August 8, 2022 Posted in How-to
Daisy Wilson

Daisy was born in Salt Lake City and in her free time, she writes about moving and watches Charmed.

Moving From a Small Town to a Big City With a Dog – What Will Be Different

We all know that moving from a small town to a big city is never an easy transition and that our life will change, but will this transition affect your furry friends, and in which way? Well, there is no doubt that some things will change, and your dog will have to make some compromises as well and adjust to new circumstances. Let’s see what that might look like.

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With a furry friend by your side, there will be no relocation stress

Cross-country moving is stressful for humans, let alone for dogs, but you as a human can hire professional cross-country movers to ease the stress, while your best friend in the whole world can rely on your help only. Here is why living in a metropolis is better for you and your dog.

Living in a Big Metropolis With a Dog Will Be Fun

One thing is sure – dealing with moving stress will be much easier with your dog by your side. Trust us when we tell you that living in a metropolis with a dog will be fun. However, it will be different, especially if you have lived in a house with a yard.

Relocating to a big city with a dog will not be so hard since most bigger cities are pet friendly and have a lot of areas where you can spend some quality time with your dog. From dog parks to cafes, larger cities can offer a lot of fun activities for dogs and humans.

Dogs Are Welcomed Everywhere

No matter which metropolis you decide to relocate to, your pets will be welcomed. It’s no secret that bigger towns are pet friendly. So going to stores, restaurants, and even bars with your pet will probably not be an issue. You will see people walking their pets and carrying them in purses or backpacks everywhere.

Still, if you decide to relocate to New York, for example, you should be aware of a law that bans the entry of dogs that can not fit the bag in the subway. However, the law doesn’t specify how big a bag must be, so people found a way to get around this rule by introducing stylish IKEA carry-on bags for dogs.

Ask Your Employer About the Pet Policy

If you are relocating with pets, one of the questions you should ask your employer is whether or not pets are welcomed in the office. Depending on the type of job, some employers might allow their employees to bring pets to work with them every day.

Maybe you had the same option at your old job, but if you haven’t, you should definitely ask to take your dog to the office. It will be a great way for you to make new friends and bond with your colleagues. And last but not least, having your dog in the office will release the anxiety and stress you both might be experiencing due to all the changes.

You Will Be Able to Choose the Best Local Vet and Groomer in Town

Even though living in a small town has its charm, one of the biggest downsides is that you don’t have that many options, from bars and restaurants where you can hang out to stores and other amenities. On the other hand, when it comes to pets, there are not so many vets and groomers to choose from.

Well, in a metropolis, you will be able to choose from a number of vets and pick the best one for your dog. Also, finding the perfect groomer will be easy as well. In fact, on every corner, you will see pet shops, vets, and groomers. With so many of them, you will have a hard time deciding which one to choose.

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Get the best care for your dog

The Housing Market Will Be Different, and So Will the Living Space

House-hunting in a metropolis like LA or San Francisco will be hard and not so budget-friendly. Maybe you will have no other option but to rent a small studio for the first couple of months. If this situation happens, the transition from house to apartment will be the most difficult one, both for you and your dog.

You will have to downsize for a move and probably figure out some creative storage ideas if you want all your important belongings to fit. There will be no more space for enthusiastic zoomies around the house. But don’t worry. As long as your dog is with you, the dog will be happy and will adjust in no time. You will probably have to take long walks and try to be more entertaining to stimulate your dog.

Don’t Worry, You’ll Find Many Dog Parks You’ll Like

The next thing you want to do is to take your dog for a walk to get out of that small space. In cities, there are a lot of green areas and parks where you can walk your dog. Also, there are tons of dog parks and daycare centers. Take your dog for a walk around the block so he can get familiar with the neighborhood.

Google where the nearest park is and take a stroll there. This way, not only will your dog be happy, but you will also get to know the city and neighborhood. If you get familiar with your neighborhood, you will feel like you are at home much faster, and your relocation depression will be gone with the wind.

