The Complete Checklist for Moving with Your Dog

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As many of you know, we will be packing up and moving to a new state at the beginning of June. We are extremely excited to move and cannot wait to be in a new location. I know the fluffies are going to absolutely love it – especially their new backyard! Even though Mauja has already lived in four houses, I know the move will still be rough for her.

Mauja is easily stressed and Atka is the most routine-driven dog I have ever met. He does not like change! In order to lessen their stress and ensure a smooth transition, I’ve created myself a dog-focused moving checklist 🙂 Here’s the guide to moving with your dog!

Visit Your Vet

Before you move, make an appointment with your vet. You want to make sure your dog is up to date on all of his vaccinations and requirements, especially rabies, before the move. If you will be visiting dog-populated areas (and your dog doesn’t already receive the vaccination), it might be a good idea to discuss Bordetella with your vet.

While not always required, a health certificate is often necessary to cross state lines with your dog. Your vet will be able to perform a health examination to ensure your dog is healthy enough to travel and prevent the spread of disease. You should also request your dog’s health history to make the transition to a new vet an easier process.

Most vets have contacts across the country, so it’s a good idea to ask for any recommendations. This may help you find a suitable vet before you even move. Also, be sure to check the licensing rules for your new home and update licenses accordingly.

Related: 10 Tips for Training a Great Pyrenees

Update Identification

How long has it been since you’ve updated your dog’s ID tags? Now is a great time to ensure the information is accurate and most importantly, includes a phone number. This is especially important if you don’t have a house right away and will be living in a hotel or other temporary location.

If you dog is microchipped, check that chip! A microchip can shift so it’s important to have your dog’s chip checked for functionality. Make sure all of your dog’s online chip information is up to date and that you enter your new address into the database once you move.

Research Pet-Friendly Stops

If your move is going to take multiple days, take some time to determine your route and where you can stop with your dog. Find nice parks or walking trails for fluffy to stretch his legs and get some exercise, which will help reduce the travel stress.

You may also want to look for pet-friendly restaurants so everyone can take a break from the car and enjoy a relaxing meal. Most importantly, know where the pet-friendly hotels are located!

Pack Safety Items

This includes a crate, baby gates, or any car harness that your dog wears. Crates and baby gates are also very helpful for hotel stays if your dog shows any destructiveness when traveling. While neither Mauja or Atka have to be crated in hotels anymore, we do often bring baby gates, just in case.

Related: My Great Pyrenees Won’t Come When Called!

Make a Travel Kit

Our travel kit, while massive, is exceptionally helpful in keeping a move stress-free. Here’s what we included in our travel kit:

• Food (regular food and a topper to encourage eating when stressed)
• Food and water bowls
• Favorite treats
• Chews (bully sticks, antlers, etc.)
• Bottled water
• Basic grooming supplies
• Paper towels and Nature’s Miracle (in case of an accident/car sickness)
• Poop bags
• Blanket/bed
• Toys
• Medications/supplements
• 1st aid kit
• Grooming wipes
• Leash
• Collar, harness, gentle leader, etc.

Now that you have all of your things in order, you’re ready for moving with your dog! Wish us luck on our new adventure 🙂

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