Tips for moving with a pet cat or dog
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PLAN AHEAD
- Assign one person in the family to be in charge of the pet on move day.
- Be aware that some states have border inspection of all animals being imported, others inspect randomly. Some depend on individual compliance.
- Consider using a pet handling agency – they handle transportation of the pet, pick up, boarding, delivery.
- Find out about health documentation needed for your pet for entry permit – the destination state or country’s pet entry regulations. Most states have laws concerning pet entry.
- Find out about local regulations in your new community about pet control and licensing ordinances. There may be laws to limit the number of cats or dogs allowed in one household.
- Have pet’s nails clipped so they do not scratch upholstery or travel container during travel.
- If you have pet insurance, call to find out about any travel benefits.
- Keep medical records accessible as you travel, you may have to show them at any time.
- Make travel arrangements far in advance.
- Obtain a travel ID tag. It should include the pet’s name, your name, destination address, cell phone number, and a back-up contact person.
- Obtain an interstate health certificate – including a description of the pet, statement that the pet is free of infectious disease, and list of inoculations.
- Pets can travel by air or personal vehicle.
- Take your pet to the vet for checkup. While there, ask for copies of the pet’s health records, obtain any health documents needed, ask for recommendations for a new veterinarian near your new home. Go early – way ahead of the move, in case there are medical conditions to resolve before moving. You may need a follow-up visit. Get updated prescriptions for your pet.
- Take photographs of the pet to keep with you for identification purposes. Take photos at several angles, especially of unique identifying marks.
- The majority of states require dogs to have rabies shot, and some states require it for cats as well. Laws usually require that a rabies tag be attached to the collar of the pet.
TRAVELING BY AIR
- Be cautious about sedating or tranquilizing. It can result in death of your pet.
- Bring a leash so you can exercise your pet during breaks in travel.
- Crate train your pet. Purchase the pet carrier a month early, and help your pet get used to being in the container. Start with a few minutes each day, and lead up to several hours.
- Feed your pet no less than five hours before the flight time, and provide water to drink two hours before the flight time.
- If traveling by air, check out the airline regulations, charges and pet insurance.
- If traveling by air, you are responsible for providing the shipping crate. Clearly mark your name and contact information on it. The container must be strong enough to handle bumps, being stacked, and knocked around. It will need good ventilation, and a leak free bottom.
- Include in the pet carrier your pets favorite toy and blanket.
- Limit food intake the day before air travel.
- Make airline reservations early – airlines limit the number of pets allowed on each flight. Try for a non-stop, direct flight. If changing airlines, you will need to arrange for transfer between connections.
TRAVEL KIT FOR YOUR PET:
Whether traveling by air or car, having special items for your pet packed in one place will ease in the pet’s anxiety, and help you easily care for your pet’s need during travel.
- Air freshener
- Blanket
- Brush, comb
- Can opener
- Favorite toy
- Food that the pet normally eats
- Identification
- Medical paperwork, documentation
- Newspaper
- Paper towels
- Pet's dishes for water and food
- Plastic bags
- Prescription sedative
- Repellent for ticks, fleas
- Scooper
- Towels
- Treats
- Water
TRAVELING BY CAR:
- A portable kennel is very helpful for overnight car trips, providing a safe place for the pet to be in the rest stop, car or hotel.
- Do not allow your pet around strangers.
- Do not leave your pet alone in a hotel room.
- Do not leave your pet inside of a hot car.
- Help your pet become accustom to auto travel. Going on short trips ahead of time.
- If it is a warm day and you leave your pet alone, roll down windows one inch, give water to your pet, and do not leave the pet alone for more than an hour.
- Important safety tip – teach the pet to lie or sit quietly in one place, so as not to cause distractions to the driver.
- Keep fresh water with you for the pet’s use.
- Keep your pet on a leash, and attach before opening the car door.
- Make frequent stops to let your pet out – don’t forget to take them for a walk and get a drink.
- Make sure you pet is used to being on a leash.
- Never roll your window down far enough that their head could hang out.
AT YOUR NEW HOME:
- Be patient while your pet becomes used to their new environment, home, neighborhood, neighbors, delivery people, housekeeper, visitors.
- Bring your pets items from your old home, such as blanket, bed, toys, water dish, food dish, snacks, food.
- Locate a new veterinarian as soon as possible. Choose a new vet based on references from your old veterinarian, or from your new neighbors.
- To prevent a pet from wandering off, keep your pet confined while they get used to their new home.
- Understand that your pet will need to get used to the new climate, outdoor surroundings, and water.
- When visiting the vet, bring in a copy of your pet’s medical records.