Pets can experience stress during the moving process, just like humans can. If you have a dog, be sure to plan how you will handle your furry friend when making a move. This will not only help keep your dog calm and happy, but can also reduce the chances of your pet getting lost during the moving process.

The last thing you want to have to do is go on a hunt to locate your dog on moving day, or even end up postponing your move due to your pet getting lost. Here are three tips for keeping your dog secure and happy when making a move.

1. Microchip Your Dog Before the Move

If your dog does not yet have a microchip, be sure to have your pet microchipped before the move. Microchips work so well at getting lost dogs back to their owners that they are now mandatory in the United Kingdom and Ireland. In the United States, animal shelters are 2.4 times more likely to find the owner of a dog when the dog is equipped with a microchip.

You can easily have your dog microchipped. Simply visit your pet’s veterinarian, and the vet will inject the microchip under the skin of your dog’s back. This process takes seconds. Next, your veterinarian will enter your name, address and phone number into a microchip database.

If your pet happens to get loose during the moving process, anyone who finds the dog can simply take him to a local shelter equipped with a microchip scanner. Once the microchip is scanned, the shelter staff will enter the microchip number into a search engine where your name, address and phone number will appear. The staff will then give you a phone call to notify you that the shelter has your dog and where to pick him up.

Be sure to update your phone number (if you opt to change it) and your address in the microchip registry after you move to your new home. When shelters have trouble locating the owners of microchipped pets, about 35 percent of these failed attempts are due to the phone number the microchip is registered under being disconnected or under new ownership.

2. Do Not Change Your Dog’s Routine During the Moving Process

Watching an owner box up items in a home can be a stressful experience for a dog. For this reason, take steps to keep your pet as calm as possible during the moving experience. One way to do this is to maintain your dog’s usual routine before, during and after the moving process.

No matter how busy you are when moving, take your dog for walks at the usual times and feed him on the regular schedule. If you typically give your pet outdoor playtime in the backyard each day, be sure to include this playtime during the moving process.

Dogs thrive on routine, and sticking to their usual routine can help them feel a sense of normalcy in the midst of a chaotic move and reduce any anxiety they are experiencing.

3. Set Up a Safe Haven for Your Dog As Soon As You Enter Your New Home

Once you arrive at your new home, take your dog for a walk to explore the new yard and new neighborhood. Then immediately set up a safe haven for your pet before you begin unpacking your own belongings.

The safe haven can be an entire room or your dog’s crate. Place your pet’s unwashed blankets (the scent of unwashed blankets will calm him due to the familiar smell) or a dog bed in the room or crate, along with his favorite toys and usual food and water dishes.

Be sure to check on your dog often and give him attention as you unpack to keep his stress level down. Once you have unpacked, allow your pet to explore your new home. You may be surprised at how much he loves it.

If you will soon be making a move, contact Island Movers for professional, reliable moving services.