Prior to Moving
Keep to a Normal Routine
o Leave their
beds, litter boxes, and feed bowls in their customary places until the actual
moving day. This will give them a feeling of comfort.
o Be consistent
with their meal and play times. (If you are traveling by car, you might want to
adjust their main meal to the one consumed in the evening).
o If possible,
try to pack gradually. This is less confusing than a sudden disruption of items
disappearing into mountains of boxes. As you finish packing a box, seal it
immediately. The fewer open boxes, the less chance your pet is curled up inside
of one.
o Your pets,
particularly cats, might begin to show signs of nervousness as the moving date
approaches. Make sure you give them plenty of attention. This will be the time
that they might run away.
Preparation for a Long Distance by Car
o Your dog is
probably used to riding in your car, however your cat is another matter. A few
weeks prior to actually moving, try getting your cat familiar with the idea of
car travel. Place him/her inside their carrier, place it in the car and take
them on short trips. Slowly increase the traveling distance until they seem to
understand that riding in a car doesn’t have to be the most horrific experience
on earth!!
o Now is also
the time to make overnight reservations. For a list of hotels and motels that
take pets, see the resources at the end of the report.
o You might want
to be putting together a “Pet Travel Kit” for the car.
ü A sturdy pet
carrier
ü A litter pan,
scooper and extra litter for your cat
ü Water and food
bowl
ü Enough regular
food to last until you can purchase more at your destination. (This will avoid
upsetting your pet’s digestive system)
ü Enough water
from home to last until you arrive at your destination. (Again this will avoid
stomach upsets)
ü Can opener and
plastic spoons for dishing out the food
ü Plastic,
resealable containers
ü A few weeks’
worth of medication
ü Leash &
collar (harness for cats) with current identification tags
ü Grooming
equipment
ü Paper Towels,
sponge, scooper and plastic bags
ü Spray air
freshener (if staying overnight at a motel / hotel)
ü Favorite bed
or sleeping mat
ü Favorite toys
and a few treats
ü Health
certificates and any other important travel documents
Preparation for a Short Distance by
Car
o If you are
moving nearby, allow your pet to investigate your new home while it is still
empty. Let them explore, sniff and get a feel for this new environment. (Make
sure outside doors are locked so that the animals can’t accidentally get away
on you).
o Keep your cat
carrier open and available if your cat is exploring the new house. It may want
to scoot back into something familiar.
o Take your dog
for walks around the new neighborhood, prior to moving. Let it get acquainted
with the new sounds, and smells.
Preparation for Air Travel
o Airlines are
not required to carry live animals and may refuse to transport your pet if
traveling conditions do not meet the standard requirement. Since airline
regulations are constantly changing, make sure you receive the most recent
instructions. Also, ask about any extra transportation charges and insurance
coverage. The number of pets allowed on a flight is strictly limited, so make
sure you make your reservations well in advance. Reconfirm your reservation
with the airline 24 to 48 hours before departure.
o When making
your reservation, consider the following:
ü The airlines
has facilities at the final destination or transfer point to handle your pet
ü If connecting
to another airlines … will there be another set of transportation rules? Are
you responsible making sure your pet is transferred from one airline to another?
ü Does the
airlines offer counter-to-counter service (your pet will be carried on and off
the aircraft by an airline employee)
ü If you will be
flying with your pet, certain animals can be accepted as “Carry-On Baggage”.
They must be able to fit into an FAA approved carrier which is then stowed
under the passenger seat. Check with the specific airlines for more details.
Otherwise, your pet will be traveling in the Cargo Hold of the aircraft.
ü Try to book a
direct flight. If this is not possible, try booking a midweek flight when
stopovers are fewer
ü Avoid having
your pet transferred from one aircraft to another. Besides additional cost, it
is also additional stress for your animal.
