MOVING THE FAMILY PETS

Moving is stressful for anyone, including the family pet. Whether it's a dog, cat, bird, or any other type pet, preplanning is extremely important when it comes to moving a pet. Pets can become nervous when faced with an unfamiliar situation. The better prepared you are, the more comfortable your pet will be.

PET TRAUMA

From your pets viewpoint there's nothing more annoying than being yanked from familiar territory - that has already been marked and suddenly placed in new surroundings and a new home. Most pets would probably rank moving right up there with baths and visits to the vet. A suggestion for dogs if you are moving a short distance, take them to the new home prior to the day of the move. Let your dog walk the perimeter and yard so they can do a little marking that will help them claim the place as their home.

Don’t forget the details:

Remember to get a copy of health records from the veterinarian. This information needs to be passed on to the veterinarian at the new location to ensure continued good health.

Get a current Health Certificate. Most states require one for dogs. Many states will require one for cats and birds. The Health Certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian and must be accompanied by an inoculations record.

Make sure they have proper identification. The identification should be secured to his or her collar (birds are identified by leg bands). ID tags should include pet's name, your name and destination address. Most states also require dogs and cats to have a rabies tag on their collars.

Check for local pet ordinances. "Leash Laws" are becoming more common, as a result many cities now have Dog Parks for off leash romps. Licensing may be another requirement, pet taxes are charged in many cities, or there could be ordinances on the number of pets you can have.

If you have an unusual or exotic pet make sure they are allowed where you are moving. Some neighborhoods have restrictive covenants that dictate what types of pets are allowed.

IF YOU HAVE TO FLY

First and foremost, when putting your pet on a plane, make travel arrangements well in advance to avoid problems. Before departure:

1. Have your pet checked by a vet. Get any necessary inoculations, a health certificate, and any sedatives or medications your pet may need.
2. Check the airline in advance for instructions, reservations, special requirements and insurance coverage.
3. Get a Federal Aviation Administration approved container and a travel ID tag.

If you plan to bring your pet on board, and if it's small enough to fit in the cabin area, you must notify the airlines in advance. Some airlines will allow a pet inside if it is in an FAA-approved container and will fit under the seat; it is odorless and inoffensive and the limit for the number of animals inside the cabin has not been reached. Usually, pets allowed on board are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Seeing Eye Dogs can sit in the aisle of the cabin at the owner's feet.

If possible, don't change air carriers during your trip. Moving your pet from one plane to another adds extra work, cost and stress. Write the words "LIVE ANIMAL" clearly on the outside of the container. You've seen how baggage handlers handle unmarked luggage.

Pets not accompanied by the owner or ones that are too large to travel inside the cabin must travel as air freight. Your pet isn’t usually thought of as freight so this can be traumatic for both you and your pet.

Let the airline know in advance that you will be shipping an animal by air freight. You may need to bring your pet to freight loading two or more hours before departure. For your pet's welfare and comfort, be sure to;

Feed at least five hours before flight time, and water it at least two hours before flight time.
Exercise your pet at the airport and administer any required medications.

SOMEONE NEEDS TO BE THERE WHEN YOUR PET ARRIVES

You are responsible for picking up your pet at destination. Pets not picked up in a reasonable amount of time (24 hours) will either be returned to point of origin at owner's expense, or placed in a kennel, also at owner's expense.

Airlines may refuse to transport a pet if: it cannot be shipped within a 24-hour period; ground temperature is below 45 degrees or above 85 degrees at either origin or destination; or, it is not in an FAA-approved kennel with proper identification.

Know your destination state's pet entry laws and regulations. Some states have border inspection and other states rely on individual compliance with the law. Airports normally have officials present to inspect animals arriving by air.

Crates and Carriers

A proper container should be large enough for your pet to stand up, turn around and lie down. It must have adequate cross-ventilation and a leak proof bottom with layers of absorbent lining. It should also have a secure lock on the door and should be able to withstand bumps, jostles and falls.

Most airlines have travel kennels available for you to buy. These kennels meet all FAA requirements for pet transportation. Pet stores may also have acceptable containers for sale.

MOVING BY CAR

Car travel is probably the best way of transporting your pet to his or her new home. It provides a feeling of security for both you and your pet, and it is less expensive.

If your pet isn't used to car travel, take it on short rides before the trip to help accustom the pet to the motion of the car. Some pets may never become accustom, so you might want to consult your veterinarian about medication to reduce or eliminate motion sickness, obsessive crying, etc.

If you're planning to stop at a motel along the way, be prepared. Find out which motels accept pets. Consider using a leash, kennel or carrier to move your pet from car to motel.

Before leaving, make certain you have all your pet's required documents. Dogs and cats should be wearing collars with ID and rabies tags.

Take along an ample supply of food, fresh water and a dish for each; a leash and grooming brush; medications, extra towels and newspaper; a favorite toy or two; your pet's blanket; and, a room deodorizer for motel rooms.

WHILE ON THE ROAD

Don't feed or water your pet for a few hours before you leave. Once you're on the road, feed only once daily. Make frequent stops to water and exercise your pet, and keep your pet on a leash for its protection, and yours.

Try not to leave your pet in the car alone. If you absolutely have to leave your pet in the car unattended, lock the car doors and crack the windows for fresh air and cross-ventilation. Check on your pet regularly if you must leave it alone for very long.

If you leave your pet alone in a motel room, notify the management and hang a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door. Before leaving the motel, use your air freshener to help eliminate odors.

If you're traveling with a bird, keep the cage covered to help calm it. Remove water and food dishes to avoid messy spills. Feed and water it at stops along the way.

Arriving At Your New Home

Don’t let your pet escape while your furniture and possessions are being brought into the house. If they are in a contained area, make sure there are signs and everyone knows not to let him or her out. You don’t want to start your new move with a lost pet.

Like you, your pet needs time to adjust to the new house and new surroundings. Use your pet's favorite food bowl, bedding and toys to help it feel at home.

Once everyone's settled in, locate a new veterinarian. Your old vet may have a recommendation or you can contact the local Humane Society for references.

Send questions to moving a pet@julieparrishrealty.com