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A Guide to Taking your Pets when Moving
Moving is an exciting and busy time. You can
get so busy preparing, packing, scheduling, etc. that you might forget
about the other "members" of your family - your pets. Planning to
take pets with you when moving? Start preparing now with the
quick guide below.
Pets in the Car
For dogs, cats and other pets who like to roam around, moving will be a
great task. Why? These types of pets become very
closely-knit with their home and environment. Going away from
their home can be devastating. If you're moving a short distance
from where you live currently, it's best if you can take your pets in
the car with you. They'll feel much safer being with you than on
a lonely, strange delivery truck. Dogs usually adjust to car
rides better than cats. If your pet is not accustomed to car
rides, try taking it on a ride several times before the move so it will
become familiar with riding.
If your pet is a bird, goldfish, hamster or other caged animal, make
sure the container used for transport is comfortable and secure.
Foreign Travel for Pets
If taking your pet to another country, you need to prepare in advance
for your pet just as you will for yourself. Some countries will
require a "pet passport" and other documentation. Apply early to
get your pet approved, and make sure your type of pet is allowed in
that particular country and the neighborhood where you will be living.
Pets in the Air
Plan a flight with your pet far in advance. Many airlines will
have certain requirements for taking pets along, so you can contact
them early on to learn what you should do. You'll likely have to
put your pet in a secure airport-approved carrier and take it on the
plane with you in the plane's designated animal area. This can be
a traumatic time for your pet, being separated from you for the entire
flight, so you will need to give it extra special care when you
arrive. Don't feed your pet too close to your flight time - it
might get sick. Also, mark the pet's container anywhere you can
with the words "Live Animal" so people handling the container will be
extra careful.
Pet Containers
There are many types of pet containers available on the market that are
great for travel. Make sure the container is large enough for
comfort, but not so large that your pet will be tossed around.
Your pet should be able to stand up, lie down or turn around.
Check the container for adequate ventilation, and make sure there are
no areas where leakage might occur when the pet "goes." Put
something absorbent in the bottom as well.
If you're uncertain about the best travel container for your pet, ask
your veterinarian for suggestions. Also, ask about medications to
help your pet on the trip, any vaccinations that might be needed before
traveling to another country, etc. When traveling to some
countries, you might need proof of vaccination from your vet.
Taking Care of your Pet during
the Move
If you have a cat or dog, put them in a separate room with food, water
and a toy during the loading process. The movers and all the
commotion can make any pet nervous, and might send your pet into hiding
if you don't keep it in a room with the door closed. Keep
checking on your pet in the room to let them know you're still around.
Arriving at the New Home with
your Pet
Arriving at your new home will be strange to your pet, so you should be
very cautious. Have a leash ready so the pet doesn't attempt to
run away. Keep your pet indoors for a few days until it becomes
familiar with the home. Then, take it outdoors on a leash each
day and let it explore the yard. Put the food and water dish
outside so the pet will realize that this is their new home - and yours.
Have an I.D. tag made for the animal's collar with the new address and
phone number in case it tries to run away. Also, have all the
animal's familiar items around such as bedding, toys, bowls, etc.
No matter what type of pet you have, take special time out of your busy
moving schedule to show your pet love and attention. This will
make moving much easier for you and your pet.
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