ü Avoid shipping
your pets in extreme weather conditions (above 80 degrees or below 40 degrees),
at both your departure point and destination. Loading and unloading could be
dangerous. If weather is warm, consider booking early morning or evening
flights.
o Many airlines
will ask to see a recent veterinarian Health Certificate that was issued no
more than 10 days prior to the time of departure.
o If you pet
will be departing after you, make sure you arrange for someone to look after
checking-in your pet with the airline. They must have all the necessary
paperwork and tickets. If your pet will be arriving at the final destination
before you, make sure the person who will be picking up your pet has the
complete flight schedule, name of the airport and Air Waybill number.
o It is up to
you to retrieve your pet at the destination (usually within 90 minutes of
arrival). If pets are not picked up within a reasonable amount of time, they
will be boarded at a kennel at the owner’s expense.
Shipping Containers
o Shipping
containers should be purchased well in advance of departure date to allow your
pet to gradually become accustom to it.
o Your pet will
need to stay in this container for the entire duration of the trip. Make sure
it is large enough for your dog or cat to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably
o All carriers
or containers must meet airline regulations. In general, they should be strong
enough to be jostled and won’t smash if it comes into contact with other
freight. They should have proper cross ventilation, not leak and the doors must
be secure. Container wheels will need to be removable. You don’t want your pet
rolling around in the cargo hold. They should also be free of any objects that
might injure an animal during transport. Most airlines sell FAA approved
shipping containers for your pet through their freight department.
o Make sure that
you clearly write LIVE ANIMAL on the container or carrier, in order to alert
baggage handlers.
Moving Overseas
o If moving
outside the United States, make sure that you check into the quarantine policy.
To be quarantined is to be kept in solitary confinement. Some countries
policies are so long in duration, it might not be fair for your pet to have to
endure it.
o Pets must have
been vaccinated 30 days prior to departure. Proper Identification
o Identification
(ID) tags must include your pet’s name along with the name, address and phone
number of a contact to reach … while you are in transit. This can later be
changed to your own address and phone number after reaching your destination.
Your dog or cat should be wearing identification at all times
o Most states
require you to have a rabies tag on your pet’s collar
o You might also
want to keep a recent photo and written description of your dog or cat (size,
weight, coloring, markings) with you in case your pet escapes during the move.
Regulations & Requirements
State Requirements
o
If
you will be crossing state lines, understand that the regulations regarding
importation of animals could change depending on which state you will be
traveling in.
o
Well
in advance of your move, contact the State Veterinarian or State Department of
Animal Husbandry to receive the specific requirements for entering each of the
states connected with your move. Allow enough time to process the necessary
paperwork, inoculations, etc.
o
Certain
states carry out specific border inspections of all animals entering the state,
while others carry out random inspections via the state highway patrol
officers.
o
If
arriving in a new state via an airline, the state department of agriculture is
usually present in the airport terminal to inspect the paperwork for your pet.
Health Certificates
o
Health
certificates are issued by your veterinarian and must include a pet
description, an inoculation list and a statement that it is not carrying
infectious disease.
o
Nearly
all states require an interstate health certificate for dogs and nearly half
the states require one for cats
o
You
will need a health certificate if your pet is traveling by air
o
They
are only good for 10 DAYS
Rabies Tag
o
Almost
all states require dogs and cats to have a rabies inoculation
o
The
law usually states that rabies tag be attached securely to your pet’s collar.
Local Ordinances
o
Check
with the city or town hall in your new community for any laws regarding pets.
Many communities have pet control and licensing ordinances for both dogs and
cats.
o
This
should be done as soon as you decide to move, in order to provide enough time
to acquire any necessary permits or to obtain required registration.
o
License
fees will vary from location to location, as will the amount of time for a new
resident to obtain a pet license.
