Getting ready for a relocation always involves a lot of preparation and a multitude of various tasks and activities. The essential parts are making an inventory list, buying packing supplies, packing your items in boxes, and organizing transportation. However, if you are moving with a pet, youll have yet another set of tasks to deal with. If you are moving to the Washington Metropolitan area, one of the best moving companies Arlington VA will advise you on how to prepare your dog for moving to Arlington. Follow the useful tips for a smoother relocation process with your pet!
Basic things to know about Arlington before moving there
Arlington is a county in the state of Virginia with a population of around 230,000 inhabitants. It is divided from the District of Columbia by the Potomac River. It is home to the Pentagon, Reagan National Airport, Arlington National Cemetery, the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima), and the United States Air Force Memorial. This county has immense historical importance, and if you are a history lover, this could easily be the perfect place for your new home. Besides, you have Beltway Movers DMV at your disposal to provide you with top-notch moving service. Now, the costs of living exceed the national average, but on the other hand, the unemployment rate and crime rate are very low. However, what’s perhaps even more important if you’re planning to move here with your furry companion, Arlington is in the top 20 most dog-friendly places in the United States!
Best ways to prepare your dog for moving to Arlington
If you are moving from MD to VA with your dog, you only have a short relocation journey to go through. It will be easy to take your pet on a short trip and move all your stuff with you. Surely you will need good planning and great organizational skills, in addition to hiring professional movers. The most important things to focus on when preparing your dog for moving to Arlington are as follows:
- plan the moving day in detail
- keep up their regular routine
- explore the new neighborhood with your dog
Plan the moving day carefully
When making a relocation plan, you need to figure out how to handle your dog on a moving day. The best solution would be to hire a dog sitter or ask a friend or family member to watch your dog while you are finishing up packing and greeting the movers. Also, think about travel arrangements. Will you buy an adequate car harness for the dog or a travel crate? Which one is safer and more comfortable? Also, remember to bring some snacks and treats with you in the car in case the dog gets hungry.
Keep up their regular routine
No matter how busy you are organizing the relocation, your dog needs walking, running around, and playing. Try to leave some free time in your busy schedule to cater to the dog’s needs. Luckily, Arlington is a very dog-friendly area with plenty of green spaces designated for pets, so your walks around local parks will be more than enjoyable.
Explore the new neighborhood with your dog
There are many places in Arlington County famous for parks and hiking trails. Apart from looking into moving companies in Virginia, the housing and job market, and much other stuff before moving, find out where you can take your dog for a walk after you settle in. It is very likely that wherever you find a flat or house in Arlington, it will be almost next to a park. One of the most prominent trails is called the Mount Vernon Trail, as it offers the opportunity to unwind by hiking, cycling, or running. It is open year-round and offers 18 miles of trails. This is a perfect place to take your dog for a walk. Remember to bring enough water and food for yourself and the dog when going on a hike. Apart from the abundance of nature, there are also many dog parks in Arlington County.
Have in mind that you are obliged to keep your dog on a leash at all times, except in the designated canine community areas. Also, there are a few off-leash parks where your dog can run freely and play with other dogs.
Parks in Arlinton your dog will enjoy
Your dog will love plaing at Glencarlyn Park, a 100-acre patch of green offers picnic spots, playgrounds, and hiking trails. This park also has a dog park which closes at 8pm, so you’ll have plenty of time to take your dog there. Another great park for your dog is James Hunter Dog Park. However, you should know that this park is closed for maintenance on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 to noon. Therefore, if you live nearby, it is good to know when the park is unavailable.
Other parks in Arlington County all have the same regulations when it comes to dogs – Utah Dog Park, Towers Dog Park, Fort Barnard Dog Park, and many more. For instance, Shirlington Park offers a great opportunity for your dogs to bathe and play in a stream. Before hiring one of the best moving companies in northern VA to help you relocate, it would be good to explore all the dog parks in the neighborhood.
Consider pet services while you prepare your dog for moving to Arlington
Residents of Arlington do not need to worry about the welfare of their pets. There are numerous services in the county that help improve the quality of life of your furry friends. A self-serve dog wash in Shirlington Park is a place where you can groom your dogs after they had their fun running and swimming around. Also, there are daycare centers, Shirlington Animal Hospital, various pet care companies, and countless stores with dog food. Also, there are many pet-friendly apartments to rent.
When trying to prepare your dog for moving to Arlington, check what Arington County has to offer to you and your pet. Be well prepared to integrate your dog into the new community. Since this is one of the most pet-friendly places in the country, it will be very easy to adapt.