Moving Your Pet

Faced with an impending move, pet owners can unwittingly pass on their feelings of apprehension and uncertainty to their pets. Following are a few ideas that can alleviate your pets’ anxieties and keep them safe during the move.

Pre-Move:

• Keep your pets in one room only. Pets can get lost and/or confused at this busy time.
• Do not move your cats’ litter box from its customary place until you are ready to leave the house permanently.
• Make a list of veterinarians in the new city--it will provide you with an immediate source of information and care once you are residing in your new area. To help you prepare your list: 1) Obtain references from your current veterinarian for the new area. 2) Contact the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA ). The AVMA, a national organization, lists its members by state, city and school attended. 3) Consult the Yellow Pages of the new city.
• File your pets’ vaccination certificates and records with your family’s medical records so you don’t misplace them in the moving process.
• Schedule a general examination for your pet and obtain any needed vaccinations, particularly rabies.

Moving Day:

• Never leave your pets alone in a hot car for long periods of time.
• It is recommended to not feed your pets for eight hours before the move.
• Restrain your pets at all times via a carrier (for cats), leash or harness (for dogs and cats).
• Pack one of your pets’ favorite objects in the car to make them feel more comfortable.
• Have plenty of water available.
• Make frequent stops to allow your pets to stretch.
• Never medicate or tranquilize your pets before speaking with your veterinarian and, if your pets will be flying, the airline for its regulations regarding tranquilization.
• If moving overseas, check about quarantine policies and remember to have your pets vaccinated and examined 30 days prior to the move.

Arrival at Your New Home:

• Confine pets in one room of the home until the majority of the unpacking is complete.
• Pets often sleep excessively during the first few days in the new home.
• Introduce pets to their new surroundings, gradually allowing them access to other rooms.
• Make sure to show cats their litter box four to six times a day until they know exactly where it is.
• Make an effort to keep mealtime, exercise time and playtime consistent between the old and new home--your pets are creatures of habit.
• Resist the temptation to refurbish your pets’ belongings. Familiar beds, bowls, blankets and toys are soothing.
• Until pets are acquainted with their new surroundings, supervise all of their outdoor activity. After two or three days, take dogs out to explore the neighborhood and show cats the outside.

Your pets are a very important part of your family. By recognizing and reacting to their needs, you can ensure a pleasant moving experience for them and your entire family.

Tips for Planning Your Pet's Air Travel:

• Schedule accommodations a month in advance.
• Ask for early morning or evening (non-stop) travel times.
• If you cannot obtain a non-stop flight, find out if the airline is responsible for transferal.
• Identify your pet with tags and/or licenses.

Always consult with your vet for proper care when making a move!!!