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Moving Pets / Animals
When it comes to moving with pets and animals
Remember to take along the following items:
- Food & treats
- Water
- A leash for letting your pet out
- An old bed sheet or blanket will protect your car upholstery.
- Bring paper towels, a sponge, and plenty of plastic bags.
- A favorite toy or two, and an old T-shirt or rag with your
scent on it.
- If your dog or cat is not used to traveling by car, make short
trips with the pet a week or two in advance.
- Dogs should be taught to lie quietly. Don't let your dog put
its head in the wind. It can irritate eyes and cause problems.
- Cats are often frightened by car travel, but they usually adjust
quickly.
- Folding kennels or crates especially designed for station wagons
can be very useful.
- If you must stop overnight, check in advance for hotels that
allow pets.
- Accustom your pet to being on a leash and always use it when
outside your vehicle or hotel.
- Be sure that your pet is properly tagged and its rabies tag
is firmly attached
- Medications that your pet may need.
Animals can get car-sick and will require frequent stops along
the way. Depending on the animal's temperament and size, it might
be better to have it shipped by air. Be sure to check if your destination
has any local requirements or restrictions on animals. To have your
pet shipped by air, make sure someone can meet your pet at the destination
airport and take care of it until you arrive. A kennel can do this
for you and keep your pet until you have completed your move, if
necessary.
- Except for Seeing Eye Dogs, pets are often not permitted
on buses or trains.
- Local communities have pet control and licensing ordinances.
In some cases, the number of pets is limited.
If you are flying to your new destination, your cat or dog can
ride in the baggage compartment. You may need the following items:
- Health certificate. Obtain this from your veterinarian.
- Travel ID tag.
- Pet container. The airline might have a special container available
or you can use your own as long as it complies with airline regulations.
- Tranquilizers. Your vet can provide tranquilizers to be given
to your pet immediately before going to the airport.
- Your scent. Your pet can be comforted by having a piece of cloth
with your scent on it.
Smaller Animals
Hamsters, birds and other small animals can easily be transported
in your car. To help keep the animals calm and quiet, cover cages
with a cloth. Also, make sure they have food and water available.
Fish
It can be very impractical and risky to move fish. Check with your
local pet store for recommendations on moving your specific type
of fish. |
