Whew!  You finally made it to your new home!  Now it’s time to unpack and get settled in, meet the neighbors, get to know your new hometown…and the new adventure list goes on.  While thinking about your family’s new surroundings, your four-legged family members need to be safe, secure and get acquainted with all that’s new in their world, too.

After the trip to your new destination, your pet will want to get acquainted with his new home.  Here are some tips for making sure your pet’s move-in experience is an easy one.

Secure Your Pet at Move-in

Just as on moving day, the best place for your pet during move-in is at a friend’s house or pet day care.  If that’s not an option, secure your pet in a quiet room with a “do not enter” sign on the door.  An alternative is to crate your pet in a less chaotic part of the house when belongings are being brought inside.  Be sure to check in on him frequently to ensure his well-being.

Prep Your Place

Your pet will really appreciate something familiar in this new space. Make him a little “relaxation corner” with unwashed items from your previous house, like a blanket, a dog bed, and toys. The familiar smell will help him cope and make him feel more at home.

Show Him Around

Take your pet for a nice walk around the neighborhood, and let him smell the smells and see the sights…and maybe meet some new friends along the way.

Give it Time

A move is a big deal for your pet, especially if it’s accompanied by a long journey and an extended break from his usual routine. If your dog seems out of sorts, somewhat sad, or uninterested in his new surroundings, simply gIve him some time.  Chances are he will eventually come around on his own terms.  Then you both can fully explore your new location, and enjoy your new home and your new life, together.   

Update Microchip and ID Tags

If your pet is microchipped, be sure to update your dog’s account with your new address. It is also a good idea to have an up-to-date photograph of your pet, in order to help locate him if he gets lost.  Moving into a new home and surroundings can increase the chances that your pet may get anxious and run off, so it is best to be prepared just in case.

Start a New Routine at Your New Location

There’s no doubt that there will be changes, for you and your pooch, when moving into your new home.  For your pet’s sake, it is best to try and maintain your same routine as closely as possible, so he will have some familiarity in this time of change.  If by chance you have moved to a new time zone, just pick-up from where you were before, and try to act like it is nothing new.  You can still take your pet out for his morning walk at the same time as before, even though it may feel early or late to him.  Don’t worry, he will adjust if you stick with the routine!

Find a New Veterinarian

It’s a great start if you have already received some referrals from your previous veterinarian, or checked into some new veterinarian options before you moved.  If not, you can ask other neighbors and pet parents for vet recommendations in your new hometown, and you can do your own research and find some online.  When you have a list, you can take your dog along to check out some of the vet options.  He can help you choose which is the best doctor for him.

Moving into a new home with your pet can be a great experience for the whole family.  Keeping your pet safe and secure on move-in day, and then checking out your new surroundings while maintaining a routine, will help him to easily warm-up to his new home.  Then, you can begin your new adventure in your new place together, and soon it won’t be your new home, it will just be “Home”.

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