How You Can Ease the Process of
House Hunting as a Dog Owner
Moving can be an exciting and stressful experience for a person, but for a dog, the change can seem terrifying. They don’t understand why everything they were familiar with is gone, and they will frequently act out as a result of this anxiety. To make things easier for everyone, but especially your pup, follow the simple steps listed below.
Finding the Perfect Home
What to Look For
As you shop around, you need a home that works for you and Fido. The most important feature for a pup is the yard, which should be safe and spacious enough to let them stretch their legs. Having a fence already is a bonus, but you can always have one installed, so long as it doesn’t violate HOA standards. However, there is more to a good home than that, as you must also ensure the neighborhood has decent sidewalks and no indigestible toxic plants. Lastly, you should check that traffic isn't heavy on the off-chance they escape their enclosure.
Going on Viewings
When you go to house viewings, you may want to bring Fido along to see how they react to the property. If you do, get permission first as the seller may have allergies or their own pet. When at the viewing, you should ask plenty of questions, like how many sockets there are, and if they are easily accessible in each room. After you’ve had a walk-around, you could then go on a mini-adventure with your pup to see if they also enjoy the surrounding neighborhood.
Plan Your Move
No matter how far you move, you’ll need to plan on a potentially long car ride with your pooch. Given this, you'll have to limit how much you pack since you'll need a crate or harness to keep them safe. Still, bring a travel water bowl and treats to keep them well-behaved, and plan out stops for exercise and bathroom breaks. It’s also a good idea to have someone scheduled to come in and clean the home before you move all your things in; for example, in Elk Grove, you’ll need to factor in the cost of a one-time cleaning (between $117 and $248) to your budget.
Moving
Make Moving Day Smooth
The last thing you want on moving day is more mayhem. If you are worried about your furball escaping, you won’t be able to focus on your tasks. If possible, have a friend or family member take them to keep you from being distracted, or, if you can’t, hire a pet-sitting service. After all, on average, you’ll only pay $30 a day to have someone watch your dog. Still, that means giving someone else the responsibility for your pet’s welfare, so you must do your research. Thankfully, there are many online choices that also let you do background checks and compare reviews.
Explore the Neighborhood
Your dog may not like being in a new environment, but one of the best steps you can take is to let them explore. Don’t force them down a certain path; instead, have them look around on their own initiative. They may want to go see the green space down the road or walk toward the nearest shopping mall. Of course, keep them away from traffic, but by giving them the chance to familiarize themselves with the area, they may not be as anxious.
Help Your Pet Adjust
To help your pup adjust without stress, be around them as much as possible for the first few days. By being near, you reassure them that, though their surroundings are different, they can still count on you to stay on a familiar schedule. Finally, it may be a good idea to give them a place for themselves by setting up their crate with some favorite toys. This can offer them a safe space to relax whenever they are stressed or need it most.
Your pet is an important part of your life and home. When we take the time to ensure their happiness, we ensure our own as well. So, plan out each stage of your journey to keep Fido safe and content during this transition.
Image Courtesy of Pixabay.com
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