GENERAL GUIDELINES
Keep your pets' routines as regular as possible as
you prepare to move. If you normally feed, exercise
or play with them at a certain time, continue to do
so. During the final stages of moving, it may be
best to keep your pet either at a friend's house or
a kennel, reducing the chance of your pet getting
upset and running away through an open door.
Keep identification on the pet at all times and be
sure you have current pictures along with a written
description available. This will reduce a lot of
stress should your pet escape.
If
the length of the move requires the animal be
provided with food and water, be sure the food is
bland and easily digested and that the water comes
from your home supply. Changing diet or water
sources are common causes of diarrhea and vomiting
from upset stomachs. If in doubt, check with your
veterinarian for food recommendations.
Prior to moving, schedule a visit with your
veterinarian for a thorough physical exam, making
sure all vaccinations are current, especially the
rabies vaccination. While at your veterinarian's
office, get copies of your pets' records and check
to see if he can recommend another veterinarian at
your new location. You can also call the American
Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) at (800) 883-6301
for the names of AAHA veterinarians near your new
home.
If
your pet is on any medication be sure to have an
ample supply so you won't run out before getting
settled in your new location. Also discuss with your
veterinarian whether your pet should be tranquilized
during the move. If so, get enough to try it out
prior to the move to be sure the dosage works
properly.
Since each state has different laws and regulations
regarding the importation of animals and some
counties and municipalities have their own
ordinances, check with a veterinarian in the new
area to be sure your pet complies. It is important
to do this several weeks before your move to allow
time for all paper work to be completed.
Temperature extremes should be avoided. In most
cases, it's best to transport your animal in a
sturdy, insulated carrier to help regulate the
changing temperature. Never leave a pet in a hot car
during the summer time or a cold car in the winter.
If
you are transporting the pet by plane, try to book a
direct flight to minimize the time the animal may be
sitting outside the plane in inclement weather
conditions. Some airlines provide counter-to-counter
service so an airline employee will carry your pet
on and off the plane. While this service costs a
little more, it may be worth it for your peace of
mind.
CATS
Cats are notorious for getting into trouble during
the moving process since they are particularly
sensitive to stress. For these reasons it is
particularly important to maintain your cat's normal
routine. During the move itself, keep your cat
confined to one room with food, water, a litter pan,
some favorite toys, and the carrier you plan to use
so your cat can get used to it. The door should be
locked or have a large, "Do Not Open" sign on it, so
the movers won't inadvertently let the "cat out of
the bag."
Transport your cat in a well-constructed cat carrier
large enough to have room for food, water and a
small litter box. If you are carrying your cat with
you in the car and plan to stop overnight, be sure
to call ahead to find a hotel that accepts cats.
Upon arrival at your destination, place the cat and
carrier in one secure room with at least two doors
between the cat and the outside. Open the door of
the carrier and let the cat decide when to come out.
Allow your cat to become acclimated to the one room
before releasing him to the rest of the house. If
the cat scurries for cover when you open the door,
wait a day or two longer, then try again. Let the
cat explore other rooms of the house when it meets
you at the door.
If
your cat is accustomed to going outdoors, wait
several days after arriving at your new home before
letting the cat out, placing him on a leash or
harness for short exploratory trips. After 2 or 3
days of these trips, you can begin to let your cat
out on its own.
DOGS
Dogs are generally easier to move than cats since
they aren't as affected by the stress. A few special
considerations to keep in mind include being
prepared to clean up after your dog at rest stops.
Carry a roll of paper towels and disposable plastic
bags. Place a piece of paper towel over the solid
matter, and your hand in one of the plastic bags.
Pick up the towel and solid matter and pull the bag
down over your hand and towel, turning it inside
out. Then, twist, seal and dispose.
If
you have a small dog and plan on flying to your new
home, he may be able to fly with you in the
passenger compartment if he is small enough to fit
into a carry-on bag that will fit under the seat.
Check with the airlines for details. If you are
transporting a larger dog by plane, try to book a
direct flight to prevent your pet from having to
spend long periods in a distant airport, and have
someone scheduled to pick up your dog at the other
end.
Never leave any pet in the car for more than a few
minutes. This is especially important during warm
weather. If you are carrying your dog with you in
the car and plan to stop overnight, be sure to call
ahead to find a hotel that accepts dogs.
BIRDS
Birds need a health certificate to enter most states
and depending on the species may be required to have
tests done for certain diseases. Since these
regulations can change, it is important that your
present veterinarian verify these requirements well
in advance of your moving.
If
you will be taking your bird in the car, maintain a
warm, constant temperature since birds are
particularly sensitive to temperature changes. It is
possible to carry the bird in its cage as long as
you have a cover for it to prevent drafts and keep
the bird in a darkened setting to reduce the bird's
anxiety. If you have an excitable bird, it may be
necessary to cushion the cage or crate with a soft
material to reduce self-inflicted trauma.
Place slices of apple, grapes or other fruit in the
cage to supplement the bird's water supply and be
sure they have adequate places to perch.
FISH
If
you have a small number of fish and are moving only
a short distance, you can move them to their new
location by using plastic bags half filled with
water and the other half with air. Place the bags in
an insulated container such as an ice chest or
Styrofoam container to help maintain a steady
temperature.
For a larger number of fish or for transporting over
a greater distance, 5-10 gallon plastic containers
can be used. First, fill them with water (either
salt or fresh water, depending on the type of fish)
and change the water often to remove any toxins that
might leach from the plastic. On moving day fill the
containers half full with water and place the fish
in the water, about 1-2 fish per gallon.
If
your trip is going to take more than a couple of
days, it's best to invest in some portable aerators
to keep the water well oxygenated. Do not keep the
containers in the car overnight since the drop in
temperature is likely to be too severe.
REPTILES
If
you are going to ship a venomous snake, it must be
placed inside two sturdy boxes or a box inside a
wooden crate. With non-venomous ones only one box is
needed. Be sure the containers are well insulated
and contain air holes for ventilation and are
clearly marked with both the common and scientific
name of the species.
If
you are transporting your snake in your car, be sure
not to leave it in the car overnight. Take it into
the hotel room (be sure they allow pets), and let it
soak for about an hour in the tub. (You will have to
take turns.)
The easiest pet to move is a turtle, which can be
overnight expressed in a well cushioned, insulated
box with air holes.
American Tortoise Rescue, a nonprofit organization
founded to provide for the rescue of turtles and
tortoises, recommends using overnight mail. Be sure
to write "Fragile, Live Cargo" and "this side up" on
the outside of the box to increase the chances of a
softer ride. You can also place leaves or grass
inside the container for added cushion and to give
the box a more homey environment.
Remember to keep the surroundings of all reptiles
moist but not wet. Dampening a cloth and placing it
inside the container is the best approach.
