Moving with Pets
Think of it this way — you've just been placed
in a foreign land — you don't speak the language,
you don't understand what's expected and a lot of new
— sometimes frightening, sometimes exciting —
experiences are ahead of you. That's a taste of what
it might feel like to a dog — or any pet —
that is making the journey with you to your new home.
It is up to you to make the journey as easy as possible
for them.
There are bound to be a few problems along the way.
The thing to remember is that most problem behaviors
can be rectified with patience and love. The first step
is usually trying to see the world as your pet sees
it and then together you both can start to speak the
same language.
As the moving date approaches, try to maintain your
animal's routine as much as possible, including feeding,
exercise and play times. Make sure your pet is wearing
updated identification, and that you're carrying some
kind of identification for your pet, including current
pictures along with a written description. If your pet
escapes at any time during your move, you'll be prepared.
Some other veterinarian recommended forms of ID:
- Tattooing is a permanent ID system that involves
marking pertinent information on the skin of the pet.
The finder must call a database and use the code tattooed
on your pet to get your current address and phone
number. This is invaluable ID should your pet be stolen
for research, since laboratories will instantly know
the animal is not abandoned, but a beloved pet.
- Implanting a microchip - a tiny electronic capsule
- into the pet enables anyone with a scanner (like
many animal care and control agencies, veterinary
clinics, and research labs) to quickly identify a
code which, when the database is called, will identify
you as the owner.
However, both tattooing and microchipping only work
if you keep the information stored at the database current.
Vets also recommend that if you pack a water supply
from the home you're leaving. Changing water sources
could cause your pet stomach upset and ultimately dehydration.
Keep your pet's food as bland as possible; this isn't
the time to experiment with new brands or varieties.
Take your pet for a thorough physical exam prior to
your move, and make sure you obtain your pet's updated
records from your vet.
Obviously, if it is only a short move, the animal can
travel with the family in the car (depending on local
regulations concerning restraints) and some movers will
let dogs travel in trucks. Most vets should be able
to help with travel containers which will help calm
soothe pets and give them a comfort space, especially
if there is a familiar sleeping rug to give it a familiar
smell. Make sure they have access to water and food
and if the trip is several hours long it will probably
be necessary to take them out for a walk at some stage.
If you're planning a cross-country move by air, it
will be necessary to check with the airline as to its
pet policy. If you're contemplating having your pet
travel in the cargo section of the plane, you may want
to consider first that because this area is in the belly
of the plane, you won't have access to your pet at any
time during the flight.
If the pet must be left alone in a hotel room, place
a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door and inform
the maid and the front desk. Consider bringing along
a portable kennel for use in hotel rooms or the homes
of friends or relatives who are not comfortable with
your pet loose when no one is home.
- When traveling by car, pack a pet “suitcase”
and first aid kit:
- Spare collars wit ID tags & leashes
- Plenty of bottled water (or water from your tap).
Your pet’s stomach can be upset by a sudden
change in the water.
- Plastic “pick up” bags for picking up
waste
- Enough pet food and treats for the entire trip
- Can opener
- Water and food bowls
- Plastic spoons for mixing and dishing out the food.
- Pet’s favorite toys and blankets
- Combs, brushes, flea powder (if necessary)
- Paper towels, sponges or towel for muddy paws
- Cotton balls and Q-tips to clean eyes & ears
- Contact information for your regular veterinarian
and a referral vet at your new residence
- Pet’s medical records
Soaring temperatures are no more comfortable for dogs
and cats than they are for people. Heat prostration
is a common cause of summer illness that can, and does,
kill many beloved pets each year. If your pet spends
a substantial part of its day outside, be sure that
you provide a cool, shady spot for it to escape the
hot summer sun and plenty of cool, clean water. A sheltered
area must also be available so that the pet can escape
summer storms. Be sure that areas in which pets are
housed are secure and that pets cannot run into busy
streets, fall into deep window wells, or become trapped
within or under lawn equipment. Some of the worst summer
tragedies involve pets that are left in vehicles in
the sun with the windows partially or completely rolled
up. Temperatures inside a car rapidly climb to more
than 100 F and can cause death sometimes in as little
as 10 minutes! If you need to leave your pet in a car
for any period of time, please do the pet and yourself
a favor and leave the pet at home.
When traveling with your pet, call ahead to make
sure the pet will be welcome at any hotels or
homes where you intend to stay. Travel from state
to state usually requires a health certificate
for each pet, which has been signed by a veterinarian.
Travel outside of the country often requires that
the pet be quarantined for a specified period
of time, so be sure to check restrictions in the
country to which you will be traveling. Remember
that sometimes the best solution for everyone
is to make arrangements for someone to watch the
pet in your home, or to bring the pet to a boarding
facility designed to provide it with the special
care it needs.
