the entire house inside and out and let them sniff and explore until their heart’s content. When the tour is done, give them a new toy and encourage them that is new place is fun, no scary!
5. Consistency is key
Mimic your same routine in your new home that you did in your old home. Keep to the same time schedule, use the same leash, same bed, same bowls, and same food. Keeping familiarity in your dog’s life will make the transition to a new home much easier and minimize anxiety.
6. Bring your dog along to meet the neighbors
Bring your dog with you as you get to know the neighbors on your street, especially the dog owners. This way your dog will get to know the neighbors and doggy neighbors and feel more comfortable when he/she seems them again. Ask your neighbors whether there are any known aggressive dogs in the neighborhood, and find out where the best dog parks are!
Cesi Pagano
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