WRITTEN BY JESSICA BRODY OF OUR BEST FRIENDS

Looking for a new home that will fit you and your furry family member? You’re definitely not alone in that pursuit! More and more people are considering their dogs when preparing and planning for a move. So, to make the process easier, we’ve assembled a two-part guide that will help you find a pawsitively amazing new home and avoid problems during your move.

How to Plan and Prepare for a Move With Your Dog

Rent Before You Buy to Find Your Perfect New Home

Okay, so it may not make sense to rent a house or apartment when you are looking to buy. However, spending some time in a vacation rental is a great way for you and your pup to try out new neighborhoods in Miami. Check out sites such as Turnkey to find vacation rentals in pet-friendly areas of town. You can easily find a list of available rentals by adding the dates you wish to stay and number of guests. Just make sure that the rental you choose permits pets.

Wherever you stay, not only can you get a feel for nearby dog-friendly parks, pubs, and cafes, but you can also test-drive dog-friendly features in pet-friendly vacation homes. Be sure to jot down what you loved about each home and which features were lacking. Maybe you lucked out and scored a place with a dog wash station that would make life easier, or perhaps you discovered that having a fenced-in backyard is a must. Keep track of this list and use it to narrow your home search when the time comes.

Plan Your Move Ahead of Time to Avoid Added Stress

Once you know where you will be moving with your dog, you can start planning your move. You may even want to find a local pet company to hang out with your dog during the actual move. True, you could rely on family or friends, but by booking a daycare or boarding appointment, you’re guaranteed to find someone experienced in keeping pets safe and happy.

If you will be moving to a different city, state or even country, there are some additional planning steps to complete. For cross-country moves, you definitely want to map out each leg of your trip, so you can plan for potty breaks and meal stops along the way. Planning ahead should also include researching dog-friendly hotels, as well as any breed-specific legislation you need to be aware of along your route.

HOW TO HELP YOUR DOG STAY CALM DURING YOUR MOVE

TRY TO KEEP THINGS AS COMFORTABLE AND FAMILIAR AS POSSIBLE

Dogs love routines and being around familiar sights, sounds, and smells. So, as you prepare for moving day, try to keep these things in mind. During your travels and first days in the new home, provide your dog with the same daily routine you kept before, or at least minimize stress caused by changes. Ease your dog into any new activities, like riding in the car or walking on a crowded street, in order to lessen their anxiety about the move. To keep your dog from stressing out, you can also bring along some favorite toys or blankets, which can provide a sense of comfort during trips and moves.

TAKE SOME TIME OFF TO HELP YOUR DOG ADJUST TO YOUR NEW HOME

The one thing that will always help your dog feel better is spending time with you! So, if you can swing it, try to take a few days off after your move to hang out with your pup. Having some extra time will allow you to get unpacked faster, plus you can go out and explore your new neighborhood with your dog. Schedule some time to take your dog for long walks and introduce yourself to new people along the way. If your dog is socially awkward, think about using some training tips to make meeting new dogs and people less stressful for you both.

You only want the best for your best friend, so make sure you plan accordingly for your big move. Try to take as many steps as possible to curb your dog’s anxiety while keeping your stress levels low, too. After all, your dog can pick up on your emotions, so staying calm during your home search and move can help keep you both happy and healthy.

Just moved to town and looking for a local Miami pet groomer or pet boarding facility? Book your appointment with Scottie Paws today!

Special thanks for the above to our guest blogger: Jessica Brody, Our Best Friends