Moving isn’t just hard on you.
Packing, moving and unpacking can also take a toll on your pet — especially if have a long way to travel to your new home. Here are some do’s and don’ts for moving with a pet that could help ease the transition.
Moving pet do’s
Moving pets can be tricky. Can they go in the moving van? (No.) Can I ship them? (Yes.) Can they stay in a hotel? (Depends.) Here’s what you should do when you move with your pet:
•Do plan ahead: If you know you’re moving cross-country and are flying to your new home, make all the necessary arrangements for your pet to fly with you. This means making special accommodations for your dog to be transported, either on the plane in the cargo hold or shipped by a pet transport company like WeMovePets.com. (Small dogs might be able to fly with you as passengers.)
•Do buy a good pet carrier: If you’re driving a long distance or flying, then you’ll need a good pet carrier that will protect your animal during transport.
•Do talk to your veterinarian: He knows your pet well and can advise you on whether your cat is up for major traveling. If needed, he can even prescribe a pet tranquilizer to help calm your animal down, particularly if you have a nervous dog or neurotic cat.
•Do get your pet used to the drive: If your cat never goes anywhere with you, take him on short drives leading up to the move. That way, he won’t spend the entire drive with his claws in your leg, making the trip both painful and dangerous.
•Do change your pets’ collar tags: The day you head to your new home, put the new tags on identifying your new address and new phone number in case the worst happens and you get separated from your pet.
•Do keep pets away from the moving madness: While loading up the moving van, keep them in a quiet place away from all the turmoil.
•Do find a new veterinarian before you move: Having a new doctor in your rolodex might save you precious time. Make sure to have not only the new vet’s phone number, but his address and directions to his office.
•Do comply with local laws. Many municipalities require pets to be registered with animal control in case a collar is lost. Follow the laws once you move, or you could be fined.
Moving pet don’ts
There are many things that can go wrong during a move. Losing or hurting your pet shouldn’t be one of them.
•Don’t wait until the last minute to arrange transportation: Book both of your tickets well in advance of your move.
•Don’t try to transport your pet in the back of the moving van: It’s not safe during the move. Make other arrangements.
•Do call any hotels before arriving to confirm that your pet is welcome: Many hotels do not allow pets to stay in their rooms, though that trend is changing. Consult PetsWelcome.com for pet-friendly hotels that allow animals to stay with their owners.
•Don’t forget to pack a pet travel kit: This kit should include food, a bowl, a leash, medications, and plastic bags to scoop up waste. You may also want to bring toys to provide fun distractions for your pet.
•Don’t feed your animal right before the move: They might get motion sickness.
•Don’t forget the walks: If possible, try to keep up with your animal’s normal routines: Walks, feedings, bathroom breaks. This should help keep their anxiety down from the move activities.
Moving your pet can be fairly easy if you follow some easy pet travel do’s and don’ts.
The Humane Society also has great information on moving with pets, as does the
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
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