How To Move With Your Pets [12-08-15]

How To Move With Your Pets

Moving to a new home with your pets is not an easy task, but it's nothing to be afraid of. Below are some tips and ideas you might want to take a look at.

* Think in advance -

It will make the process of moving less stressful, which is important both for you and your pet. Make sure you arrange every aspect of your trip, including looking for hotels that are animal-friendly or talking to the airlines if you're flying to your new destination.

* Get a pet carrier -

It's worth investing in a well built pet carrier. If you want to keep your pet safely confined during the moving period, make sure you gradually introduce this temporary home to your animal and make sure it gets used to it.

* Security -

make sure you get a ID tag with your new address and full contact details. Consider using up-to-date tools such as collars with imprinted ID information or collars with a digital data carrier on them, such as a USB stick or a microchip implant. The latter allows you to put very specific information on how to contact you along with the medical history of your pet. Some countries even require this when importing animal, as a proof that the animal and the vaccination record belong together. You also want to prevent your pet for getting lost on the day of your move. Place your pet in a safe place (in one particular room) so it's not possible for him or her to escape. Make this room off-limits for everyone who enters the house on that day.

* Airfare -

Remember that the airline must check your animal in all cases for medical and other reasons. Some airlines allow passengers to carry their pets in the cabin of a plane if the cases fit under the passenger's seat. Keep in mind that certain countries require a quarantine period for specified or all animals at the owner's expense, make sure you ask your travel agent about this. Don't forget about possible medical certificates required.

* By car -

Consider your experiences with the pet so far. How does it behave during long car journeys? Make sure your car is well ventilated and never leave your pet in the car in a parked vehicle during a warm period, as the temperature rise could kill them. Never put an animal in the trunk of a car, the open bed of a pickup truck, or the storage area of a moving van.

* Veterinarian -

Consult with your veterinarian in detail in every single case. Make sure he or she knows all the necessary information about where are you moving and alerts you about possible difficulties. Your veterinarian might also be able to recommend a specialist in your new area.

* Feeding -

If you travel by plane, make sure you attach feeding instruction and watering for your pet over a 24-hour period to the kennel. This is just in case your pet gets diverted from the original destination. In other cases, make sure you have everything you need for feeding with you, if you travel by car.

* Take a walk before you go -

If you have a dog or a cat, make sure you take her out for a long walk before you start your journey.