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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