From Woof to Wag: WellRive’s Tips for Moving with Your Furry Friends
Moving to a new home is a significant event for anyone, and it can be even more challenging for our furry friends. Dogs, in particular, thrive on routine and familiarity, so the disruption of moving can lead to stress and anxiety. From the chaos of packing to an unfamiliar new environment, the entire process can be overwhelming for your pet.
As a pet owner, you understand how important it is to ensure your dog’s well-being during a move. A stressed pet can exhibit behaviors such as excessive barking, chewing, or even trying to escape. More importantly, your dog’s stress can impact your own peace of mind, adding an extra layer of complexity to an already demanding process.
This is where WellRive steps in. We understand that your pets are part of your family, and we are committed to making your move as seamless and stress-free as possible for everyone involved.
Minimizing Stress and Anxiety for Your Pet
Moving can be a stressful experience for dogs, but there are several strategies you can use to minimize their anxiety. Here are some expert tips:
Maintain Routine
Dogs are creatures of habit and thrive on routine. Maintaining their regular schedule can provide a sense of normalcy and stability.
- Feeding: Keep your dog’s feeding times consistent. If you usually feed your dog at specific times, continue to do so, even on moving day. Avoid introducing new types of food during this time.
- Walking: Stick to your dog’s regular walking schedule. Regular walks not only provide physical exercise but also offer a mental break from packing and moving.
Use Familiar Items
Familiar items can provide comfort to your dog and help them feel more secure during a move.
- Toys: Pack your dog’s favorite toys and keep them easily accessible by packing them last, then unpacking them first at the new home. Having these familiar objects around can help soothe their anxiety.
- Beds and Blankets: Bring along their usual bed and blankets. The familiar scent of these items can make your dog feel more at home, even in a new environment.
Create a Calm Environment
During all the hustle and bustle of moving, it’s crucial to create a calm environment for your dog. Designate a quiet room or area in your home where your dog can retreat from the noise and activity of moving. Equip this space with their bed, blankets, and toys. If possible, choose a room that will not be packed until the last minute.
Maintain a calm and positive demeanor around your dog. Pets often pick up on their owners’ emotions, so staying calm yourself can help reassure your dog that everything is okay.
Tips for Transporting Your Dog Securely During the Move
Properly transporting dogs can prevent injuries, reduce stress, and make the journey smoother for both you and your pet. Here are WellRive’s expert tips on how to securely transport your dog during the move:
Choose the Right Carrier
Selecting the right carrier or crate is essential for your dog’s safety and comfort. Choose a carrier that is large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. It should also be well-ventilated and sturdy.
Introduce your dog to the carrier well in advance of the move. Allow them to explore it, sleep in it, and associate it with positive experiences to reduce anxiety on moving day.
Car Safety
Our pets are part of our family, so dog moving safety is a top priority. Properly securing your dog in the car is crucial for their safety as well as yours. If your dog is traveling in a carrier, secure it in the back seat or cargo area of your car. Use seat belts or other restraints to prevent the carrier from shifting during transit.
If your dog is not in a carrier, use a dog seat belt or a safety harness that attaches to the car’s seat belt system. This will keep your dog secure and prevent them from becoming a distraction to the driver.
Comfort and Safety on the Road
Keeping your dog comfortable and safe during the journey is key to a successful move. Plan for regular stops to allow your dog to stretch, relieve themselves, and drink water. Aim for taking a break every two to three hours, depending on your dog’s needs.
Ensure the car is well-ventilated, and maintain a comfortable temperature. Never leave your dog alone in a parked car, especially in extreme weather conditions, as this can quickly become dangerous.
Helping Your Dog Adjust to Their New Environment
The move is only part of the journey. Helping your dog adjust to their new home is crucial for their well-being. Here are some strategies from WellRive to ensure your dog feels comfortable and secure in their new environment:
Establishing Routines Quickly
Dogs rely on routines for a sense of stability and security. Re-establishing familiar routines as soon as you move in can help your dog adjust more quickly.
- Consistent Feeding Times: Maintain the same feeding schedule you had in your previous home. This provides a sense of normalcy for your dog.
- Regular Walks and Playtime: Continue with your dog’s regular exercise and playtime routines. Walk them at the same times of day as you did before.
- Daily Habits: Stick to familiar daily habits, such as grooming and bedtime routines. Consistency will help reassure your dog that not everything has changed.
Creating a Safe Space
Setting up a designated safe space for your dog can help them feel secure in their new surroundings.
- Quiet Area: Choose a quiet, low-traffic area of the house for this safe space. This can be a spare bedroom, a corner of the living room, or any place where your dog can retreat.
- Familiar Items: Place your dog’s bed, blankets, and favorite toys in this space. The familiar scents and objects will provide comfort and help them feel more at home.
By quickly establishing routines and creating a safe space, you can help your dog adjust more comfortably to their new environment.
WellRive’s Extra Mile for Your Furry Family Members
At WellRive, we understand that moving with pets requires special care and attention. That’s why we go the extra mile to ensure that your furry family members are well taken care of during the moving process.
And if you need professional help, we have great pet transportation partners who are perfect for anyone moving long distances or who needs additional support. For example, one of our clients had a family member in another state pass away. Their relative’s dog was going to be sent to a local shelter, but we were able to connect them with one of our local partners and coordinate the logistics to transport the dog to our client instead!
Pet-Friendly Packing Materials
We prioritize the safety and well-being of your pets with pet-friendly packing materials.
- Non-Toxic Materials: We understand that pets, especially dogs, can be curious and may chew on boxes or packing materials. We will make sure your packing materials are safe for pets.
- Secure Packaging: Your pet’s belongings need to be secure and easily accessible. We’ll make sure all their favorite items arrive in perfect condition.
Veterinary Resources
Access to veterinary resources can be crucial when moving with dogs, especially if your pet experiences any stress or health issues.
- Health Records: We can assist in organizing and transferring your pet’s health records to a new veterinary clinic if you’re moving to a different area. This ensures continuity of care and that your new vet has all the necessary information about your pet’s health history.
- Emergency Contacts: We can provide information on emergency veterinary services in your new area, giving you peace of mind if you ever need help.
Our mission is to ensure that your move is as smooth as possible for both you and your furry family members.
Your Partner in Pet-Friendly Moves
Moving can be a stressful experience, especially when you have beloved pets to consider. At WellRive, we understand the unique challenges that come with relocating your furry family members, and we go above and beyond to ensure the well-being of your pets throughout the move.
Our comprehensive move management solutions allow you to focus on what truly matters: enjoying quality time with your family — including your four-legged friends — and embracing the excitement of a new beginning.
Explore our full-service move management solutions for personalized assistance with your relocation journey. We’re ready to help!