Moving Your Pet Safely
Keep Up Your Regular Routines
Keep
your pets' routines (feeding, exercise, and play-time) as
regular as possible. During the move itself, you may want
to leave your pet at a friend's house. That way you won't
have to worry about the pet getting in your way, or worse,
running away.
Visit Your Veterinarian Before the Trip
Before
the move, take your pet to your veterinarian for a thorough
physical exam. If your cat or dog is on any medication, be
sure that you have enough for the period while you are settling into your new home and have the time to locate a reputable vet in your new area.
Don't forget to take with you copies of
your pets' records. It will make things much easier for the
new veterinarian at the new location. To find a new veterinarian
near your new home you can call the American Animal Hospital
Association (AAHA) at (800) 883-6301.
Check on State Laws Regarding Pets
Since the laws and regulations regarding the importation of
animals differ from one state to another, check with a veterinarian
in the new area before your move to be sure your pet complies with that state's requirements.
Make sure to do this a few weeks in advance since the process
may involve some paperwork.
Moving your pets by plane
Be aware that some arilines will not transport pets at all and most that do will only do so when the temperature outside is within a limited range. Be sure to check with the airline you intend to use ahead of time
Try to book a direct flight to minimize the time the animal
may be sitting outside the plane on the tarmack in inclement weather conditions and to reduce to the minimum the chance of your pet being lost as luggage and it are transferred from one plane to another.
Some airlines provide counter-to-counter service so your pet
will be carried on and off the plane by an airline employee.
This service costs a little more, but it may be worth it for
your pet's health and your peace of mind.
Moving your Pet by Car
Avoid feeding or giving your pets water for several hours
before your begin the drive to your new home unless they are very used to traveling in the car with you. Try to be attentive to your pets' well-being.
Make a stop whenever your pet seems to be uncomfortable. Be ready
to make frequent stops for feeding and resting. Try to feed your pets on a schedule as close as possible to their schedule before you started the trip
If possible, never leave your pet in the car alone. It is
against the law in some states, but if you must, remember to open the windows and sunroof if you have one
and lock the doors. Do not leave your pet alone in the
car for long. Take the pet out for a walk if possible during most of your stops. Remember that they need to relive themselves just as you do.
Find hotels in advance of your drive that accept pets. Listings of animal-friendly hotels are available from the U S Auto Club (AAA) and will help you find overnight
lodging during your move. Some hotel chains accept pets at almost all of thier locations, but be aware taht some localities have laws banning pets in hotels and motels so do your homework
on this before you start driving.
Moving Your Cat
Since cats tend to become more attached to their
environment rather than to people, moving with cats will be
harder on them. When relocating with a cat, you must prepare
in advance. Show your cat plenty of attention and constantly
reassure it with familiar items and scents so the move does
not come as a shock.
Since most cats are not familiar with traveling in a car as dogs are, try
to take your cat on short trips around the neighborhood and
then slowly increase the distance in the weeks before your move.
If your cat is present during the move, confine it in its
favorite room along with its favorite bed and toys. That way
you reduce the chance of your cat running away or getting
lost in one of the boxes while you are packing.
At your new home, provide your cat with a comfortable
living space. Limit the cats' explorations to just the new
house and then, if you allow it outside, gradually accompany it on tours outside. Confining
an "outdoor" cat in this manner may seem a bit cruel, but cats are more likely to try to return
to their old house, no matter the distance for quite a while. It might
take a month till the cat feels comfortable in the new home
and becomes familiar with its particular scents and noises.
Moving Your Dog
Unlike cats who prefer the routine, dogs may
welcome a change in their environment. Dogs become
more attached to their owners as opposed to their environment.
Therefore moving a dog is easier than moving a cat. Most likely, your dog has become accustomed to riding
in a car and being on a leash. But it is recommended that
you further condition your dog for longer car rides. Drive
with him around the neighborhood a few times.
Since dogs, just like cats, may become upset on moving day
when they see all of the unusual activity, you may want to consider confining
the dog in its favorite room along with its favorite blanket
and toys until things settle down and you're ready to get in the car.
As soon as you arrive at your new home, take your dog for a walk immediately. Help your
dog become familiar with the new neighborhood. Let it sniff
around and mark its territory. Because dogs develop strong
relationships with their owners, they're less likely to run
away. In the new home, provide a comfortable sleeping area
for the dog and try to keep a familiar routine of walks and
meals. Dogs must go outside everyday.
Purchase a new ID tag for your pet(s)
As soon as you know your new address, get a pet ID tag that includes
your new address and telephone number. An up-to-date ID tag
is a lost pet's ticket home.
I invite you to consider moving to the greater Tampa Bay Florida area and bringing your pet. Once you visit Tampa Bay, I know you'll want to consider owning real estate here; either as a year-round home or condo or as a seasonal getaway spot."
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