Having a pet dog is like having a life companion. Your fur baby will always be happy as long as they’re with you—and you surely feel the same way! So, should you need to make a major move, either permanently or for an extended vacation, you have to make the travel process smooth for both of you.
Pets are not used to being stuck in confined spaces, so you must work to minimise their stress during the long drive. Here are some tips to help ensure that your dog’s cross country trip is a fun one.
When moving out from your home, you have to pack up an overwhelming amount of stuff, including your pet’s belongings. However, don’t forget to get a carry-on bag that you can access quickly, just in case your furry friend has an immediate need.
Some of the things you should ensure you put inside your doggie bag:
Water bottle
Dog dishes
Wet dog food
Dry dog food
Dog treats - biscuits, meat jerky, or any one of their favourites
Diapers
Blanket
Dog toys like plushies or rope
Packing can be incredibly messy, and it can be overwhelming. Whether your pet is a dog or cat, they will feel anxious over these things, especially if they are sensitive to their environment.
So, if you can, minimise trips going in and out of your house, especially when your home is bordering on empty. Dogs are always attuned to the situation whenever you go out of the house. And when you go out along with the oversized items in the house, they just might think that you are leaving them behind!
When it’s moving day and the local movers come in, be careful that you won’t lose your pet in all the commotion. It would be best if you place your pet in a spot where they can’t escape. Inform all the movers involved that you have a dog, too, so no one will ever dare let your furbaby out.
If possible, it would be best to assign a family member to be a minder for your dog on that day. You can ask your parent, partner, sibling, or friend to watch your pet and keep them safe as you move from one location to another.
A long drive can be stressful if your dog is full of energy and agitated. So, before you start your cross country move, give your dog some exercise—let them run, play, and tire themselves out with their toys. This way, they won’t feel too agitated on the way, and they’ll most likely spend the long car ride sleeping peacefully.
While you are on the road, don’t forget to take breaks—not only for you but for your precious pup, as well. Your dog will need some bathroom breaks, especially if you let them drink and eat, so make sure you give them some time to get out of the car at least every two hours.
Having breaks will allow them to stretch their legs, take a breather, and not feel too cramped inside a vehicle.
Just like humans, moving from one home to another with your pet can be a stressful experience for them, too. But in your own way, you can ease the problems they might face and make your little loves as comfortable as they can be.
If you are seeking moving companies to help you get all your stuff out into your new home, check out 1 Van 1 Man Removals. We offer full removal services, including house removal, student removal, courier services, and transport services. Check out our services today and message us for a free quote!