Moving to a new home is stressful enough on its own, but things only get more complicated when you have furry friends to worry about. Not only are dogs sensitive about changes to their environment, but you also have to remove stains, smells, and other evidence of your dog from your old place. You’ll also have to be particularly mindful of staying safe and healthy during the pandemic. Even though moving with dogs during these scary times can be a hassle, there are many smart ways to find the perfect home and help your pooch get used to a new place.
House Hunting with Dogs
There are countless things to consider when looking for a home that will suit you and your dog’s needs. Keep in mind, however, that the process is a little different depending on whether you are renting or buying. As a renter, you probably know how hard it is to track down a place that will accept your dog. Fortunately, there are several ways you can increase your chances of finding a pet-friendly apartment that offers the amenities you need.
Homeowners have a lot more flexibility in choosing a new place to live. There’s no landlord to appease, no excess security deposit to pay, and usually no breed restrictions to consider. However, it can still be a challenge to find a place that checks all your boxes. VetStreet recommends that you find a realtor that truly understands your needs as a pet parent.
When comparing homes, it’s easy to get discouraged when places don’t have the features you want. Finding a house without carpeting, for example, might be hard. However, it’s possible to replace carpeting, and there are many fun ways to renovate a home so it’s more dog-friendly. For example, if the home you’re buying doesn’t have a fence, you can install one. It costs anywhere from $1,000-$10,000 depending on the materials and the size you’re going for.
Aside from the house itself, you’ll want to consider other amenities in the area. Take some time to research local veterinarians, dog parks, and pet supply stores. Finding a dog-friendly neighborhood is important as well. The American Kennel Club explains what features you’ll want to look for when comparing neighborhoods.
Finally, when choosing a new home, it’s important to think about the distance from your current place. Local moves can sometimes be completed in a day, but if you’re moving cross-country, you might need to look into dog-friendly hotels along your route. Ask in advance what coronavirus procedures the hotel has in place before booking a stay.
How to Create a Stress-Free Moving Day
As moving day approaches, remember that dogs love routine. You can avoid stressing out your pooch by sticking to normal feeding times, regular walks and other activities as much as possible during the upheaval. Because dogs tend to feed off of their owners’ emotions, it’s important to be mindful of your own mood during this time as well.
When moving day finally comes around, it is usually a good idea to keep your dog out of the picture as much as possible. Not only are tensions high on moving day, but your dog will also likely want to be in the center of everything. This can be frustrating for you, but also dangerous for your pet if he or she gets stepped on or knocks over boxes. You may find it’s best to board your pet for the day (usually costs $25 – $45). In a pinch, you might also consider keeping your pet in a quiet room during the chaos of moving.
Before you head out the door for the final time, remember to clean up after your dog. You’re probably used to taking care of stains and smells, but you don’t want to leave any unpleasant surprises behind for the new occupants. You’ll also, of course, need to disinfect the home so that the new owners can move in safely.
Once you get to your new place, there are a variety of ways to help your dog adjust. Most importantly, you may consider unpacking the dog toys and blankets first so your canine friend immediately sees something familiar in his new digs.
Moving is not only a chaotic time for dogs and people alike, it can also make you feel extra stressed out if you’re planning the move during the pandemic. That’s why it takes a little more preparation than normal. By staying safe and keeping your dog as comfortable as possible, you can both ease into life at a new place without getting worn down by stress.
Additional Resources About Moving During the Coronavirus
How to Buy a House During Coronavirus
Everything You Need to Know About Moving During COVID-19
The Ultimate Moving House Cleaning Checklist
Physical (Social) Distancing and Your Pet During the COVID-19 Pandemic