Additional Tips for Moving With a Dog – How to Make a Smooth Transition

Relocating with a dog can be stressful for your pet, but still, there are things you can do to make this transition easier. Once you relocate to your new house, let your dog sniff everything to get familiar with the space. Place the bowl with water and food where you want it to be. Pets might behave strangely in the beginning, but in no time, they will learn that that is their new home.

If you are relocating to a colder climate, make sure you have all the necessary equipment for your dog packed among your relocation essentials. There is a chance your long-distance moving company will deliver your belongings a day or even a week after your arrival, so you will have to have all the necessary things your dog needs as soon as you arrive. Here are some of the things to pack:

  • Food,
  • Blankets,
  • Favorite toys,
  • Medicine,
  • Dog jacket,
  • Dog bag.
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Before Your Cross-Country Movers Arrive, Designate One Area for Your Dog

Long-distance moving means you will probably have to hire experts to help you with the whole process. For this kind of relocation, the best is to hire a professional cross-country moving company for their services. If you invest in packing services alongside standard cross-country moving services, the big day will be much easier. With the assistance of long-distance movers, you will have a much more efficient move and a more systematic and faster unpacking after relocation.

On your relocation day, you need to consider the safety and well-being of your dog as well. There will be a lot of people going in and out of your apartment, so designate one area of the apartment for your dog. If possible, lock them in the crate. This way, you will not have to worry about the dog leaving the apartment or being injured in any way. The same goes for the moving-in day.

Moving From a Small Town to a Big City – Things to Do in Time to Come

If you wonder how do you move to a big city alone, well, if you move with your dog, you might not have to move alone, and you will adapt to a different environment much faster. But how do you become a city person? If you relocate with your dog, you are already halfway through becoming a truly urban person.

Life in a big city with a dog means you will meet new people much faster. There are dog enthusiasts on every corner, but if you wish to truly become an urban person and see the benefits of living in a big city, you will have to go even further from simply owning a dog.

Buy a Backpack to Carry Your Dog and Get to Know the Area Better

How do you adjust to big city life? Easily if you own a small dog, just buy a backpack so you two can go anywhere together. With your furry friend in a special backpack, you can use the subway or go on a bike ride around your neighborhood. Having fun with your dog will be an excellent excuse to get out of your home and explore your new surroundings. People will stop and greet you, and you will probably engage in some small talk as well.

Moving From a Small Town to a Big City May Lead to Some Changes in Your Routine

What to know before moving to a big city? Well, for starters, you will learn to live at a faster pace, and your lifestyle will probably change significantly. For example, leaving a dog at the daycare will become something normal, or inviting your new friends to a dog birthday party. Things like dog restaurants are pretty much normal in any metropolis, so don’t be surprised if you and your furry friend get invited to a dog party at a nearby restaurant.

How to Move to a Big City the Best Possible Way?

Moving cross country is probably one of the most stressful events in anyone’s life. There are so many things you must think about and arrange before you move. So hiring movers to help you out with your relocation is the only logical thing to do. They can help with large items, or you can even hire them to pack your fragile belongings. Either way, with the help of professionals, you will be able to focus on more important things, such as finding a place to live or a better job.

FAQ

Why do people move from small towns to big cities?

The biggest reason people move to larger cities is the vast number of job opportunities. Also, education, cultural diversity, and vibrant life are some of the most common reasons to move as well.

Is it better to live in a small town or a big city?

That depends on your personal preferences. Some people like to live in the urban jungle, where something is always happening, while others like to live in peaceful towns surrounded by nature. It all depends on your preferences, it’s always good to try both options.

Is it better to move to a big city?

If you are looking for a better job and a bustling urban vibe, then a metropolis will be perfect for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a quiet town to raise a family, then a smaller place is a better option. However, you can always move to a suburban part of a metropolis and have the best of both worlds.

How do people move to big cities with no money?

Relocation with absolutely no money will be hard, but there are ways to cut some unnecessary expenses. The best would be to start saving money at least six months before your move.

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