Moving can be incredibly stressful. Oftentimes, you're leaving behind cherished memories and good neighbors. One of the more overlooked aspects of finding a new home is the well-being of your dogs. They depend upon the safety of familiar environments. The first hurdle to jump, however, is finding a place that will be welcoming to your pet. Here are five tips on having a stress-free move for you and your pooch.

Use local resources

According to the American Pets Association, about 60 percent of households own a dog, but one of the biggest challenges for house hunters is finding a home that allows pets, especially if you’re renting. Many landlords explicitly prohibit dogs. Given this, there are plenty of resources out there to provide you with information for finding a home worthy of your pet. These include the Humane Society of the United States, which has an extensive list of tips. Local shelters and advocacy groups will likely also have lists that identify communities which will be accepting of your particular breed of dog.

Stress responsibility

Sometimes, landlords can be ambivalent about dogs, perhaps preferring or disliking specific breeds. Be prepared to be asked to pay extra in rent and deposits. If you can, provide references from landlords, even neighbors, emphasizing how responsible you have been with your pet. Certificates confirming dog training is an extra asset for any dog-owning mover. A letter from your veterinarian confirming your dog's health can also allay concerns. It may sound unusual, but also think about creating a “resume” of sorts, detailing your pet's qualities and personality.

Check your new environment

Whether you're renting or looking to buy a house, it's the environment which will be most important for your dog. Worrying about whether your dog will be allowed is less of an issue for homeowners, but there are still other difficulties. In some areas, you may have to investigate whether there is a threat from predators. If so, precautions need to be taken, such as avoiding housing with fences that predators can climb over. Take into account the temperament of your dog. If your dog is a barker, it might be best to avoid moving into traffic-heavy locations.

Research the rules

If you have found a home or community which accepts dogs, make sure to go over pet policy with a fine-tooth comb. Sometimes, acceptance only goes so far, so establish if there are any conditions imposed by complexes or homeowner associations. They can potentially be very technical and pedantic, ranging from weight and size limits to the age of a dog. Furthermore, housing associations may have additional rules restricting dogs to specific areas.

Acclimate your pet

Once the logistics have been dealt with, it's time to focus on the practicalities. If it's possible, consider insulating your dog from the stresses of moving day by having a relative or professional dog sitter take care of him until his new home is ready. Once your dog is in his new home, try to preserve the routine he is familiar with. Bringing along your dog's favorite toys and treats can go a long way to reducing the stresses he may face.

It’s crucial to make your pet feel comfortable during the moving process, but he’s still likely to experience some stress. In this case, he’ll probably display it in the new home by shedding. You can rid your home of pet hair with the right vacuum cleaner. Look online for a buying guide that compares the best models.

There are so many different things to consider when moving, and having pets just complicates things further. However, with the proper research and time taken to assure your dog is happy and safe, it doesn't need to be too difficult for you and your pet. Remember, those little things can go a long way to acclimate both you and your dog to your new home.

Image courtesy of Pixabay

Article is Courtesy of Cindy Aldridge
More info on http://ourdogfriends.org/