While moving can be a stressful experience for pawrents, changing spaces can be downright uncomfortable and scary for your pup. Here’s your quick guide to a stress-free moving day with your dog!

1. Prepare Before the Big Move

Important tasks can slip through the cracks in the hustle and bustle of moving day. Here’s what you can do to prepare beforehand and save you and your pup from added stress the day of:

Change your dog’s information

Update your pup’s ID tags on their collar and their microchip information with your new address and contact information. This way if your doggy wanders off in your new neighborhood, they’re likely to be returned to you quicker.

Also, it’s critical to locate a veterinarian clinic or hospital in your new area that offers comprehensive services and emergency care – or can at least advise you who to call in case of an emergency after hours. Schedule an initial appointment shortly after your arrival to establish a relationship with your new vet and ensure your pup’s medical records are up to date.

Start packing early

Sudden change can stress out your puppo. Already, they’ll likely be confused as you dismantle the environment around them. Avoid upsetting them further by packing only a few boxes each day. These smaller changes are easier for your dog to adjust to and keep them from feeling too anxious in the lead-up to moving day.

Your dog will realize something big is happening when they see you pack their stuff away. As you pack, set aside anything that belongs to your dog. Items like their favorite toys, bedding, food and water bowls, and medications should be packed separately and kept accessible until it’s time to leave.

In the days leading up to the move, your dog may start showing signs of stress and separation anxiety. With its Rotating 360° View and Auto Dog Tracking, the Furbo 360° Dog Camera lets you monitor your dog’s behavior and identify stress signals when you’re not near or have to step out for a bit.

2. Dog-Proof Your New Home

Familiarize yourself with your new home and take care of any potential dangers before bringing your pup into their new habitat. Remember, the space is new to you too, and your doggo is great at finding any nooks and crannies you may miss — so be thorough!

Here are some steps you can take to secure your home for your furbaby:

Check for pawssible escape routes 

Inspect the new house or apartment for any gaps, cracks, or other structural  weaknesses that your pup may be able to slip through and repair them right away. This can include: 

• Fences
• Gates
• Balconies
• Windows and screens
• Existing doggie doors
• Patio and garden or terrace walls

You can install plexiglass sheets, wood, or chicken wire to block hazardous gaps in balcony railings or on terrace or garden walls that just aren’t high enough. If you’re worried about the integrity of a window screen, you can install window guards. Finally, familiarize yourself with any doggie doors that may already be installed. Memorize how to open and close existing doggie doors, and check if they lock appropriately. These serve as sturdy barriers that prevent your dog from barreling outside when they spot a squirrel scolding them.

Remove pawtential hazards

Scan your home for any exposed electrical wiring that your furbaby may be tempted to chew or play with and secure it properly. Determine where you’ll store your household chemicals, cleaning supplies, and medications and keep them out of reach of curious sniffers on high shelves or in locked cabinets.

Ensure that any outdoor plants accessible to your pup are not harmful. Here’s a quick list of safe and not-safe plants to keep an eye out for: 

⚠️ Research plants found in your new area. If your dog consumes a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or local animal hospital immediately!

Dedicate a safe space for your doggo

As you unpack, designate a safe room or small area just for your dog. Place their toys, bed, and food and water dishes in an easily accessible spot. Avoid unpacking other items in this area until your pup has had time to adapt to their new environment.

Your presence will provide them some peace as they adjust, so if you can, make sure they can see you from that space as you move about. Otherwise, you can leave an item of clothing with your scent on it in the room, and play relaxing music to help them stay calm.

🐶 Furbo Pro Tip: Sync your Furbo 360° Dog Camera with Alexa to play soothing music, schedule treat tossing sessions, and start routines to keep your puppo safe and happy while you’re out of the room.

Is your dog being a patient and calm pup while you unpack? Reinforce positive behavior from the next room over with Furbo’s Treat Tossing feature. Just load up their favorite snacks ahead of time and launch a treat their way!

3. Keep Your Pup’s Routine

With new sights, sounds, and smells, it can take some time for your dog to adjust to your new home and neighborhood — that’s enough change for a pup. To minimize further disruption, you can: 

Stick to previous mealtime and walkies schedules

Your furbaby will appreciate any familiarity you can extend to them. Feed your pup at the same time and place every day. A consistent feeding station communicates to your dog that this space is reliable and safe.

Similarly, walk your puppo around the same time. Start with short walks down the block and back so they have enough time to sniff and absorb new information. Slowly increase this distance with each walk until you’ve explored the neighborhood and your pup is walking with their tail high!

Be patient and pawsitive!

In the first few days, your pup may exhibit signs of stress like panting, pacing, or loss of appetite. Set aside time to give your pup extra TLC. When they’re ready, slowly introduce your pup to small areas of the house. And don’t forget to give them lots of praise and treats as they explore to reward their calm and confident behavior.

Your dog may need some time to adjust to their new environment. Remain flexible with their schedules and activities if you see anxious behaviors, and make adjustments based on their comfort level and needs. 

Leaving your dog alone for the first time in your new home can be scary for both of you. Furbo Dog Nanny grants you peace of mind when you step out of the house. Its AI-powered Smart Alerts like the Continuous Barking Alert and Dog Activity Alert notify you if your dog is active and needs attention.

Welcome to Your New Home!

Moving can be a stressful time for the whole family, but Furbo is here to make your and your dog’s transition as smooth as possible. Congrats on your new adventure together! Here’s to new memories you’ll remember furever! 🐕🎉

Fetch your Furbo 360° Dog Camera and watch your furbaby live safe and happy in your new home! 🏡🐾