Moving With a Dog

Tips From Sioux Falls Movers to Keep Tails Wagging

At Advanced Moving in Sioux Falls, we know that moving isn’t just about boxes and furniture—it’s also about family. And for many of our customers, family includes their dogs. Relocating with a dog comes with unique challenges, but with preparation and patience, you can make the transition smoother for both you and your four-legged friend.

In this guide, we’ll share practical tips for preparing your dog before, during, and after moving day, along with the ways Advanced Moving can support families who want to keep every member—human and canine—comfortable and safe throughout the process.

Why Moving Can Be Stressful for Dogs

Dogs thrive on routine and familiarity. The sights, smells, and sounds of their home are comforting, and a sudden change can leave them feeling anxious. Moving boxes, strange people (like movers), and long car rides can all trigger stress in dogs. Recognizing this helps you prepare and minimize the impact.

Common dog behaviors during a move include:

• Pacing or whining when belongings disappear
  
  
• Loss of appetite due to stress
  
  
• Hiding or clinging to their owners
  
  
• Accidents indoors, even for house-trained dogs
  
  

At Advanced Moving, we understand these challenges. That’s why we take extra steps to work efficiently around pets and help families plan a dog-friendly moving process.

Step 1: Preparing Your Dog Before the Move

Preparation is key when moving with dogs. Start weeks in advance to gradually ease them into the idea of change.

• Stick to their routine: Feed, walk, and play with your dog at the same times as usual—even as packing ramps up.
  
  
• Introduce moving supplies slowly: Leave boxes and packing materials out for your dog to sniff so they feel familiar.
  
  
• Plan for vet care: Schedule a check-up to ensure any medications are up-to-date. If you’re moving out of Sioux Falls, ask for a copy of medical records and referrals to new veterinarians.
  
  
• Update identification: Microchips and tags should include your new address and phone number in case your dog gets lost during the move.
  
  
• Exercise before packing days: Take your dog for extra walks or playtime before movers arrive to help release nervous energy.

New to Sioux Falls? Consider other special considerations for moving here.

Step 2: Creating a Dog Essentials Bag

On moving day, you’ll want your dog’s items easily accessible. Pack a “doggy go-bag” with:

• Food and treats
  
  
• Bowls for food and water
  
  
• Leash, harness, and waste bags
  
  
• A favorite toy or blanket
  
  
• Medications and health records
  
  
• Bed or crate for comfort
  
  

This kit will ensure your dog’s needs are met, even if unpacking takes a few days.

Step 3: Managing Your Dog on Moving Day

Moving day is busy, and dogs can get underfoot or spooked by the commotion. Here are tips for keeping things safe and stress-free:

• Arrange pet care: If possible, have your dog stay with a friend, family member, or a trusted doggy daycare in Sioux Falls while movers load and unload. By doing so, you can avoid one of the most common moving day mistakes.
  
  
• Create a safe space: If pet care isn’t an option, set aside one room for your dog with their bed, toys, and water. Post a sign on the door so movers know not to enter.
  
  
• Keep doors secure: Dogs can dart out of open doors. Make sure movers know there’s a dog in the home.
  
  
• Stay calm and positive: Dogs pick up on your energy. A reassuring voice and calm demeanor will help your pup feel safe.
  
  

At Advanced Moving, our crews are trained to work respectfully around pets. We communicate with homeowners to ensure pets stay safe while we do the heavy lifting.

Step 4: Traveling With Your Dog

If your move requires a drive, make travel as comfortable as possible for your pup.

• Crate or harness your dog in the car for safety.
  
  
• Take frequent breaks for bathroom stops and walks.
  
  
• Bring familiar bedding to provide comfort during the trip.
  
  
• Avoid feeding right before travel to prevent carsickness.
  
  

For long-distance relocations, consider pet-friendly hotels along your route.

Step 5: Helping Your Dog Adjust to the New Home

Once you arrive, your dog will need time to adjust to new surroundings.

• Unpack their items first: Set up your dog’s bed, bowls, and toys right away so they feel secure.
  
  
• Stick to familiar routines: Maintain the same feeding and walking schedules as before.
  
  
• Gradually introduce new spaces: Start with one or two rooms, then let them explore more of the house.
  
  
• Walk the neighborhood together: Help your dog get familiar with the new environment, smells, and neighbors.
  
  
• Expect an adjustment period: Accidents or anxious behavior may occur but will usually resolve within a few weeks.
  
  

How Advanced Moving Helps Families With Dogs

At Advanced Moving, we’ve been helping Sioux Falls families relocate for about 25 years, and we know pets are part of the process. Here’s how we make moving with dogs easier:

• Flexible scheduling: We work with you to plan around doggy daycare or sitter schedules.
  
  
• Fast, efficient service: Minimizing moving-day chaos helps reduce stress for pets.
  
  
• Special handling of pet gear: From kennels and crates to outdoor runs and large dog beds, we move bulky pet items with care.
  
  
• Storage options: If you’re downsizing or staging your home, we can store extra pet supplies until you’re settled.
  
  
• Local insight: As a Sioux Falls-based company, we’re familiar with the area’s neighborhoods, pet-friendly stops, and seasonal weather considerations.
  
  

Haven’t picked a mover yet? Here’s what you need to know about Sioux Falls moving companies.

Final Thoughts

Moving with a dog requires extra planning, but it can also be a chance to bond with your pet and make the transition smoother for your whole family. With preparation, patience, and the help of trusted movers, you and your pup can start your next chapter on the right paw.

At Advanced Moving in Sioux Falls, we’re here to make your move seamless—so you can focus on keeping tails wagging and settling into your new home.

Ready to plan your move? Request a free quote from Advanced Moving today.