Relocating to a new home can be a daunting task, especially when you have a four-legged friend to consider. So, we analyzed responses from Sniffspot users to get their best dog-friendly moving tips and advice.
Whether you're a Gen Z urbanite, a millennial starting a family, or an empty-nester seeking a quieter life, moving with dogs brings its own set of unique challenges and considerations. With this guide, you’ll discover generational trends, what people found to be the most challenging aspect of moving with a dog, and things they wish they knew before starting their move.
Whether you're preparing for a cross-country move or just a neighborhood hop, these insights and advice will help you make the journey as stress-free as possible for you and your pup.
We're lucky at Sniffspot to have a community of dog experts and dog lovers willing to share their expertise. We received over 6,000 responses about moving with dogs from users covering a wide range of demographics and backgrounds.
We used that data to create this guide about what moving with a dog looks like in 2024. It covers aspects like location trends, generational trends, and overall challenges. You'll also find advice on how to make the process easier for you and your pup.
Who are the people moving with their dogs? We took a look at dog-friendly moving trends by generation, and found this breakdown:
Source: Sniffspot Community Moving Report 2024
Millennials are in the lead when it comes to moving with their furry friends. Gen Z makes up a quarter of the movers, while Gen X and Baby Boomers move less frequently.
Whether you were born there or moved at some point in time, we all come from somewhere. Before we dive into where dog owners are moving to, here’s a look at where they’re moving from.
Trends look pretty similar across the board when looking at the moving patterns of Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X/Baby Boomers. Here are the top four areas and the percentage of responses of people who are leaving with their dogs:
Source: Sniffspot Community Moving Report 2024
West Coast (WA, OR, CA, AK): 20-26%
Mid East Coast (SC, NC, VA, WV, MD, DE): 13-15%
South East (TN, MS, AL, GA, FL): 11-15%
Mountain West (ID, WY, NV, UT, CO, AZ, NM): 9-10%
The data starts to divide along generational lines when we look at the places that dog owners decide to call their new home. Many people have recently moved within the same cit. But, here’s a look at people who moved to different areas of the country, broken down the numbers by age group.
Source: Sniffspot Community Moving Report 2024
Mid East Coast: 18%
West Coast: 14%
South Central (TX, OK, LA, AR): 13%
Midwest (MI, OH, IN, KY): 13%
Source: Sniffspot Community Moving Report 2024
West Coast: 16%
NY/PA: 13% (NY: 8%; PA: 5%)
Mid East Coast: 12%
South East: 12%
Source: Sniffspot Community Moving Report 2024
West Coast: 20%
Mountain West: 15%
East Coast (ME, NH, VT, MA, RI, CT, NJ): 10%
Central (KS, NE, MO, IL): 9%
Responses showed that all generations of Sniffspot dog owners are drawn to the West Coast. But Gen Z is also moving east and to South Central US, especially Texas. Millennials are also pulled between the West and East coasts, landing heavily in California, Oregon, Washington, and New York, although not specifically NYC. As for the older generations, their relocation is more widely spread across the country.
If you're moving down the street, the size of your dog probably doesn't factor into your planning that much. But if you're moving out of state or across the country, logistics can get a bit more complicated. Especially if you have a larger pup.
But plenty of Sniffspot users have successfully moved with medium- and large-sized dogs. Whether driving or flying, dogs of all sizes have made the journey to a new home.
Source: Sniffspot Community Moving Report 2024
No matter where you live or where you’re moving to, the process of packing up all your belongings and getting them to a new location isn’t easy.
Between putting things in boxes, vacating your current home, and rebuilding your life in a new space, there are a lot of logistics to deal with. And when you add a dog into the mix, things can get even more difficult. For example, you'll need packing boxes specifically for dog things like food bowls, water bowls, and pet toys.
People of all ages listed out which part of moving with a dog was the most challenging, and overall, their responses were very similar.
Source: Sniffspot Community Moving Report 2024
Stress on dog during the move: 31-33%
Finding dog friendly housing: 19-27%
Dog adapting to new home: 12-15%
Finding a normal routine and stability in new home: 13-14%
If your dog has lived in the same place since you brought them into your life, they might feel uneasy with all of the change. It's not uncommon for them to experience separation anxiety or need extra quality time to adjust. And if you decide to rent, you have to find a place that allows dogs, and navigate any restrictions on size, breed, or leash laws.
Finally, once you get settled in your new space, you have to help your dog get settled, and this can take plenty of time. Between nnew surroundings, daily routines, and smells, it’s important to help your pup get back into a routine in their new home.
Just because there are a few more challenges when moving with a dog, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming! If you’re not quite sure where to begin, our Sniffspot community members shared their list of tips on how to make a move more seamless, and what they wish they had done during their own moves.
Here are some of the best bits of advice when moving with a dog.
Even if you're one of the pet owners who likes to “wing it,” this might not work well when moving with a dog. Limit the number of unexpected situations by planning out things like how you’ll transport your pup to the new home.
Decide where they will be as you move items in and out, when they’ll get regular walks potty breaks on move day, and where their safe space will be in your new home. Plan some brain games (like a game of fetch) to help with excess energy and combat negative behaviors.
