Moving With a Puppy in the Car

Moving is hard. And moving with a puppy? That’s even harder.

Puppies require near constant oversight, which can be difficult to provide when you’re distracted by things like getting those final boxes packed and loading up the moving truck. And then there’s moving with a puppy itself. If you’re going to be moving with a puppy in the car then you’ll have to take into account a number of key considerations, including how to keep your furry friend safe, happy, healthy, and as stress-free as possible during the move.

Moving with a puppy in a car isn’t much different than moving with an older dog in a car (you can see our advice on how to do that here), but there are extra things that you’re going to need to keep in mind. Your puppy might not have a ton of experience riding in the car yet, and will almost certainly be confused and excited by all of the chaos going on around them. Your goal is to minimize stress as much as you can while managing your standard moving day to do list and the needs of your puppy. Sound like a lot? We’ll walk you through it. Keep reading for our best advice on moving with a puppy in a car.

1. Plan Ahead

Any time you have an extra variable to consider with your move—whether that’s a puppy, a kitty, a fish tank, or some other type of non-standard moving responsibility—the more that you can plan ahead the better off that you’ll end up being. From where your puppy is going to sit in the car to how you’re going to store all of their things for easy access once you arrive at your new home, you always want to figure out the details first and then put them into action instead of simply winging it.

The front seat is not ideal for puppies, since a deployed airbag is a major safety hazard. So when you’re moving with a puppy in a car, you’ll need to have a strategy with your packing to ensure that there’s plenty of room in the back for a carrier, which, speaking of….

2. Use a Carrier or Car Seat

Older dogs can be left uncrated during a move, but when you’re moving with a puppy you’ll want to be sure to use a sturdy travel carrier. A carrier ensures that your puppy stays in one place while you’re in the car. It’s also a safe space for your animal companion and can go a long way toward minimizing moving day anxiety—especially if it’s a carrier that they’re already used to sleeping and/or traveling in.

Keep in mind that this carrier might not be your puppy’s standard crate, since, depending on the size of your car, you might not have room for it. If you do have to use a separate carrier from the one that your puppy is used to, give them a chance to get acclimated to it prior to moving. Starting two to three weeks before your move, encourage your puppy to explore the crate by feeding them meals and treats inside of it and putting a comfy blanket and favorite toy in there. Let them play and eat in the carrier on their own, and eventually do some practice with them in there and the carrier gate closed.

Another option is to use a dog car seat which can be buckled into the back seat with the seat belt. These carriers usually have a cushion base to provide comfort for your puppy. They’ll also have a mini leash attached to the seat that can attach to your puppy’s collar to keep him in the dog seat.

3. Be Strategic with Feeding

It’s never a good idea to feed a puppy right before getting in the car, since that can lead to an upset stomach—and a potential mess. Your puppy is probably on a pretty set feeding routine which can make it a bit difficult to mix it up on moving day, but for their own health and well-being (and the well-being of your car), you’ll want to rearrange their schedule to ensure that they don’t eat a full meal in the three hours or so prior to travel time. The same goes for water. And don’t feel too guilty about it: you’ll get back on track tomorrow.

4. Talk To Your Vet

If you have any concerns at all about moving with a puppy in a car, then your vet is going to be a great resource for you. Your veterinarian will likely have plenty of additional advice for you based off your puppy’s own history and temperament, and can also help you manage your puppy’s stress and anxiety if you think it’s going to be an issue. While we often think of puppies being happy to be in the car, it’s not always the case, and the irregularity of routine caused by moving activities and schedule changes could bring on additional stress.

If you’re worried about moving day stress and your puppy, be sure to check in with your vet and go over any potential remedies. Your vet may recommend an anxiety medication or a non-prescription aid like CBD treats or a calming collar.

5. Go For a Walk Before You Hit the Road

You know what the say: a tired puppy is a good puppy. You’re going to have a lot more difficulty moving with a puppy in a car if that puppy is bursting at the seams with energy, so make a point of getting in some exercise first, even if it’s just a walk around the block. Not only does this help your puppy get out some of their energy, it also gives them an opportunity for a potty break. And as a general rule of thumb, you always want to make sure that your puppy goes to the bathroom before they go into their travel carrier.

6. Stay Calm

Dogs are pros at reading our body language. One of the best things that you can do for your puppy on moving day is to remain as outwardly calm and relaxed as you possibly can, even if you’re not particularly feeling it. By staying even keeled yourself, you signal to your puppy that everything is okay and under control.

This goes both ways: staying calm will help minimize your puppy’s stress in the car, and also, importantly, their excitement. Speak in a pleasant but even tone, and comfort your puppy if needed but don’t overly coddle them, since that suggests that something is going on that they need to worry about. As an added benefit, staying calm—even if it’s forced—will help minimize your own stress, too.

7. Bring on a Pet Sitter, If You Can

The best thing that you can do for your own stress when it comes to moving with a puppy is to have the help of a pet sitter on moving day. You’ll have enough going on without having to constantly worry about where your furry friend is and what they’re doing, and having your puppy off site means that you can keep the doors open as needed as you bring boxes to the moving truck and your car.

Ask a friend or family member if they can watch your puppy during the day, and then come pick up your puppy up in the car when you’re on your way to your next destination. If you’re moving close enough, you may even be able to come get your puppy after you’ve already unloaded your car. Getting some help from a pet sitter can make a significant difference in how your day goes, and shouldn’t be too hard to do—most people are more than happy to spend a free day with a puppy by their side!

8. Deal With Puppy First When You Arrive

You’ve still got plenty of moving day tasks to attend to when you pull up in the driveway at your new home, but the very first thing you’ll want to do is take care of your pup. If your puppy hasn’t had a chance to visit your new home yet, this is a good time to let them explore and take in some of the not-yet-familiar smells.

Keeping your puppy on a leash, explore the yard first and give them a chance for another potty break. Then continue the exploration inside. Put out some fresh water, and if it’s time, a meal too. Also pick a corner where you can put down their bed and some toys. Once your puppy is situated, you can get to work unloading the car and truck—though make sure pup is in a room with the door closed so they don’t escape out the front.

Moving with a puppy in a car doesn’t have to be a harrowing experience. Follow the tips above and both you and puppy should have a much smoother ride.