Tips For Moving Pets
Routines:
Your regular routines are likely going to be
disrupted as you plan for and execute a relocation. But it's important to
minimize the disruption in the routine of your pet as much as possible to avoid
problems down the road. Try to stick with the pet's regular schedule of
feeding, exercise and playtime.
New People:
If you're selling a home, there are going to be lots
of strangers around in the coming months - realtors, potential buyers,
inspectors. Make plans for your pet for during these times. Perhaps your pet
should be confined to a familiar crate so that he/ she feels safe when there
are newcomers in the house. Or, a particularly sensitive animal might do better
staying with a neighbor or boarding at a kennel during these times.
State/Municipal Laws and
Regulations:
Most states have laws pertaining to the entry of
pets, and many municipalities enforce specific pet regulations. Contact the
state veterinarian in the capitol of your new home state to learn about the
laws, and get in touch with the city clerk or town hall in your new
city to learn about license fees, leash laws, fences,
and other pet restrictions.
Inoculations:
At the beginning of your moving process, before
things get really busy, make an appointment with your vet to get all of your
pet's inoculations up to date. Many states require a health certificate for
pets and verification that the animal is disease free. And if you plan to board
your pet at any time, or will be transporting the animal in an airplane, you'll
need this paperwork, as well.
Pet Identification and Paperwork:
Now is the time to make sure your pet has proper
identification with your name and emergency contact information. In addition to
the animal's permanent ID and rabies tag, make a temporary ID tag with your
cell phone number and the number of a friend or relative who would be easy to
reach while you're traveling to your new home. This might also be the time to
consider chip identification for your pet, since you'll soon be living in
unfamiliar surroundings.
Airline Transportation:
If you're moving your pet by airplane, contact the
airlines for rules and regulations, transportation charges and
container/carrier requirements. Make your reservations well in advance because
pet approval is granted on a first-come, first-served basis. And feed your pet
no less than five or six hours before flight time. Give him/her water about two
hours before take-off.
Auto Transportation:
If you're moving your pet by car, start making a list
of items you'll need for a "pet travel kit," including a carrier, collapsible
dishes, favorite toys, water, food and treats. If your pet isn't used to car
travel, start practicing with short trips around the neighborhood. If
necessary, ask your vet about tranquilizers to relax the animal. And when
traveling with a pet, it's a good idea to have a "clean-up kit" in the car for
motion sickness situations. Don't forget to take a few
exercise, water and bathroom breaks, and remember, you won't be able to stop
for leisurely meals if you have an animal in the car.
Tips for Dogs:
After moving into a new house, immediately walk your
dog around the neighborhood so that he/she becomes familiar with the new area.
Establish boundaries in the yard for your dog to roam, and help him/her become
accustomed to the new environment by maintaining a regular feeding and walking
schedule.
Tips for Cats:
Try not to expose your cat to your new living
arrangements all at once. It's a good idea to limit the number of rooms the cat
is allowed in and gradually let him/her explore. Surround the cat with familiar
items during the move to reduce emotional stress, and once you're in your new
home, don't let your cat outside until he/she is familiar with the new living
environment to reduce the risk of running away.
Familiar Surroundings:
Because you're in a "new" home,
often with new décor and furniture, you may be tempted to replace your pet's
old favorites, too. But it's better to use your pet's familiar food and water
dishes, bed, blanket and toys to make him/her feel "at home." Try to keep
things in the same locations as they were in your previous residence, as well.