A Trip to the Vet
o
Well
in advance of moving, your pet should undergo a thorough physical exam. This
gives you plenty of time for any unforeseen treatments or inoculations.
o
Make
sure all their vaccinations are up-to-date … particularly their rabies
vaccination.
o
If
your pet is moving to a different type of climate, discuss with your vet any
change in treatments or medication this might precipitate.
o
If
your pet will be traveling by plane, have your vet explain the pros and cons of
tranquilization. There is some discussion that a pet traveling in cargo, should
not be sedated due to high altitudes. (Some airlines even have their own rules
when it comes to sedation).
o
If
your pet is currently on medication, make sure you have enough to last until
you are settled at your destination
o
Obtain
a copy of your pet’s health records and ask your Vet if he/she can recommend
another veterinarian in your new town or city. If not, check the Resources at
the end of this report.
Moving Day
Looking After Your Pet
o Make sure your
pet is wearing current identification
o If possible,
arrange for your pet to stay with a friend during the final days of the move.
This eliminates the chance of being sealed in a box. It also reduces the stress
on your pet and so there is less chance of it trying to run away.
o If your pet
stays with you, the trauma of strangers coming and going and their territory
being dismantled, may cause them to either hide or bolt out an open door. There
is also the chance of getting stepped on or injured in some way. Therefore,
consider restricting them to one empty room and keep the door shut. Provide
fresh food, water, a litter pan for cats, some toys, their beds … and their
traveling carriers (they should be really well acquainted with these by now).
o In order for
your pet not to be disturbed – or to escape – hang a big sign on the door for
movers: “DO NOT OPEN – PETS INSIDE”.
o Arrange for a
pet-sitter to come and keep an eye on them (making sure their food is
replenished, they have someone to play with, and to take your dog for walks on
a leash).
The Car Journey
o
If
you will be feeding your pet during the trip, make sure the food is the same as
that which they normally eat and the water is brought from your old home.
o
Your
pet should stop eating 3 hours prior to starting the trip. After that, feed it
only once a day (preferably in the evening, when you have stopped overnight)
o
Walk
your dog just prior to starting the trip. This will give you some time before
your pet will need to be walked again.
o
Make
sure that your pet is secure inside of a travel carrier big enough to stand,
turn and lie down in. For cats, the carrier should also have room for a litter
pan, and water bowl. For large dogs, you should stop every two hours and allow
them stretch.
o
During
rest stops, provide your pets with fresh drinking water in order to avoid
dehydration. Remember to clean up after walking your dog.
o
NEVER
let your pet loose. ALWAYS make sure a leash is firmly attached BEFORE you open
a car door. Consider simply keeping your cat safe in its carrier. Don’t give
your pet a chance to bolt on you. An open door, no matter how quick you are,
can spell desertion!!!
o
Leave
a couple of car windows open slightly, for ventilation, but keep your dog from
hanging its head out. Dust and insects and blow into their eyes, and too much
wind can inflame their ears.
o
NEVER
leave your pet in the car alone. Not only does this encourage theft, but on a
warm day the car interior can become deathly hot within minutes … even with the
windows slightly open.
o
NEVER
let your pet ride in the back of a pickup truck or inside a trailer.
o
If
staying overnight at a motel, feed your pet shortly after you arrive.
o
If
you must go out, place the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door and notify
management. However, it is unwise to leave your pet alone in a room. It could
become noisy, chew or scratch the furniture, and escape if a maid ignores the
sign and opens the door.
o
In
the morning, make sure the room is left in the condition you found it. Air
fresheners will help to eliminate any lingering odors.
The Plane Journey
o Prepare your
pet’s carrier. Put a familiar blanket on the floor, add some favorite toys,
securely attach food and water dishes to the door, along with instructions for
feeding and watering over a 24-hour period of time. Even though this is longer
than the traveling period, the instructions will alert airline personnel should
your pet be delayed in transit.
o Make sure that
the contact information of the persons responsible for your pet at both the
destination and origin be clearly marked on the carrier AND on your pet’s
travel ID tag.
o Feed your pet
at least five or six hours before flight time. Allow your pet some water at least
two hours before the flight. Take your dog for a long walk prior to leaving for
the airport.
o Arrive at the
airport with lots of time to spare. If your pet is going by cargo, you will
have to use the cargo terminal which is usually situated in a separate building
to the main terminal.
o Walk your dog
again upon arrival at the airport and administer any medication. Attach the
leash to the outside of the carrier. (If placed inside, your pet might become
entangled in it).
o Never let your
pet out of its carrier once you are inside the terminal.
o Call the
person who will be waiting at the destination. Let them know your pet is on the
way. Reconfirm the correct airport for pick-up, the flight number and the
waybill number.
