Moving With Pets

If you're still looking for a pet-friendly apartment, search the Web sites of humane organizations, such as http://www.hsus.org for links to pet-approved rentals.

If you’ve gotten beyond that it’s time to get your best-friend ready for the big move.

Like the rest of us, pets need a little extra TLC at moving time. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make their move easier at both ends and on the road.

Take your time. Stretch out your packing time over several weeks. Avoid panic in the last days, leaving moving day as relaxed as possible for you and your pets.

Make travel arrangements. If moving your pet involves air travel, contact airline carriers one month in advance. Ask about their pet regulations, and make reservations. Choose a nonstop flight to avoid extra handling and climate and air-pressure changes. Be sure to get a health certificate from your Vet.

A Visit to the vet. Not long before moving your pet, request a copy of veterinary records, a rabies vaccination certificate, and a health certificate. Be sure your pets are up to date with their shots. If your pet is a senior or has health problems, ask whether a mild sedative would be advisable before travel. Can your vet recommend another in your new location? For out-of-state moves, contact the State Department of Animal Husbandry or the state veterinarian about entry regulations—almost all states have entry laws for most animals except tropical fish.

Keep the Routine. Keep your pets' routines, such as feedings and walks, as normal as possible in the week before moving. Because dogs and cats need to feel in control, they might exhibit behavioral changes or even become ill when stressed. Treat them with the same level of attention you would ordinarily give them.

Make a safe room after moving your pet. A few days before pet moving, choose a small room to be the "pet room." Tape a sign to the door that says "Pets: Do Not Open." Make the sign large enough that friends or the moving company workers can see it easily. Move food and water bowls, as well as toys, into this room. Provide dogs and cats with sturdy carriers equipped with litter box (for cats), chew toys, or favorite objects that have a familiar smell. Leave carrier doors open so pets can adapt to them before travel day. On pet moving day, keep animals in their carriers. As an alternative, consider boarding dogs and cats, or ask a friend to take care of your dogs during the last few days.

Tags and leashes. If you have a dog or an indoor/outdoor cat, buy or create identification tags with your new address and phone number. Be sure your pets are wearing them during travel.

Pet Moving Tips

If you're traveling by car, keep cats and dogs in carriers large enough to accommodate food and water bowls. Stop about every two hours to give larger pets some fresh air. Be sure to use a leash if you let your cat out. Maintain a comfortable car temperature for all pets, and don't ever leave animals alone in a car on a hot day. Even with the windows cracked, this can be fatal. Birds and other small pets (hamsters, guinea pigs, and the like) are especially susceptible to drafts and heat. Cover cages to keep animals calm and well protected, and remove water bottles except during rest-stop water breaks.

Pet Moving Checklist:

Veterinary records, certificates, and recent photos

Medications

Your pets' usual foods and plenty of water from the home you're leaving (changing their water source can be disorienting and upset their stomachs)

Food and water bowls, a can opener, and re-sealable lids

Toys, chew bones, and treats

Leashes for cats and dogs

Beds (pillows, towels, or other crate liners)

Plastic bags and scoops for dogs

Litter box for cats

Cage covers for birds and rodents

Paper towels for messes