“Plan. Ahead. Create an idea of what you want your life to look like with your dogs and figure out a way to make it a reality.” - Kinsley M.
What's one of the most common tips for pet owners on moving with a dog? "Be patient!" Moving is stressful for everyone, and having extra patience with your pup can go a long way. They may do certain things out of their norm.
If you can stay calm and be flexible, you'll help your dog get back to a comfortable, normal state in no time. Remember, it might take a couple weeks for your dog to get familiar with a usual routine.
"Be patient the first few months! It takes more time for them to settle in than you may realize." - E. E.
"Be patient, expect some stress, give them time to decompress." - Avery S.
Many users suggest taking your dog to visit the new home and area before fully moving in. Although this isn't possible for every move, it can be a great way to get your dog acclimated to the new space gradually, instead of changing things all at once.
This is also a way to help your dog adjust to pet travel, road trips, familiar smells, and using a travel crate. Bring familiar food dishes, put out fresh water, and keep on top of your dog's stress levels.
"Take them to the property before you start moving stuff over, allow [them] to play and get treats, [give] positive association in a new space." - Bill T.
"Take them to walk the neighborhood a few times before you move there." - R. T.
On the day of your move, you'll likely be thinking about a million different things. You probably won't have as much time to focus on your dog. Let them have a fun day out at a daycare or with a sitter. For instance, the sitter might take them to a dog-friendly park, giving them ample time to burn off extra stress levels.
Not only will this keep them occupied and entertained, but it will also keep them safe and out of the way of any moving chaos. Make sure your sitter or daycare has an updated health certificate and veterinary inspection, just in case. These are typically required by animal shelters, daycares, and animal control facilities.
“Have a day-of move plan for the dog to either be with family or at daycare so they are out of the way and do not escape while you are occupied getting the truck loaded. Once everything is loaded into the new house, go pick the dog up from wherever they spent the day.” - E.
It's to be expected that you and your pup's schedule will be impacted by a move. But six percent of users found it very important to stick to a routine as much as you can. When you're planning out your moving day, factor in things like when your dog gets fed, when they like to go on walks, etc. Keep this in mind for the full period of time it takes your pet to adjust.
"Re-establish a routine as quickly as possible to reassure them that they are home!" - H. A.
Four percent of user responses mentioned that using a crate was helpful in their move. It's a good way to keep your dog safe when people and things are moving in and out, and it can be a comforting place for them to stay.
If you're moving to a destination address outside your current country, you might be required to crate your pet while they undergo a veterinary inspection. These veterinary inspections are a part of the local animal control protocol for the movement of animals. Your local animal control office can advice you what the current contact requirements are for emotional support animals, companion animals, and service animals. As always, make sure you have the proper health certificate required by your local animal guidelines.
"Have an empty room or set up a crate for them to stay in while moving things in and out of the house." - Annie P.
"Keep your dog in a place they are comfy, like their crate at home." - Elizabeth H.
This is something you'll want to discuss with your vet, but if you have an anxious pup, then anxiety medication might help alleviate the stresses of moving. Additionally, if your dog struggles with car rides or travel, then motion sickness medication can be helpful as well.
It's a smart idea to put together a pet travel kit before you move. This should include your dog's medical records (vaccinations, rabies shot license, etc), a current contact for emergencies, water dishes, local veterinary hospital or animal hospital info, and extra food.
Sniffspot Community Tip
"Don’t be afraid to reach out to your veterinary hospital for medication management of moving related stress and anxiety." - Caitlin T.
There are so many aspects of the moving process, and we're here to help every step of the way. Whether you need to find a safe space for your dog to run around near your new home, or need some tips on how to travel with your pup to your next location, we've got you covered!
If you moved with your pet, what was your destination address? Was it a local move or one to a foreign country?
Traveling with your dog can be a rewarding experience, but what do you do when adventure calls you to a place that’s a bit too far for a drive? If you're a pet-owner who want to jetset with your pup, then you’ll want to find the best dog-friendly airlines.
Discover the Great Pyrenees, a breed celebrated for its affectionate, loyal, and independent nature. Recognized as a large dog, the Great Pyrenees have their origins in France where they were initially bred as livestock guardians starting in the roots back to 3000 BC century.
Discover the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a breed celebrated for its loyal, playful, and friendly nature. Recognized as a medium-sized dog, Staffordshire Bull Terriers originated in the United Kingdom, where they were initially bred for bull-baiting and later for dog fighting starting in the early 19th century.
Discover the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, a breed celebrated for its friendly and affectionate nature. Recognized as a small dog, Pembroke Welsh Corgis have their origins in Wales, where they were initially bred for herding cattle, sheep, and horses starting in the 10th century.
Discover the Boxer, a breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and alert nature. Recognized as a large dog, Boxers have their origins in Germany, where they were initially bred for hunting large game starting in the late 19th century.
Discover the Great Dane, a breed celebrated for its friendly, affectionate, and curious nature. Recognized as a large dog, Great Danes have their origins in Germany, where they were initially bred for hunting and guarding starting in the 16th century.
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
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Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (like a car or bike) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling feels embarrassing for you — and it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
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Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
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Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
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