Today, I had a closing where my clients were moving about a hundred miles south of their current home in Chisago County. They were to give immediate possession to the new buyers after the closing so they had to have the home entirely cleared out prior to the meeting. With temps in the 80’s at 8 AM, it could have been deadly to leave a dog in the car so their terrier-mix, Max, had to accompany my clients into the title office. It was obviously the poor dog was already stressed from the move. He trembled and whined softl as he sat on his owner’s lap while she signed one document after another. Max is not a puppy and the stress of a move can be hard on an older dog. So I thought a few good reminders of what to do on moving day might be in order.
Keeping Your Dog Happy on Moving Day!
Make sure your pet is safe. Keep him in a safe room/kennel or at a trusted neighbor’s or pet sitter’s home while your belongings are being loaded into the truck. (A pet sitter directory is available here). Make sure it is a place your pet is familiar with as to not create additional stress. If you do leave your pet in a room in your home, remember to check in frequently unless you want to have a carpet cleaning and/or replacement bill added to your closing statement..
Identify your pet. Make certain that your pet’s collar or tags have current information with a cell phone number and/or the new home information so you can be contacted in the event of an escape.
Make the Carrier Feel Like Home. Put in your pet’s favorite blanket, toy or bed along with food and water for the trip. Remember a container of additional food and water in case of spills. It is a good idea to pack paper towels and wet wipes to clean up any messes from sickness or accidents during the ride. Don’t leave your pet unattended for more than a few minutes at a time in his transportation kennel.
CLICK HERE for additional tips on making your senior dog comfortable on moving day.
If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet or FREE Homebuyers Success Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota..JPG)
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Copyright 2012 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/
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Teri you give terrific advice to relocating home owners with dogs. One of my boston terriers, Buster loves to dash out the door the moment he has any opporunity. We crate trained our dogs from day one, using crates when we take them in the car, anytime we are out of the house for long periods, and when we are expecting company (they get to come out once they have calmed down). Crates provide a safe haven where the dogs can feel secure...kind of like a den. I recommend crate training to all dog owners.
Oh, poor thing. This is great advice for a member of the family who may not normally be taken into consideration in the move.
That is great advice for any pet owner who is planning a move! People sometimes forget that dogs get stresses just as people do and big changes like this, expecially with older dogs takes a toll. I will be mentioning your blog to our home owners with pets!! Thank you for sharing your insight!
Terri-This is something I imagine is ofter over looked in preparing for a move. Good tips.
Sandi--I hear that often, crate train your dog from the time they are pups. It really comes in handy at times like this.
Jane--Thanks...Max really enjoyed being close to his owners during the confusing day.
William--Max got tons of attention during the ride to his new home and love from his owners' grandkids to boot! :)
Lennar MN--Thanks! Yep I think people often forget to plan the move for their pets only because they are so stressed out with all the other packing/moving details. It is important to remember though.
Wayne--I agree...moving is stressful and people forget until the dog starts freaking out how it affects their pets.
Teri Max may have been stressed, but he was the inspiration for your post "stressing" the importance of caring for animals during a move. I am suggesting
Karen--Thank you! I am sure that once Max is in his new home he will de-stress quickly too! :)
From a DOG LOVER ~ I ♥ this post and will keep it close to heart. I'm sure I'll use YOUR shared wisdom sooner than later! GREAT JOB Teri!
Susie--Thanks! You are always so sweet! :)
Teri
That poor dog. So true abouold dogs and stress. My heart goes out to them.t
Teri, This is excellent advice!! I have made several cross country moves and it is so hard on our furry friends.
Tom--You are such a softy when it comes to dogs...not surprised at all. :)
Marchel--Thanks! We had to have our dog stay with friends for a month while are home was being built. He was never the same. It is tough on dogs to have to deal with extreme changes.