Moving with Pets 
Moving
with pets can be extra stressful for you and your pets too.
When it comes to moving with pets, you'll have to plan ahead.
Pets, just like us, are very sensitive to changes. Moving
companies will not move your pets so if you plan to move with
your pets, they will be your responsibility. Here are some
pet moving tips to make the relocation easier, both for you
and your pets:
Regular
routines
Keep
your pets' routines (feeding, exercise, and play-time) as
regular as possible. During the move itself, you may want
to leave your pet at a friend's house. That way you won't
have to worry about the pet getting in your way, or worse,
running away.
Veterinarian
Before
the move, take your pet to the veterinarian for a thorough
physical exam. If your cat or dog is on any medication, be
sure that you have enough for the first period of settling
in your new home. Don't forget to take with you copies of
your pets' records; it'll make things much easier for the
new veterinarian at the new location. To find a new veterinarian
near your new home you can call the American Animal Hospital
Association (AAHA) at (800) 883-6301.
States
law on moving with pets
Since the laws and regulations regarding the importation of
animals defer from one another, check with a veterinarian
in the new area to be sure your pet complies. Make sure to
check with a veterinarian few weeks in advance since the process
involves paperwork.
Moving
your pets 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.
This service costs a little more, but it may be worth it for
your pet's health and your peace of mind.
Moving
pets in the car
Avoid feeding or giving your pets water for several hours
before your drive. Try to be attentive to your pets' well-being.
Make a stop if you see that the pet is uncomfortable. Be ready
to make frequent stops for feeding and resting. Plan on feeding
your pets either once daily or a couple of small meals during
rest stops. Never leave your pets in the car alone. It is
against the law. but if you must, remember to open the windows
and to lock the doors. Do not leave your pet alone in the
car for too long.
Moving
with Cats
Since cats tend to become more attached to their
environment rather than to people, moving with cats will be
harder on them. When relocating with a cat, you must prepare
in advance. Show your cat plenty of attention and constantly
reassure it with familiar items and scents so the move does
not come as a shock.
Since
cats are not familiar with traveling in cars as dogs are try
to take your cat on short trips around the neighborhood and
then slowly increase the distance.
If your cat is present during the move, confine it in its
favorite room along with its favorite bed and toys. That way
you reduce the chance of your cat running away or getting
lost in one of the boxes.
At the new home, provide your cat with a comfortable
living space. Limit the cats' explorations to just the new
house and then gradually accompany it on tours outside. Confining
the cat may seem a bit cruel, but cats are more likely to
run back to the old house, no matter the distance. It might
take a month till the cat feels comfortable in the new home
and becomes familiar with its scents and noises.
Moving
with Dogs
Unlike cats who prefer the routine, dogs may
welcome a change in the environment. In addition, dogs become
more attached to their owners as opposed to their environment.
Therefore moving with a dog is much easier than moving with
a cat. Most likely, your dog has become accustomed to riding
in a car and being on a leash. But it is recommended that
you further condition your dog for longer car rides. Drive
with him around the neighborhood a few times.
Since
dogs, just like cats, may become a bit upset on moving day
when they see all of the unusual activity, you should confine
the dog in its favorite room along with its favorite blanket
and toys.
After
the move, take your dog for a walk immediately. Help your
dog become familiar with the new neighborhood. Let it sniff
around and mark its territory. Because dogs develop strong
relationships with their owners, they're less likely to run
away. In the new home - Provide a comfortable sleeping area
for the dog and try to keep a familiar routine of walks and
meals. Dogs must go outside everyday. Teach them their limits
as far as streets and traffic are concerned. If you are moving
from suburbs to the city, be prepared for a transition in
housebreaking, your dog will have to get used to relieving
itself on the pavement and near fire hydrants and poles.

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