Moving to a new home is often a stressful process—from sorting and packing to adjusting to a new environment. While you're juggling moving boxes and address changes, it's easy to overlook how the move might be affecting your dog. For dogs, who thrive on routine and familiarity, a change in scenery can be unsettling or even overwhelming.

Whether you're relocating down the street, across the country, or internationally, it’s essential to help your dog transition smoothly. This guide provides practical steps you can take before, during, and after the move to ensure your dog feels secure and safe every step of the way.

Before the Move: Prepare Your Dog for the Transition

The best way to help your dog adjust to a move is to begin preparing them well before the big day. By slowly introducing the concept of change, you’ll give your dog time to adapt to new stimuli and reduce their stress when the move becomes a reality.

1. Let Your Dog Acclimate to Moving Supplies

Instead of suddenly filling your house with boxes, bubble wrap, and tape, bring these items in gradually. Set them in an area where your dog can safely explore and become familiar with them. Avoid piling supplies in your dog’s favorite resting spots, and make sure the items don’t block access to food, water, or play areas.

Introduce these materials positively—let your dog sniff around the boxes while you calmly praise them or offer treats. This way, your dog learns that the presence of these items is no cause for alarm.

2. Build Positive Experiences Around the Moving Process

Pairing moving supplies with good experiences helps reduce anxiety. Try incorporating boxes into games, like tossing treats into an open box and letting your dog “find” them. Praise your dog when they investigate new objects or stay calm while you pack.

These small efforts can go a long way in helping your dog feel more at ease when the full packing process begins.

3. Plan for Transportation and Travel Needs

If your move involves car or air travel, make sure your dog is familiar with the method of transportation you’ll use. Practice short car rides to build comfort and ensure your dog has a properly fitted seat belt harness or travel crate.

For flights, research pet travel regulations early and invest in an airline-approved crate. Introduce your dog to the crate ahead of time so it becomes a place of comfort, not fear. Also, confirm that your dog’s microchip and identification tags are up to date with your new address.

If you’ll need overnight accommodations during the journey, book pet-friendly lodging in advance and pack your dog’s essentials: food, leash, bedding, and comfort items.

While Packing: Minimize Stress and Disruption

Packing is usually chaotic, but for your dog’s sake, try to keep the process as calm and predictable as possible.

1. Stick to Your Dog’s Normal Routine

Maintain your dog’s typical daily schedule as closely as you can. Regular feeding times, bathroom breaks, walks, and play sessions help your dog feel secure during times of change. Consistency provides reassurance that, even though things look different, their core needs are still being met.

2. Provide Physical and Mental Enrichment

Between packing sessions, give your dog opportunities for both physical exercise and mental stimulation. Go for walks, play fetch, or engage in short training sessions to keep their mind active.

Consider giving puzzle toys, chewable treat dispensers, or frozen KONGs filled with peanut butter or canned food to keep your dog occupied while you pack.

3. Create a Safe Zone for Your Dog

Designate a quiet, undisturbed area of your home where your dog can retreat. Ideally, this would be a room that won’t be packed until the very end. Furnish the space with familiar blankets, toys, and bedding. Play calming music or white noise to help muffle unfamiliar sounds.

If your dog tends to get anxious when separated from you, consider enlisting a friend, family member, or professional pet sitter to keep them company during peak packing times.

On Moving Day: Keep Things Calm and Controlled

Moving day is often loud, busy, and filled with unfamiliar activity—trucks pulling up, boxes being moved, and doors constantly opening. This can be highly unsettling for dogs.

• If possible, arrange for your dog to stay elsewhere during the move—at a trusted friend’s house or a daycare facility.

• If your dog must be present, keep them in a secure, closed room with minimal noise and activity. Ensure the room has all their essentials and a sign on the door so movers don’t accidentally enter.

• Double-check that doors and gates are securely shut at all times to prevent escape. Moving days are one of the most common times pets go missing.

After the Move: Helping Your Dog Feel at Home

Your dog’s adjustment doesn’t end when you arrive at the new home. In fact, the weeks that follow are crucial in helping them feel safe, settled, and comfortable in their new surroundings.

1. Re-establish Your Dog’s Routine Immediately

As soon as possible, begin following the same daily schedule your dog had before the move. Walks, meals, and playtime should all take place at consistent times each day. Familiar routines help dogs make sense of unfamiliar environments.

Place food and water bowls in a similar position as they were in your previous home—like in the kitchen or near the dining area. Stick with the same type of food, collar, and toys your dog is used to until they are fully adjusted.

2. Set Up a Designated Resting Area

Before arranging your new furniture or unpacking boxes, take time to set up a calm, familiar space for your dog. Use items that smell like your old home, such as bedding, rugs, or toys. Having a corner that looks and smells familiar will provide comfort and security during the early days of transition.

Let your dog explore the new home gradually—one room at a time. Never force them into spaces they seem unsure about; give them time to build confidence.

3. Delay Large Changes and House Guests

While you may be eager to decorate, redecorate, or host a housewarming party, it’s best to delay major changes until your dog feels secure in the new environment. Keep household arrangements similar to how they were in your previous home, especially furniture that your dog frequently used, like a couch or dog bed.

Avoid inviting multiple visitors into your home in the first few weeks. When new people are introduced, do it slowly and allow your dog space to retreat if they feel overwhelmed.

4. Watch for Behavioral Changes

Relocation can lead to temporary behavior shifts such as excessive barking, restlessness, lack of appetite, or even minor regressions in training. These behaviors usually fade as your dog becomes more comfortable, but they’re worth monitoring.

If concerning behaviors persist, consider consulting a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer who specializes in positive reinforcement techniques. They can help assess whether the issue is stress-related or medical and provide guidance on how to address it.

Be Patient—Adjustment Takes Time

The most important thing you can give your dog during and after a move is patience. While some dogs bounce back quickly, others may take weeks—or even months—to fully settle into their new home. Be observant, flexible, and compassionate as your dog processes the changes.

By maintaining familiar routines, creating a safe environment, and allowing your dog to adjust at their own pace, you’ll help them feel secure and confident in their new surroundings.

Moving is hard for everyone—but with a bit of planning, empathy, and time, your dog will learn to love their new home just as much as you do.