KEEPING YOUR DOG SAFE DURING A MOVE

When I had a pet care business, a lot of people would ask me to pet-sit their dogs on move days. If I knew a client or neighbor was moving, I’d offer to watch their dog even if they didn’t ask. I remembered all too clearly the stories of local dogs who dashed out of the apartment or house on moving day because of the commotion and the door being left open. Whether for curiosity or from stress, dogs are less likely to “stay” when their home is packed up, shipped out and the door is open. In the exhaustion and chaos of a move, with the loading and unloading of a truck, you’re less likely to be on full alert to protect your dog best. If your dog gets to the street, there are obvious dangers like cars. If your dog is an anxious dog by nature, they’re more of a flight risk on this day that defies routine and throws stability to the wind. Packing up and making their things like toys, bed, bowls seemingly disappear can be confusing and anxiety-inducing.

Now maybe you and your dog are so connected that this seems unlikely. Maybe your dog is very mellow and moves at a snail’s pace even toward her favorite treat. Maybe you two are excellent communicators. Maybe you’ve even moved with your dog before and had it go seamlessly. In the past two and a half years, we have moved across country, in and out of storage, in and out of an AirBnB, and in and out of two year-long rentals. We’re packing to embark on yet another move to yet another zip code right now, in fact. Twenty years in one apartment meant 8 years of stability for my dog from adoption to move #1. We didn’t anticipate the multitude of moves that would follow, but I’d like to think we’re moving in the right direction. I hope this next move will be the last zip code I have to memorize for a long time to come.

As for my dog, he stays by my side when we’re out of our routine. He comes when called or listens if I ask him to stay while I go to the moving truck. The door stays closed as much as possible and when it’s open, I have my eye on my dog. Either my husband or I will have him on a leash and hold it when necessary. I make it a point to know where he is at all times whether it’s a move day or not. I’m not someone who accidentally locks her dog out of the house, and it’s hard for me to understand why this happens so much, but I did find two dogs just a few weeks ago who had been locked out of two separate homes without their parents realizing. Luckily, they got home safely, but I know of others who were run over by cars – even in their own driveways. Utterly tragic. Remember those PSAs? “It’s 9 o’clock. Do you know where your children are?” I think the public needs the same for dogs.

The best suggestions I have for protecting your dog during a move are:

·       Bring your dog to a pet-sitter or family member during the actual move so you can focus on moving and they can be safe.

·       Otherwise, try to keep your dog crated, on a leash around your waist so your hands are free, or busy with a treat-filled frozen Kong in a closed room or on a leash tied to something safe.

·       Have their collar with ID tags on.

·       Keep your dog away from the commotion as much as possible and keep them safely occupied while also checking on them regularly.

·       Keep their routine as much as possible like meal-time and walks at certain times.

·       Make sure you have some water and a bowl available because your dog may be panting more than usual and it may be hotter than usual – fans packed, etc.

·       Make sure you have your dog’s essentials packed in a bag like a day pack or sleepover bag – any meds, bowls, water, food, treats, a toy, bed, pet carrier, collar, leash, harness

·       Make sure your dog’s collar has an ID tag with your phone # before the move in case of a mishap.

·       Make sure any GPS on the collar is charged in case you need to track your dog.

·       Make sure any microchip company has your proper contact information should your dog get lost and be found by a good Samaritan.

·       Update any microchip contact info and/or dog GPS with the new address once you’ve moved.

·       Give your vet your new address or find a local vet for your new location.

·       Know where the closest 24-hour animal hospitals are near both locations and consider keeping a pet first aid kit handy.

·       Have a plan for safely transporting your dog to your new location with you and don’t open any crate or take off any leash until the doors (and first floor windows) are closed so there’s no flight risk.

·       Explain what’s going on while you’re packing and when the movers come. Tell them they’re coming, too. Make it sound fun. Dogs understand more than most of us give them credit for. They can process over a thousand words - not all dogs get past a hundred, but Chaser proved it can be done! They understand the commands you’ve taught, of course – like “Stay.” They respond to praise as we know, so “Good Boy” can help ease any tension. They understand tone of voice, body language, and facial expressions. They sense hormones better than we do, so it’s hard to lie to a dog if you’re stressed and say you’re not, but you can even explain that you’re busy and stressed, but things will get better soon and everybody is okay. This may sound odd, but it’s part of being intentional about keeping them safe and making a move as smooth as possible.

·       You can hire an animal communicator or energy healing practitioner. I was recently asked to do a session for someone who was moving.

·       Dog-proof your new home – check for window guards or dangers, loose nails, tacks, broken glass, toxic insecticides/rat poison or traps left by a previous resident.

·       Put your dog’s belongings out as soon as you get to the new place.

·       Give your dog time to acclimate to the new environment.

·       Try not to leave your dog alone in the new home until they’re comfortable there. You may need to build up from 5 minutes to 5 hours gradually with a trainer’s help.

Dogs can get disoriented by moving. They can develop anxiety. They won’t recognize the sights, sounds, smells, people and dogs of their new neighborhood. Make a plan to keep them safe. Stay close to the new home with your dog for a few days if possible, avoiding long walks and car trips. Stay with your dog full-time in the first few days if possible.

Moving can also be a fun adventure. Find new parks and other places to explore. You can research new doggie daycares, dog runs, vets, and dog-friendly restaurants. Set the intention for the move to be seamless and for a new adventure to be fun-filled with the opportunity to make new friends. Happy trails!