A week or two of lead time makes move day a lot less traumatic for your dog. Here's what to set up before anything else gets packed.
Crate Train (If You're Driving)
A packed, fully loaded car is a different animal than a normal car ride. If your dog isn't crate-comfortable yet, start introducing one a couple weeks out. Short sessions first, then longer. Throw treats and a favorite toy in. You want the crate to be a safe place, not a surprise box on move day.
Walk Your Dog Through the New Neighborhood
If your move is local, take a few walks through the new area in the weeks before. Your dog will recognize smells and landmarks when you land, and "this is home now" won't feel as jarring.
What Paperwork Do You Need for Your Dog?
- Vaccination records(pickup them up from your vet if you don't have them).
- Microchip registry info. You'll need to update the address after the move.
- Medication list and prescriptions. Ask for a fresh copy so you can transfer to a new pharmacy if needed.
- Recent photo. In the rare case your dog bolts during the move, you want an up-to-date photo on your phone, not a blurry one from three years ago.
Next up when it's time to actually pack: Packing With a Dog in the House.