RELOCATING WITH PETS
  
            

Pets, like any other family member, also feel the stress of a relocation. Just as you would prepare children for the changes ahead, it is important to help your pet get ready for the move and to familiarize it with the new location once you arrive. Minimizing your pet´s exposure to extreme changes in routine will go a long way to easing the stress on the animal and on you.

Consult your veterinarian for information specific to your pet. Make sure all vaccinations are current, obtain medical records ? and ask for a recommendation for a veterinarian in your new city or town.

Before the Relocation

Animals are easily spooked by sudden changes in routine. Keep your pet´s daily routines as consistent as possible in the weeks leading up to the relocation. Let your pet go outside or take it for a walk and feed it as you normally would, even if your home is in chaos. If possible, arrange with a friend or a kennel, to take your pet for the day of the move, and possibly for a few days before as well. Pets sometimes become frightened by the disruption and run away on moving day, or alternately, stay too close and are constantly underfoot. The more you can do to reduce your pet´s stress, the more likely you will avoid common stress side effects like vomiting and diarrhea.


During the Relocation

Always ensure that there are clear identification tags on your animal and on its carrying case ? and be sure that the phone number listed on the tags is current! Have extra food and water on hand in case of emergency. Some veterinarians advise that pets should not be left alone in a vehicle or it could increase the animal´s feeling of abandonment.


Arrival in Your New Home

The sooner you can re-establish old routines, the better. Allow your pet to become familiar with the home. Cats should be kept indoors for a few days before being allowed to roam free. Dogs benefit from frequent familiarization walks around the area.

The more care and attention you can lavish on your pet, the less likely you are to discover signs of stress such as constant licking or rubbing of their fur.

 
 

Tips on moving your dogs and cats

Dogs and cats can ride in your car or be shipped by air. Taking them in the car is fairly simple. Bring their food, water, dishes, etc. and stop at least every two hours. Make sure to walk your dog or cat on a leash. Even the best behaved animals may try to run away when they are being moved to a new location. Call ahead to find motels/hotels that allow pets.

If you are flying to your new home, your cat or dog can ride in the baggage compartment. Call your airline to find out about vaccination requirements. If the plane trip will be long and your pet is nervous, you may want to talk to a vet about tranquilizing them.

Small Animals: Hamsters, birds, mice and guinea pigs are best transported in their usual cages. Make sure the animal has enough food, water, etc. and do not park in the sun. It´s best to transport these animals in your own car.

Fish: There is no practical way to move fish in their aquarium. It is nearly impossible to move an aquarium safely as each gallon of water weighs 8 pounds. It is best to give the fish away to a good home, move the aquarium dry and then purchase new fish when you get to your new home. If the trip is only an hour or two you may want to try moving your own fish by putting them into a plastic bag with water and air, as if you were bringing them home from the pet store.


  Information provided by Karen Staha