How to Prevent Losing Your Dog During a Relocation Move

In today's mobile society young professionals relocate from one city to another an average of every five years. While this is often a happy experience for those relocating as a result of a promotion or to take a better job moving is an ordeal which involves a great deal planning, preparation, and an ability to adapt to a new environment.

For most people coping with the ordeal of moving and adapting to a new environment is not difficult and within a few weeks most are comfortable in new surroundings. Too often however, all of the planning and preparation for a relocation move is devoted to finding and preparing a new residence, packing and unpacking furnishings and personal items and becoming oriented in the new city. Little or no planning is made with regard to helping our pets prepare for and cope with the trauma of a physical relocation.

Perhaps this lack of planning explains why the news reports so often how pets are lost during relocation moves.

Our pets, and in particular dogs, in addition to being our best and most loyal friend, are wonderful 'home-bodies'. Whether a dog lives primarily inside or outside of the house they quickly adapt and become comfortable with and dependent on their surroundings. An 'outside' dog may for example be completely at home in a fenced in backyard or if allowed to run free have his favorite napping spot under the abundant shade of an old oak. He knows the location of his food and water bowl and knows within a few minutes when it is filled. He knows which door his owner uses and when the owner is most likely to be coming and going. He knows which door to scratch when he has a need.....In short the dog is in his comfort zone.

Altogether too often we fail to consider that our pets will be terribly disoriented by a move to a new house (or apartment), a new neighborhood (the old fire hydrant is gone), and a new city....On some occasions pet owners become so involved in a move and ensuring the furniture is protected, the children are accounted for and the old house cleaned and secure,........they forget completely about the dog and may even move leaving him behind!

The key to moving pets and in particular dogs, is to make plans before the move as to how best secure him both before and after the move and to help orient him afterward.

The following checklist may be helpful:

Step 1 - Prior to moving and before disconnecting your old telephone number call your current veterinarian and advise him of your new location address and (if possible) telephone number. This can be important as most dog tags (and rabies tags) include the veterinarian's telephone number, but not that of the pet owner.

Step 2 - Obtain new I.D tags for the dog's collar indicating your name and telephone number. If you do not yet know your new telephone number use your permanent cell phone number.

Step 3 - If you do not now have a tracking micro chip or other tracking device on your dog consider having one for your dog prior to the move.

Step 4 - If you do have a micro chip or tracking device for your dog be sure the registry records are updated so that they know how to contact you at the new location.

Step 5 - On the day of the move many dog owners have found it best to board the dog at the kennel during the day(s) that the household furnishings are packed up and removed from the house. Many dogs find it very stressful to see their known surroundings being dismantled and hauled away. Some dogs have actually run away during this stressful time.

Step 6 - On actual moving day remove the dog from the kennel and allow him to ride to the new location in the family car (if possible....long moves may rule this out).

Step 7- At the new location consider boarding the dog at the kennel during move in day to avoid stress and confusion for the dog. This not only removes stress it will provide some comfort for the dog to find his known furnishings situated at the new house.

Step8 - With dog on a leash let him out of the car and introduce him to the new home by walking around the yard and the outside of the new house allowing plenty of time for sniffing and watering of spots of interest. (Children are idea for this task).

Step 9 - Still on a leash walk the dog through the new house and allow him to acquaint himself by sniffing Dad's recliner, the kid's bed, Mom's rocker, and all of the household furnishings. This is important whether the dog is an indoor or outdoor pet as this allows him to see that 'home' as he knows it has moved with him.

Step 10 - Take the dog to the new location of his feed and water bowl, and feed him.

Step 11 - If the new home has a fenced in yard turn the dog loose and let him explore his new surroundings. It is a good idea to place a note on the gate informing visitors that a dog resides inside the fence (to be sure gate is closed).

Step 12 - If the yard is not fenced it will be necessary to restrain an outdoor dog for the first ten days in the new home. The best method is to fasten the dog on an extended leash which is secured to a secure clothes line or rope tied between two trees. This allows the dog freedom to run and exercise. If the dog is restrained schedule releases at least 3 times a day during which time the dog can be walked on a leash through the new neighborhood. In addition, release the dog for feeding.

Step 13 - It is always helpful to surround the dog with items he used at the former house. This includes, his dog house, bedding, favorite blanket, water and feeding bowls.

Step 14 - Within the first three weeks at the new location introduce the dog to his new veterinarian. Most vets have an introductory service in which a new dog is boarded a few hours during which time he given 'playtime' and treats. While at the new Vet register all contact information.

Step 15 - Check with Animal Control in your new location to get new licenses (if required) and determine what new local regulations might apply.

Dogs are great friends. They love us for who we are. If we can avoid stress during a move they will soon adapt and soon be in command of the new situation and the new neighborhood. (watch out cats!)

Hopefully the above will result in a secure and happy move for your pet.....I hope so.