{"id":226992,"date":"2023-01-18T12:46:08","date_gmt":"2023-01-18T17:46:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.livabl.com\/articles\/?p=226992"},"modified":"2023-01-18T12:46:08","modified_gmt":"2023-01-18T17:46:08","slug":"moving-to-arizona-with-a-dog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.livabl.com\/articles\/guides\/moving-to-arizona-with-a-dog","title":{"rendered":"Moving to Arizona with a dog"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Picture it: You\u2019re getting ready to move cross-country with your family to your new home in Arizona. You\u2019ve considered everything, from the schools to the kids, to mapping the quickest commutes to work and your favorite stores. Then, your best furry friend jumps into your lap and hits you with \u201cwhat about me?\u201d eyes. Ah, yes, the dog. Have you considered what moving to Arizona with a dog will be like?<\/p>\n

This article has all the information you need to move to Arizona with a dog. You\u2019ll learn how to tackle the moving process, protect your dog from the desert heat and local pests, pet registration, and dog-friendly places to explore with your pooch.<\/p>\n

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Understanding how your dog’s needs are going to change once you move to Arizona is important (Photo credit: bernardbodo<\/a>)<\/p><\/div>\n

Moving to Arizona with a dog \u2013 how to prep<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re planning to fly your dog to your new home, you\u2019ll want to check with the airline about its crate specifications. Flying is stressful for a dog, so you may wish to consult your vet about medications. Even mild sedation might be the trick to keep your dog calm on a long trip. In addition, ensure your dog has water and one or two articles of comfort (a favorite toy or a shirt that smells like you can help).<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re driving, remember that routine is key to keeping stress at bay. If you always go for a morning walk, do your best to maintain that with your pet before hitting the road each day. Allow ample time at rest stops for outside time and try to keep meals at the same time as you did before the move. Stock up on chews and snuffle mats to ease the boredom. A snuffle mat can come in all types of shapes and has places within the fabric to hide treats. They\u2019re great mental exercise for your pet.<\/p>\n

Do I need to register my dog in Arizona?<\/h2>\n

Arizona state law requires all dogs over three months of age to be registered and vaccinated for rabies. So, what happens if you don\u2019t register? Dog owners must apply for an application within 15 days of vaccination. Failure to do so is a class 2 misdemeanor, resulting in the owner facing a maximum penalty of $22 if caught. The license is valid for one year, so don\u2019t forget to renew it.<\/p>\n

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Carry plenty of water for yourself and your dog when you’re out on hot days (Photo credit: Chalabala<\/a>)<\/p><\/div>\n

Beating the heat \u2013 protecting your pup<\/h2>\n

Humans have sweat glands to cool themselves off in the brutal desert heat. But dogs can only pant to lower their temperature. When a dog pants, it brings small amounts of air into the lungs to help cool the body. As a result, dogs can develop heat stroke more quickly than most species because dogs lack sweat glands that allow the skin and body to cool themselves down.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s critical that you protect your dog from the oppressive Arizona sunshine. That means never leaving your dog alone in the car, even when you think it\u2019s safe. Leaving your windows down or parking in a shady spot won\u2019t be enough to keep things cool. Inside a car, a relatively pleasant day of 77\u00b0F can feel like 105\u00b0F within minutes. This temperature will cause dogs to go into heatstroke.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re out in the heat and your dog shows signs of distress, put the air conditioning on, spray your dog down with water or stop and go for a swim to lower their body temperature as soon as possible and get to a cool environment. Seek veterinary care as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n

Arizona is known for its spectacular warm weather. In cities such as Phoenix, summer stretches from April to late October. The days regularly break the three-digit mark during summer\u2019s peak, in July. To get your dog some outdoor exercise during this period, try to walk them during dawn, dusk, and after the sun goes down if your schedule allows it. Don\u2019t forget to bring some water for both of you.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t forget the feet<\/h3>\n

Responsible pet owners should understand how the Arizona summer will affect the temperatures of the asphalt and sidewalks in addition to the air. A basic rule is that your dog’s feet should not be exposed to temperatures too hot for the back of your hand.<\/p>\n

If you’re forced to take them outside when it\u2019s hot, you might want to get them some boots to protect their feet. Here are some things to keep in mind when purchasing dog boots:<\/p>\n