After deciding to move to Fairfax County, it’s time to consider a few things. Moving is a hassle, but it can become even worse if you don’t know how to move with your pets.

Your furry friends need attention and they will know something is up. Plus, you might need specific lodging along the way to your new home. Once you arrive, there are a few things to consider, as well.

If you’re moving to Fairfax County with pets, the following tips are for you.

5 Tips for Moving to Fairfax County with Pets for Dog Owners

1. Pack Their Things Last

With many pets, especially dogs, the minute you start packing up their bed, bowls, and toys, they will know something is going on. Some dogs will get anxious, while others might get excited.

Waiting to pack their things until last just makes sense. It will help keep your pets at ease and you’ll probably need their bowls and beds for any overnight stays along the way.

2. Consider a Kennel While Packing

If you have dogs or other pets that tend to get in the way, it might lower your stress level to put them in a kennel for the days while you’re packing. This can be good for your dogs, too, as they won’t see you packing and won’t start to get anxious. Instead, they get to enjoy a fun little trip to the kennel.

3. Book your Pet-Friendly Rooms Early

There are plenty of pet-friendly hotel rooms to consider along the way, but they do book up fast. La Quinta offers an entire chain of pet-friendly hotel rooms you can book and some locations don’t charge a pet fee. This can be very helpful when moving to Fairfax County with pets.

4. Have an Overnight Kit

An overnight pet kit should include the things you need for a hotel stay and for the first day or two in your new home. You don’t want to arrive at your new Fairfax home without any clue where your pet toys, bowls, and other things are packed.

5. Let Your Dogs Become Familiar

After moving to Fairfax County with pets, one of the most important things you can do is to let your dogs become familiar with the area. Take them for a walk through the neighborhood and let them smell different areas along the way.

You can also walk them around the outside of your property on a leash as they get used to the area. When you let them inside, start with the main areas and let them become familiar. Ease them into other areas of the home as they become more comfortable.

These tips will help you with the transition from your old home to your new home in Fairfax. Once you arrive, it will be time to set up your new home for your pets.

4 Tips for Dog-Proofing Your New Fairfax Home

1. Watch for Harmful Plants

If you’re moving into a home in Fairfax, the past owner might have left houseplants behind. There could also be specific plants in the backyard that could be dangerous for your dogs or other pets.

Take the time to scope out the property and look for any dangerous plants, such as azalea, jade, or philodendron. You can find a list of plants dangerous for dogs and other pets here.

2. Make Sure Cords are Out of the Way

This tip is a bit more for puppies, but some dogs and other animals might be anxious in a new home. They might start chewing on things and the last thing you want them to do is to chew on your cords.

Make sure, as you set up electronics, you hide the cords to ensure your dogs cannot get them. Sometimes, cats will even chew on cords, so you have to make sure they are hidden away.

3. Check the Fence

It’s not uncommon to move into a new home with a fenced backyard only to discover there was a hole or an area your dog can get through. Before letting your dog out into the yard, check the fence. Look for holes and places your pup might escape.

4. Shut Doors with Carpeted Floors, if Possible

Dogs tend to be a bit more prone to accidents in a new area they are not familiar with. If you have bedrooms or other rooms with carpet, close the doors and don’t let your dogs in, at first. Let your pups get used to the rest of the home first, and ease them into these rooms once they are comfortable.

There are several ways to make sure your pets are comfortable when moving to Fairfax County with pets and in a new home. Use these tips to make your move stress-free and to ensure your home is ready for your dogs or other pets.