4 Ways to Prepare a New Home for the Family Dog

Your beloved family dog will likely be curious why you are wrapping and boxing household items. But when the moving trucks arrive and professionals start carrying the boxes away, family pets often feel confused and uneasy.

Having the family’s best friend become out-of-sorts can lead to a poor outcome for all involved. For example, an otherwise exuberant dog may view movers as intruders handling your stuff. They might also do their business in a disorderly fashion on the new living space floor. But perhaps the most important reason to prepare your new home for the family dog’s arrival stems from the fact unconditional love goes both ways. 

Here are ways to ease your cherished pup into their new home.

1. Remove Your Family Dog from the Moving Process

The arrival of moving trucks and transportation of household and personal belongings may seem entirely organized to pet owners — but not to dogs. It may be best to take your pet for a long walk or visit a dog park to run around off-leash in a secure area. Or ideally, have a friend, neighbor, or family member care for your dog at their house for the day. Having your dog away from the moving process is less stressful and safer for the movers and your dog.

2. Secure a Safe Space to House the Family Dog

If you don’t have a dog-sitter available, plan for other arrangements. Prepare a comfortable and secure location for the family dog while you handle moving tasks. A prepared indoor room at your old home and the new one can prove helpful while you navigate the moving process. Ensure that the room is cleared of moving boxes and have their crate, bed, and water bowl available. Place a sign outside the room so that movers know your dog is there and can avoid entering.

3. Prepare the Backyard in Advance

Your pet will require time to acclimate to a new living environment, and the immediate use of the backyard remains invaluable. Once you’ve closed on the house, consider incorporating a fence to secure a large portion of the yard that offers your pet increased freedom and the ability to stretch their legs. If your new yard already has a fence, ensure that the gates are working and secure properly. Also, check to ensure that there are no other ways for your dog to escape, including loose boards and holes under the fence.

4. Make the New Home Pet Friendly Before Arrival

Enjoying the company of a family dog at home requires some essential infrastructure upgrades. However, pet owners can take advantage of the time between the closing and moving day rather than deal with challenges on an ongoing basis. The following rank among the standard updates that support seamless cohabitation with dogs.

• Install screens in select spaces for free-flowing fresh air
• Secure child or pet gates to create no-go spaces
• Change kitchen flooring materials to scratch-resistant materials
• Convert a low cabinet space into a dog bed area

The essential point is that pet owners typically have a window of opportunity to make changes that increase pet comfort. By starting right, you and your family dog can settle in peacefully and quickly.

5. Create a Familiar Spot

At your home, set up your dog’s crate, bed, toys, and food bowls as close to the old arrangement you can. Then get back into your dog’s regular schedule of eating, walking, and playing as quickly as possible.

On the Move

If you are considering moving and have a family dog, contact us for a competitive quote. Then, we can help you move into a new living space seamlessly.