Moving with Animals
Tracy Smith, Relocation Specialist, Moving companies.us Staff
Moving Your Pets
Your pets are an integral part of your family. When you make the decision to move to a new home, you do not want to leave these family members behind. Planning your move ahead of time is the best way to make sure that you and your pets make it to your new home successfully. Remember that any change can be very stressful for your pet, so it is important to avoid as many stressful situations as possible.
Laws and Records
The first step that you need to take when you are considering a move with your pets is to research the laws and requirements of your new home. Some cities may require different things than the place you currently live. You might have to apply for a certain permit or carry special insurance in order to keep your pet in that area. Make sure to verify what shots are required before you bring your pet into a new place.
Visit your Vet First
It is vital to the health of you and your pet that you schedule a check up with your current veterinarian before you move. This will help you to make sure that your pet is in good health and has all the necessary vaccinations that it will need in its new home. You can also arrange for your records to be sent to a new veterinarian.
Moving in a Car
While some animals love riding in cars, other animals can become very stressed. You know your pet best, so you are best equipped to provide your pet with what they need while they are riding in a car. If your pet does not like to ride in cars, you may want to consider placing them in a crate or pet carrier for the duration of the move. For small pets, you will probably want to cover their cages with a towel or sheet in order to help keep them calm.
Long Distance Drives
If you are traveling long distances, you should schedule in extra time for exercise or walks. This obviously does not apply to smaller pets, but dogs can get very disruptive if they are kept in a car for a very long period of time. If you are going to be staying in a hotel overnight, make sure that they know you are bringing a pet and verify that pets are allowed. Be prepared to pay an extra fee for your pet.
Items to Pack
There are many different things that you can pack for your pet. Some of the most important include:
- Something to cover your car upholstery. This will help keep your car clean.
- Toys and bones to keep your pet entertained during a long drive. These should familiar toys that will help your pet feel at home.
- Leashes or restraining devices. These are important for animals that may need exercise at some point. Remember that you cannot let your pets roam free at rest stops or anywhere else.
- Cleaning supplies. Bring a bag with towels, sponges, and some cleaning solution just in case your pet happens to get sick.
- If your pet is on any medications, it is vital that you pack them in the car where the pet is being moved.
Moving in a Plane
If you will be flying to your new destination, it is important to make special arrangements with the airline for the transport of your pets. Most airlines have special programs where your pet can fly in the same plane as you do. Remember that airline requirements are very strict, so you need to have all records and paperwork prepared when you arrive at the airport. Ask about what kinds of carriers are approved by the airline before your moving day.
In order to make this process as stress-free as possible, we have provided a few tips for moving pets by air:
- Walk all dogs right before they are loaded into the carrier for the flight. This will prevent accidents that may occur in flight and will make your pet more comfortable as well.
- Try not to feed your pet for the 12 hours before the trip. If you have to, make it a minimal amount that they can digest before being loaded into the carrier.
- Make notes of anything the airline should know about your pet before you hand him over to them.
- Be sure to label your carrier so that there is no question of who and what he is as well as how to contact you if he should get mixed up. Also make sure that your pet's collar contains vital contact information.
- Give your pet any required medications before they are loaded into the carrier.
After You Arrive
Moving your pet can be a difficult task to undertake, but it is possible to accomplish it with a low level of stress. By following these simple steps you can make sure that a happy pet arrives at your new home. Remember to get new pet tags as soon as you get to your new home. Your pet will be disoriented, so you need to make sure that people who find him can contact you if he gets away.
You should also schedule an appointment with your new veterinarian as soon as possible after you arrive. This will ensure that your pet is still healthy and that you meet all of the legal requirements of your new place of residence. Once complete, you can sit back and relax with your pet in your new home.
Movers specialize in Pets Moving
There is one ground transport moving company for pets.
They spent 20 years in the moving profession. Three years ago they retired from moving people and started Precious Pets Transport Services. We highly recommend this company:
www.preciouspetstransportservices.com
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