| Keep
some form of identification on the pet at all times and be
sure you have current pictures along with a written
description available. This will reduce a lot of stress
should your pet escape. If the length of the move requires
the animal be provided with food and water, be sure the food
is bland and easily digested and that the water comes from
your home supply. Changing diet or water sources are common
causes of diarrhea and vomiting from upset stomachs. If in
doubt, check with your veterinarian for food
recommendations. |
| Prior to
moving, schedule a visit with your veterinarian for a
thorough physical exam, making sure all vaccinations are
current, especially the rabies vaccination. While at your
veterinarian's office, get copies of your pets' records and
check to see if he can recommend another veterinarian at
your new location. You can also call the American Animal
Hospital Association (AAHA) at (800) 883-6301 for the names
of AAHA veterinarians near your new home. |
| If your
pet is on any medication be sure to have an ample supply so
you won't run out before getting settled in your new
location. Also discuss with your veterinarian whether your
pet should be tranquilized during the move. If so, get
enough to try it out prior to the move to be sure the dosage
works properly. |
| Since
each state has different laws and regulations regarding the
importation of animals and some counties and municipalities
have their own ordinances, check with a veterinarian in the
new area to be sure your pet complies. It is important to do
this several weeks before your move to allow time for all
paper work to be completed. |
| Temperature
extremes should be avoided. In most cases, it's best to
transport your animal in a sturdy, insulated carrier to help
regulate the changing temperature. Never leave a pet in a
hot car during the summer time or a cold car in the winter. |
| If you
are transporting the pet by plane, try to book a direct
flight to minimize the time the animal may be sitting
outside the plane in inclement weather conditions. Some
airlines provide counter-to-counter service so your pet will
be carried on and off the plane by an airline employee.
While this service costs a little more, it may be worth it
for your peace of mind. |
| Cats |
| Cats are
notorious for getting into trouble during the moving process
since they are particularly sensitive to stress.
"Stress for a cat involves three things," says
animal behaviorist and psychologist, John Wright, author of Is
Your Cat Crazy? "It involves reaction to novelty --
cats don't like novelty. They like sameness. It involves
reaction to unpredictability -- cats don't like events to be
unpredictable. The third thing is the degree of control --
cats don't like to be out of control. When you move, you
have a high degree of all three, until things settle
down." |
| For
these reasons it is particularly important to maintain your
cat's normal routine. During the move itself, keep your cat
confined to one room with food, water, a litter pan, some
favorite toys, and the carrier you plan to use so your cat
can get used to it. The door should be locked or have a
large, "Do Not Open" sign on it, so the movers
won't inadvertently let the "cat out of the bag." |
| Transport
your cat in a well constructed cat carrier large enough to
have room for food, water and a small litter box. Upon
arrival at your destination, place the cat and carrier in
one secure room with at least two doors between the cat and
the outside. Open the door of the carrier and let the cat
decide when to come out. Allow your cat to become acclimated
to the one room before releasing him to the rest of the
house. If the cat scurries for cover when you open the door,
wait a day or two longer, then try again. Let the cat
explore other rooms of the house when it meets you at the
door. |
| If your
cat is accustomed to going outdoors, wait several days after
arriving at your new home before letting the cat out,
placing him on a leash or harness for short exploratory
trips. After 2 or 3 days of these trips, you can begin to
let your cat out on its own. |
| Dogs |
| Dogs are
generally easier to move than cats since they aren't as
affected by the stress. A few special considerations to keep
in mind include being prepared to clean up after your dog at
rest stops. Carry a roll of paper towels and disposable
plastic bags. Place a piece of paper towel over the solid
matter, and your hand in one of the plastic bags. Pick up
the towel and solid matter and pull the bag down over your
hand and towel, turning it inside out. Then, twist, seal and
dispose. |
| If you
have a small dog and plan on flying to your new home, he may
be able to fly with you in the passenger compartment if he
is small enough to fit into a carry-on bag that will fit
under the seat. Check with the airlines for details. If you
are transporting a larger dog by plane, try to book a direct
flight to prevent your pet from having to spend long periods
in a distant airport, and have someone scheduled to pick up
your dog at the other end. |
| Never
leave any pet in the car for more than a few minutes. This
is especially important during warm weather. If you are
carrying your dog with you in the car and plan to stop
overnight, be sure to call ahead to find a hotel that
accepts pets. |
| Birds |
| Birds
need a health certificate to enter most states and depending
on the species may be required to have tests done for
certain diseases. Since these regulations can change, it is
important that your present veterinarian verify these
requirements well in advance of your moving. |
| If you
will be taking your bird in the car, maintain a warm,
constant temperature since birds are particularly sensitive
to temperature changes. It is possible to carry the bird in
its cage as long as you have a cover for it to prevent
drafts and keep the bird in a darkened setting to reduce the
bird's anxiety. If you have an excitable bird, it may be
necessary to cushion the cage or crate with a soft material
to reduce self-inflicted trauma. |
| Place
slices of apple, grapes or other fruit in the cage to
supplement the bird's water supply and be sure they have
adequate places to perch. |
| Fish |
| If you
have a small number of fish and are moving only a short
distance, you can move them to their new location by using
plastic bags half filled with water and the other half with
air. Place the bags in an insulated container such as an ice
chest or Styrofoam container to help maintain a steady
temperature. |
| For a
larger number of fish or for transporting over a greater
distance, 5-10 gallon plastic containers can be used. First,
fill them with water (either salt or fresh water, depending
on the type of fish) and change the water often to remove
any toxins that might leach from the plastic. On moving day
fill the containers half full with water and place the fish
in the water, about 1-2 fish per gallon. |
| If your
trip is going to take more than a couple of days, it's best
to invest in some portable aerators to keep the water well
oxygenated. Do not keep the containers in the car overnight
since the drop in temperature is likely to be too severe. |
| Reptiles |
| If you
are going to ship a venomous snake, it must be placed inside
two sturdy boxes or a box inside a wooden crate. With
non-venomous ones only one box is needed. Be sure the
containers are well insulated and contain air holes for
ventilation and are clearly marked with both the common and
scientific name of the species. |
| If you
are transporting your snake in your car, be sure not to
leave it in the car overnight. Take it into the hotel room
(be sure they allow pets), and let it soak for about an hour
in the tub. (You will have to take turns.) |
| The
easiest pet to move is a turtle, which can be overnight
expressed in a well cushioned, insulated box with air holes. |
| American
Tortoise Rescue, a nonprofit organization founded to provide
for the rescue of turtles and tortoises, recommends using
overnight mail. Be sure to write "Fragile, Live
Cargo" and "this side up" on the outside of
the box to increase the chances of a softer ride. You can
also place leaves or grass inside the container for added
cushion and to give the box a more homey environment. |
| Remember
to keep the surroundings of all reptiles moist but not wet.
Dampening a cloth and placing it inside the container is the
best approach. |
| Since
there are some governmental regulations regarding the
shipment of reptiles, consult with A Fieldguide to Reptiles
and the Law by J. P. Levell. |
| Small Mammals |
| The best
way to move small mammals such as mice, gerbils, guinea pigs
and hamsters is to keep them in the car with you and in
their normal container. Take their water bottle out to avoid
it leaking and soaking the bedding. At rest stops, check the
animal and place the bottle back in the cage so it can
drink. |
| Be sure
to maintain a comfortable, steady temperature even if it
means parking your car away from the rest rooms to get it
under the shade of a tree. These little critters are
comfortable at about the same temperatures people are so if
you are cold or hot, they are too. |
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