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Moving Your Pets
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Whether your creatures of choice are furry, hairy, feathered or scaly, you love and want the best for them. Especially for the bigger animals (dogs and cats), relocating can be a cause of great distress. Animals detest change and this is the biggest one they may experience. Be sure to remember them in your planning process and take some extra measures to assure their comfort during this transition.
Clean Bill of Health
Regardless of whether your trip is a short one or a long one, you’ll want to get a check-up to insure that your pet is healthy enough for a move. Older animals or animals with heart conditions, for example, may require extra precautions, and your veterinarian can advise you of those. Also, if your move involves a flight for your animal, you’ll be required to have an up-to-date health certificate; plan on visiting the vet at least 30 days before your move. In addition, be sure to get copies of your animals’ health records to bring with you to the new veterinarian. One last point: some states have special regulations on importing pets. Be sure to find out if your pet needs to have any special shots or will need to be quarantined for any period of time (as in the state of Hawaii).
Moving Day
While you are packing and/or loading up your truck, be sure your pet is in a safe place. Cats and dogs may wish to wander outside; the chaos inside may be too much for them. Or consider closing your animals in an empty room with plenty of food, water and toys to keep them busy.
Automobile Transport
Car travel can be pretty traumatic for animals – especially cats – so be prepared. Most small animals (birds, guinea pigs, reptiles, etc.) can be relocated by car with no ill effects, though it is always helpful (if it’s not too hot) to place a towel over the cage. For cats and dogs, however, you may need to take added measure to make them comfortable. For cats, it is best to always keep them in a carrier while traveling by car. You can make the pet carrier more comfortable by inserting a towel and/or an article of clothing with your scent on it. For dogs you may not need anything, but it is wise to always travel with a leash and/or harness. On long trips, you’ll need to take plenty of fresh water and food for your pet. You should also be prepared for such emergencies as carsickness or accidents, by keeping paper towels and cleaning solution with you. You should never, never leave your pet unattended in a parked car.
Airplane Transport
If your relocation involves a flight for your animal, you’ll need to make arrangements far in advance. As stated above, you’ll need a recent health certificate, and a carrier that meets the airline’s requirements. You may find that certain airlines don’t allow animals of any kind, or that extra fees apply. On the day of the flight, be sure your dog gets an extra long walk before hand. If at all possible, book a direct flight so your animal can be free as soon as possible.
Professional Animal Transport
If your animal has a history of traveling poorly, or you just have your hands full, you may consider hiring a profession animal transporter to get your pet from point A to point B. Though this will be an added expense, it may be worth the cost to set your mind at ease, knowing your beloved pet will be with professionals that work with animals for a living.
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