3,753 Miles in the Dead of Winter: What Our 2016 Move Taught Us About Pet Relocation

Nine years ago this week, Mauricio and I were behind the wheel of a brand-new Dodge Durango, staring down 3,753 miles of highway from Washington State to Florida. In December. With three dogs.

We had Ava, our 120-pound Russian Ovtcharka. Otto, our 20-pound French Bulldog who refused to get out of the car at rest stops. And Ginger, our 20-pound Jack Russell/American Bulldog mix who pulled like a bulldozer despite her size.

We had less than 60 days from job offer to move-in day. That's the reality of corporate relocations—you don't get six months to plan. You get two months, maybe less, and you figure it out as you go.

That move changed everything for us. It was the moment we realized: if we were going to keep moving with our dogs, we needed to stop winging it and start documenting what actually worked.

The Route: Avoiding the "Ice Box"

We chose the southern route along I-10 to dodge the worst of winter weather. We weren't taking chances with black ice and mountain passes—not with three dogs in the back.

Our stops:

• Redding, California: Fairfield Inn and Suites
• Bakersfield, California: Residence Inn Bakersfield
• Tucson, Arizona: Radisson Suites Tucson
• Fort Stockton, Texas: La Quinta Inn Fort Stockton (welcome to the fuel dead zone)
• Houston, Texas: Candlewood Suites Houston I-10 East
• Mobile, Alabama: TownePlace Suites Mobile

Seven days. Six hotels. One week of learning lessons the hard way.

The Lessons We Learned (The Hard Way)

Lesson 1: Hotel Websites Lie

We booked a hotel online that said "pet-friendly." When we arrived, the front desk told us they had a two-pet maximum. I showed them the confirmation email, asked for the manager, and explained we were relocating. They let us stay.

The takeaway: Never trust the website. Always call ahead. Policies are guidelines, not laws.

Lesson 2: Your Dogs Will Surprise You

Otto refused to get out of the car at rest stops. He'd just sit there. Eventually, biology won, but it taught us patience.

The takeaway: Dogs are stubborn. Stress changes their behavior. Plan for the unexpected.

Lesson 3: The First-Floor Room is Non-Negotiable

Wrestling three dogs into an elevator at 2 AM? No thanks. First-floor rooms near an exit make for quick bathroom breaks and fewer complaints from neighbors.

The takeaway: Always request the first floor. Hotels will accommodate if you ask.

Lesson 4: You Need a Cleanup Kit

Ginger got carsick on Day 2. We weren't prepared. After that, paper towels and enzymatic cleaner stayed in the front footwell, not buried in the back.

The takeaway: Accidents happen. Be ready for them with instant access.

Lesson 5: Equipment Fails

Even in 2016, we were learning: pack backup collars, backup leashes, and backup harnesses.

The takeaway: A $20 backup is cheaper than losing your dog in a strange state.

Why We Wrote the Guide

Since 2016, we've relocated our dogs over 7,600 miles. We've survived blizzards, international paperwork, and $3,000 transport quotes. We did it all on our own, documenting every step.

This Friday, December 26, we're launching The 2026 DIY Pet Relocation Roadmap.

What's Inside the Roadmap

✅ The Hotel Call Script: Word-for-word conversation to get hotels to bend the rules
✅ The 60-Day Timeline: Built for corporate relocations with tight deadlines
✅ The Two-Suitcase System: Daily essentials vs. destination gear
✅ The Roadside Cleanup Kit: What to pack and where to keep it
✅ 10-Day Travel Logbook: Plan your route and stay organized

Launch Details: First 50 Get Special Access

The 2026 DIY Pet Relocation Roadmap launches Friday, December 26 at 8 AM EST.

• 🎁 First 25 blog followers: Full guide FREE ($39 value!)
• 🎁 Next 25 blog followers: Freebies pack (checklists & templates)
• 💰 Everyone else: $29 (Launch price through Jan 15)

Want the codes? Join our email list here and you'll get them in your inbox Christmas Day (Thursday, Dec 25)—24 hours before the public launch.

JOIN THE EMAIL LIST FOR CODES

See you Friday. 🐾

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What's Coming in 2026

• 📍 The International DIY Pet Relocation Roadmap (Early 2026)
• 🤝 Exclusive Concierge Service (Mid-Late 2026)