When you move around a lot for work, your pet tends to quickly get stressed or anxious. Leaving them in foreign pet hotels or “resorts” while you’re away takes a toll on their overall wellbeing and sense of security. Instead of contributing to heightened anxiety, it’s always best to find a place that welcomes you and your dog as a whole. Luckily, an increasing number of public places and hospitality options are becoming more dog friendly. If you’re planning on taking your dog with you while you’re relocated or traveling for an extended period of time, that’s great. Regardless of the situation, your dog will feel better being with you instead of being left with others. To help make the experience as pleasant as possible, here’s a few tips on keeping your dog comfortable in corporate housing.
1. Make a Plan
Make sure that you know how you’re going to get your pet to your new location. Flying with your dog in the cabin is often restricted to service animals and putting them in cargo areas of the airplane can be stressful for both owners and pets. If you won’t be driving to your new location, spend some time researching your options and make a plan beforehand. These days, there are plenty of pet transportation companies that use land routes instead of cargo holds. If you’re worried about your pet’s anxiety during the journey, talk to your veterinarian about some calming options that you can explore.
2. Bring the Essentials
Gather all of your dog’s favorite toys, blankets, beds, and treats and consider them essential items for your move. The more familiar you make your dog’s new environment, the more comfortable they’ll be. Make sure that you have plenty of toys to keep your dog entertained in their new space, as this can help reduce chewing and unexpected accidents.
3. Help Them Acclimate
One of the best ways to help your dog stay comfortable in corporate housing and acclimate quickly is to set up their own personal space immediately. This allows them to find comfort in an unfamiliar space right away and provides a solitude for when they’re feeling a little stressed. Find the perfect spot in your corporate housing and do what you can to make it theirs.
While you’re likely in a new city and excited to check out your surroundings, try to stay in for the first few nights that you’re at your new corporate housing. This gives your dog plenty of time to get used to their new home and understand that it’s a safe space. If you go out during the day, take your dog with. There are plenty of dog-friendly restaurants with patios, dog parks, and walking paths in and around Chicagoland that both you and your dog can enjoy. When you do start to leave them on their own, ease into it. Leave for a few minutes at a time and gradually work up to leaving them for longer periods of time. This will help communicate that your home is a safe place and that you’ll always come back.
4. Give Them Lots of Attention
While you’re probably used to giving your dog plenty of attention on a regular basis, don’t stop now. Moving can be a big event for dogs that causes stress and anxiety, especially when you’re preoccupied with setting up your corporate housing or getting things done for work. Try to be generous with affection and spend quality time with your dog on a daily basis. This can help them acclimate and reduce the chances that they’ll have unexpected accidents or develop bad habits. A few belly rubs in between tasks, a walk around the block, or a visit to a local dog park will do wonders.
5. Watch for Signs of Stress
To make sure that your dog is comfortable, try to keep an eye out for signs of stress. Stress can be manifested through the sudden onset of accidents throughout your home, new or worsened chewing on furniture or clothes, or even vomiting. Stress is also often presented through lethargy or a refusal to eat. If these things happen, take your dog to a local vet to make sure that everything is fine medically. Bring copies of your pet’s vaccinations and any other medical information that is essential to their wellbeing. Your vet will be able to help you determine ways to negate these symptoms and get your pet back to being comfortable and happy.
6. Find a Dog Park
Getting your dog outside to exercise and socialize is essential in increasing their overall comfort levels in corporate housing. Being cooped up in unfamiliar territory isn’t good for anyone, so take some time to look into local dog parks in your area. Dog parks are a great place for your pet to socialize and burn off extra energy.
7. Get Outside
If there aren’t any dog parks in your area, or your dog isn’t comfortable going to them, that’s okay. Instead, make time to get outside every day. Take your dog for a walk around the neighborhood, find a good forest preserve tucked away on the outskirts of the city, or enjoy the sprawling accessibility of greenery on Lake Shore Drive. There are a few options to bring your dog to a dog friendly beach, just make sure that you abide by posted rules. Getting your dog outside will also help you acclimate and feel more comfortable in your corporate housing, so try to do it at least once a day either before work, after, or during your lunch hour. Walking around is a great way to see the city, so get outside!
8. Find Corporate Housing with the Right Amenities
Corporate Suites Network understands that your pets are a part of your family. That’s why all of our locations across the Chicagoland area and beyond are pet friendly. Some locations have specific apartments designated for dogs and many locations are filled with extra amenities to accommodate your pet and help make them as comfortable as possible during your stay in corporate housing.
Marquee at Block 37 offers dog friendly furnished apartments in addition to an onsite dog run and dog wash. State & Chestnut ensures that apartments are deep cleaned to remove previous pet odors and boasts plenty of outdoor space that you can enjoy with your dog. Catalyst has a private dog run, an indoor pet wash station, and plenty of rooftop space to enjoy the views. If you want to experience some luxury, Moment offers both an in-house pet spa for your dog and a wellness spa for you so both owners and pets can kick back and relax.
Prior to your stay, contact Corporate Suites Network to learn more about pet fees, weight limits, or breed restrictions. Each apartment varies, but we’re happy to help you find something that works for you both.
Corporate Suites Network has a variety of properties throughout the Chicagoland area and surrounding suburbs. Our fully furnished short-term rentals provide our residents and their dogs with everything they need for a comfortable, stress-free stay. Call or email us today to learn more about Corporate Suites Network’s properties in and around Chicago.