We all know the trials of moving from one home to another. No matter how much we plan ahead, the job of moving is stressful. And as a pet owner (two cats and a dog), I can appreciate the planning required when moving to a new home with pets. From pre-move pet planning to considering a pet mover, this article will walk you through it step by step.
Pre-move pet planning
Contact the State Veterinarian’s Office or the State Department of Agriculture to request the pet laws and regulations of your destination state.
Contact the local office of the City Clerk to request information on pet ordinances. There may be “leash laws,” license requirements, and household pet limitations. Manying zoning laws prohibit certain “pets,” such as pigs, goats, venomous snakes, or monkeys in apartments, condominiums, and residential communities.
Check your apartment lease or condominium complex rules to make sure you are in compliance with the community’s pet regulations and rules, i.e., some condos allow one dog weighing less than 20 lbs. per household.
Request your pet’s health records from your veterinarian so you will have them on hand when you register with your new vet.
Take a current photo of your pet with you at the time of the move in the unfortunate event your pet is lost.
However you are traveling put a collar with ID tag on your pet that in the very least includes the pet’s name, your name, and your new address.Your best bet is to get tags and advice from your vet who can help you include a rabies tag on the collar if needed as most states require this. You can also seek assistance from a state animal control agency.
Ask your veterinarian if a Health Certificate is required for your pet in your destination state. If so, this certificate can only be issued by a licensed veterinarian and must be accompanied by current inoculation records.
If you own an exotic pet, your vet can help you verify if you need a permit to enter the destination state with your pet and assist you in applying for one.
Animals love routine.If you choose to take your animal with you by car, be sure to bring along a few of their favorite toys, treats, and blanket.
Deciding how to move your pet
How should you transport your pet to its new home? By air, ground transport, or in your car? If you are not equipped to provide lots of tender loving care to your pet during a cross-country trip, perhaps it’s better to hire a professional pet mover to take your animal to its new home by truck or air. If you are flying to your new destination, it’s probably preferable and always more cost-effective to just take your pet with you.
However you decide to move your little friend, a sturdy, secure carrier that is spacious enough for your pet to move around in, lie down, and stand up in is paramount. Make sure it has adequate cross-ventilation and a leak-proof base that you can layer with absorbent lining.
Taking your pet on the road
If you decide to take the family pet on the road trip to your new home, you’ll save money and help your animal feel secure amid the changes. Taking your pet on the road can be an enjoyable experience provided you plan accordingly.
Make sure your pet is comfortable traveling by car or take it out on some short “road trips” to get it used to it. If your pet is prone to motion sickness, discuss the situation with your veterinarian who can prescribe medication to reduce or eliminate the symptoms.
Feed your pet and provide it water a few hours before you leave and feed it only once daily, if possible, while on the road. Bring along bottled water to avoid upset stomachs.
If you are traveling with a dog, make periodic stops so you can take it for walks on a leash and provide it with water as needed.
Keep power windows up and locked to prevent the animal from inadvertently lowering the window and jumping or falling out.
Keep your pets cool inside the car, especially when it’s hot outside to keep them comfortable and prevent motion sickness. Small animals, such as gerbils, hamsters, and guinea pigs are sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.
Do not leave your pet unattended in the car unless you are within eyesight and for a brief period. In that case, crack the windows and make sure the air temperature is moderate and there is plenty of water for your pet.
If you plan to stay in hotels for overnight stops, contact lodgings in advance to be certain they are pet-friendly establishments.
Keep a plentiful supply of bottled water, disinfectant, room deodorizer, and paper towels in the car as well as an extra leash. If you are traveling with a dog, extra cleanup bags and a scooper are a must.
Keep your pet’s favorite toys and blanket nearby at all times.
Traveling by air
If you decide to fly your pet to its new destination, federal regulations require using a carrier that has a secure closing mechanism that can be opened in case of emergency. You will not be permitted to lock the carrier during the flight. As soon as you decide to fly with your pet, make sure you check with the airlines about carrier and pet requirements and restrictions. For instance, an exotic animal such as a venomous snake may not be allowed on the plane.
To ensure that your pet is as safe and comfortable as possible during the flight, here are a few more tips:
Most airlines offer reasonably priced approved carriers for sale with at least 48-hour notice. If you decide to purchase an authorized kennel from an airline, you can rest assured that these carriers meet all pet transportation requirements as designated by the US Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) and International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Leave your carrier out at home for a few weeks to give your pet a chance to get familiar with it. Tuck your pet’s favorite toys or blanket in it, to entice him or her into getting comfortable in the carrier.
Make sure your pet is on the same flight you are taking.
If you are taking a small dog or a cat with you, ask the airlines if your pet can travel on board with you rather than in the cargo area and inquire about any related requirements.
Book a direct flight so you do not have to worry about any mishaps that can occur when changing flights.
Have your pet’s nails clipped before the flight to ensure the pet’s safety as well as the safety of any person who may need to handle the pet.
Consult with a trusted veterinarian about whether you should consider giving your pet tranquilizers during the trip.
Carry a photo of your pet with you at all times in case your pet is lost during the trip and fasten two IDs to your pet’s collar: one with the pet’s name, your name, and new address, and another temporary travel ID that lists your pet’s name and your name or a contact’s name, address, and a telephone number where someone can be immediately contacted in case of emergency.
Feed your pet five or six hours before the flight and provide it water up to two hours before takeoff, except in the case of a very hot day.
When should you consider a professional pet mover?
If your pet requires special handling due to illness, or you believe the stress of taking it on a long road trip on route to your new home might be too stressful for the animal, you may wish to consider hiring professional pet movers to transport your pet to its new home. Buses, trains, and traditional movers are not legally permitted to move pets, with the exception of Seeing Eye dogs. You can ask your veterinarian for a referral or look in the yellow pages and ask a business for references.
Moving your pet into your new home
Once you arrive at your new home, designate an empty room for your pet. In it put the open carrier, its food, water, toys, and blanket. Visit your pet periodically and remain calm in its presence. Also, let it get used to the back yard if you have one. Keeping your pet away from the hustle and bustle of moving-in day as much as possible will help it feel more secure while it’s getting used to its new surroundings. Once everything settles down, you can open the door to your pet’s room and it will join the rest of the family when it is ready. The sooner you can re-establish its set routines in the new house, the better. Before you know it, your pet will feel right at home in the new house.
http://www.homesadvisory.com/moving-guide-how-to-move-with-pets.html
