Prescott is a fantastic place to live if you love dogs. With beautiful trails, wide-open spaces, and a welcoming community, it is easy to see why so many pet owners plant their roots here. However, getting to your new home can be a challenge.
While we treat our dogs like family, it is easy to overlook their needs when we are caught up in the chaos of packing boxes and signing papers. Moving is incredibly stressful for humans, and it can be just as overwhelming for our pets.
If you are planning a move, you need to think about what is best for your dog at every stage of the process. Here is your guide to keeping your dog safe, happy, and comfortable before, during, and after your big move.
Before the Move: Finding the Perfect Dog-Friendly Home
If your dog is a big part of your life, their safety and comfort should be top of mind while you search for a new house. Finding the right property makes the transition much easier for both of you.
Prioritize Yard Safety
When touring a potential home, take a close look at the backyard.
- Is the yard fully fenced?
- If there is a fence, is it tall enough and secure enough to keep your dog safely contained?
- If the property does not have a fence, find out if neighborhood rules or HOA guidelines allow you to build one.
Check the Neighborhood Vibe
Pay attention to the neighboring pets. Take a walk around the block to see if the next-door neighbors have large, aggressive, or overly vocal dogs. A dog that barks constantly right next to your fence line can cause serious anxiety for your pet down the road. Consider how the immediate environment will affect your dog’s daily life.
Arrange a Trial Visit
If you want to see how your dog reacts to a prospective new home, you might be able to take them for a quick trial visit before you sign any final paperwork. Always check with your real estate agent and get the current homeowner’s permission first. A brief, supervised visit can give you a good sense of how your dog feels in the space.
During the Move: Keeping Stress Levels Low
Moving day means loud noises, heavy lifting, strangers walking in and out, and doors left wide open. This environment is prime for a stressed-out dog to panic or slip out the front door. The best way to be considerate of your dog on moving day is to keep them far away from the chaos.
Plan a Day Away from the Action
If you have the option, let your dog stay somewhere else on moving day. Drop them off at a local Prescott doggie daycare, or leave them with a trusted friend or family member for a day or two. This keeps them safe and gives you the freedom to prop doors open and direct movers without worrying about a runaway pet.
Create a Safe Zone at Home
Not everyone can get their dog completely out of the house during a move. If your dog needs to stay on the property, do everything you can to keep them out of the fray.
- Set up a dedicated “safe room” with a closed door.
- Stock the room with fresh water, food, and familiar toys.
- Place a large note on the door so movers know not to open it.
- Alternatively, put them in a comfortable crate in a quiet area, like a finished basement or a temperature-controlled garage.
After the Move: Settling Into Your New Prescott Home
You finally have the keys, and the boxes are inside. Now is the time to help your dog get used to their new surroundings. The key here is to explore cautiously and keep them confined at first.
Start with a Guided Tour
Do not just open the front door and let your dog roam free. The new smells and empty rooms can be highly intimidating. Instead, clip on their leash and take your dog on a guided tour of the new home by your side. Try dropping a few treats or pieces of kibble on the floor as you walk from room to room. This helps your dog build a positive association with the house and shows them that it is a safe, fun environment.
Set Up a Familiar Safe Space
Dogs thrive on routine and familiarity. Unpack their belongings right away and create a designated safe space. Set up their bed, food bowls, and favorite toys in a quiet corner. Keep them mainly in this spot for the first few days while they adjust to the new sounds and smells. You can use a specific room or set up baby gates to create a secure, comfortable boundary.
Make Your Next Move a Breeze
When your dog is a significant part of your family, you want to consider their needs at every stage of the real estate journey. From finding a house with the perfect backyard to helping them acclimate to their new living room, a little planning goes a long way in reducing stress for everyone involved.
Are you looking for a pet-friendly property in the area? Our Prescott real estate team understands what local homeowners—and their dogs—need. Reach out to our brokerage today, and let us help you find the perfect home for your entire family.