A Missing Pet
o If your pet
does not show up at the proper airport destination, immediately contact the
airline personnel. If they cannot locate it then:
ü Contact animal
control agencies and humane societies in the local and surrounding areas. Check
with them daily.
ü Contact the
APHIS-Animal Care regional office closest to where your pet was lost.
Eastern Region: (301) 734-4981,
Central Region: (817) 885-6910, Western Region: (916) 857-6205.
ü For further
information, call 1-800-545-USDA.
Your New Home
Upon Arrival
o
Make
sure your new home is “pet safe”. Look for anything that might be poisonous,
might burn, topple over or choke if swallowed. Also, check for any loose window
screens that an inquisitive cat might be able to push out.
o
Do
not introduce new toys, food, dishes, blankets, etc. at this time. Your pet
needs the comfort of familiar objects. Put several litter pans out for your
cat. This avoids the chance of your pet marking its new territory. Make sure
you show your cat where the litter pans are located.
o
Try
to stick to your familiar routine as far as walks and mealtime are concerned.
Pets love consistency.
o
If
your pet has an accident, clean up immediately or it might be prone to repeat
the behavior in the same spot.
o
Select
a veterinarian and then take a drive around to the clinic in order to see
exactly where it’s located. You don’t want to wait until there is an emergency.
Just For Cats
o
Cats
do not like anything that is new or unpredictable. They are also control
junkies and, therefore, are particularly vulnerable to stress at this time. Do
not be surprised if your normally calm cat turns aggressive for a while. Or
your exuberant cat becomes withdrawn. If symptoms persist, then a visit to the
Vet might be in order
o
Because
of a cat’s high degree of sensitivity, it will need to be introduced gradually
to the rooms within your new home. Place your cat in a small room (possibly a
bedroom) that has familiar furniture. Include their carrier (for security),
food, litter pan, bed and toys. Once your cat becomes used to this environment,
let it slowly explore the rest of the house. Do not force your cat to come out
of the bedroom. It will when it’s ready. Also, make sure you leave the bedroom
door open. This is its sanctuary and your cat will probably be scurrying in and
out for a while.
o
When
your cat begins to explore the rest of the house, make sure you have litter
pans, food and water set up in their permanent locations. Otherwise, your pet
will become trained to using the “Safety Room” for these purposes.
o
This
exploration process might begin after several hours of confinement, or several
days. Again, let your pet set its own discovery schedule.
o
If
your cat is an “outdoor cat”, keep it confined within the house for several
days or even weeks. They must be totally adjusted to the new home and realize
that this is where it’s going to be living now. If you let them out too soon,
they could strike out for your former residence (no matter how far away that
might be). For the first 2 or 3 days, closely supervise these outings to make
sure your cat remains close to home.
o
When
ready to explore outside for the first time, only partially feed your cat. A
slightly hungry pet will probably won’t wander off too far from their food
bowl.
Just For Dogs
o Before letting
your dog outside, check to make sure fencing and gates are secure. You don’t
want your pet to escape on you.
o After you
arrive, take your dog for a stroll around the new neighborhood. Allow it to
sniff and mark its territory. Let your pet become accustomed to the new sights,
sounds and smells.
o If you have
regular visitors to your house (e.g. a mail carrier), introduce them to your
dog so that your dog will not see them as enemies.
o Make sure your
dog is wearing proper ID at all times and that you adhere to any community pet
bylaws.
Resources:
www.petswelcome.com - A listing by city
of hotels and B&B’s that will let you stay overnight with your pet(s).
For Your Cats
|
For Your Dogs
|
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