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Moving With Pets
One of the main reasons people find moving so stressful is that it disrupts their routines. Our routines are important to us; they give us a feeling of security.
Well, your pets are far more affected by changes in routine than you are. Just moving the dog's bed or the cat's food dish can cause your pet anxiety….often resulting in the need to clean up a mess! So, imagine the amount of upheaval an actual relocation causes.
Our advice on moving with pets is, basically, don't; sell or give them away. But, you're obviously not going to do that with your beloved pets. So, you need a game plan to minimize the trauma that moving will cause.
Preparing for moving day
As you start to pack, take down pictures, etc., in preparation for moving, your pets will pick up on the fact that something is changing. This is the time when they need extra attention and reassurance. Spend a little more time with them, maybe give them extra treats but, most important, don't change the routines they're used to any more than you absolutely have to.
When the movers arrive
Suddenly having a bunch of strangers bustling about your home can cause great anxiety in your pets. If they're shy of strangers, they'll want to hide, and you may have trouble finding them. If they're trusting and inquisitive, they may get in the way and possibly be injured or even run off.
In either case, the smartest thing to do is to clear a room of all furniture and other belongings before the movers arrive, and close your pet in with food, water and a favorite toy or two. Your pet still won't be happy, but you'll know where it is, and that it's safe.
At your new home
Assuming you arrive at your destination ahead of the movers, it's a good idea to let your pets wander around the house freely. They need to learn the layout-and the smells!-of their new home, and start to become comfortable with it.
Once the movers arrive, however, you need to once again close them in a room with food, water and a toy or two. If possible, make it a room that will hold a minimal amount of furniture, since you'll either have to move your pets when it comes time to furnish that room-possibly a tricky proposition-or move the furniture in yourself.
VERY IMPORTANT: Even if your pets are used to being outside on their own, you should take them outside on leashes (your cat will love that!) for at least a few weeks so that they can learn the neighborhood. Otherwise, you stand a chance of losing your pet because it can't find its way home, or because it instinctively heads back to your (and its) old home.
Once again, the anxiety caused by a new routine (nothing is where it used to be, after all) means that your pet will require extra attention during the first few weeks in the new home. If possible, take your pet's bed with you rather than packing it for transport on the truck. If not, at least a blanket that bears your and/or your pet's scent will make the animal feel more at home.
Transporting your pet
You have three options when it comes to getting your pet from here to there: taking it with you if you're driving; taking it on board the airplane in a carrier; or using a commercial animal transport firm, such as AirAnimal (www.airanimal.com).
By far, the best option from the point of view of minimizing your pet's anxiety is having it accompany you as you drive to your new destination. Create a bed for your dog in the back seat, and off you go. Make sure you stop frequently for exercise and water and, of course, make sure it's always on a leash when out of the car.
If you're traveling with a cat, you'll probably need to keep it in a carrier for the trip. Since cats don't usually adjust to auto travel the way dogs do, it might be a good idea to have your vet prescribe a mild tranquilizer.
If you're traveling far enough to require an overnight stay, be sure to plan lodgings that accept pets. AAA guides list such accommodations, and you can get this information online at www.aaa.com. Also, there are several good lodging guidebooks for traveling pet owners.
Make sure you've made provisions to guard against extreme temperatures and have plenty of water on hand. Don't leave them alone in the car for very long; it can cause panic. If you do have to leave them alone in the car, crack the window an inch or so and lock the doors.
If you're flying to your new home, and if your pet is small enough to fit into a carrier under your airplane seat, you may be allowed to keep it with you in the cabin during the flight; be sure to check with the airline. If not, it will have to be sent as airfreight. Either way, it will need to be sedated.
If your pet must be sent as airfreight, you might want to consider Air Animal or some other company that specializes in the transport of animals. They're professional, and they care about animals, and it will take away some of the stress of travel.
Whether you use a service or arrange airfreight for your pet on your own, make sure you reserve well in advance and follow the instructions carefully. Obtain the carrier well ahead of time and leave it in a prominent place in your home so that your pet can become accustomed to it. Put a blanket or towel bearing the animal's scent in the carrier.
However your pet travels to your new home, there are several important things to remember:
- Make sure it's wearing an ID tag bearing its name, your name and new address, and a phone number to call in case of emergency.
- See to it that its shot records are up to date, and have them with you.
- Check your destination state's regulations regarding importing pets. Use any search engine, keying in "(state) state government", which will yield an abundance of informative sites. Look for the state department of health site.
- If traveling by car, be aware that some states conduct border inspections or random inspections by highway patrol officers. Check the regulations of every state you plan to pass through, just to be on the safe side.
- Check the local ordinances in your new community regarding number and types of pets allowed, leash laws, etc. If you're moving to a large metropolitan area, keying "(city) municipal government" should yield the proper information. If not, you're probably best off calling the city or town hall and asking for the bureau of licenses.
Once again, bear in mind that whatever stress your move is causing you it's multiplied in your pet. Following these guidelines, and those provided by transport officials, will mean that you…and your pet…will come through the experience in fine shape. |