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Moving with pets
are a part of your family, remember that moving with pets, whether down the block
or across the country, is just as stressful for them as it is for you.
 But this stress can be greatly reduced with good planning and the tips
that you'll find here. "Animals can sense and react to stress just
like people," says Dr. William Fortney, a veterinarian at Kansas
State University. "Anything we can do to make it easier on them
can make recovering from the move easier on us." Here are some
suggestions from top veterinarians, zoo experts and experienced pet
owners on how to minimize the stress of moving with pets. Read the general
guidelines, then check out the specific pets that make up your family's
menagerie:
Moving relocation keep some form of identification on the pet at all times and be sure
you have current pictures along with a written description available.
This will reduce a lot of stress should your pet escape. If the length
of the move requires the animal be provided with food and water, be
sure the food is bland and easily digested and that the water comes
from your home supply. Changing diet or water sources are common causes
of diarrhea and vomiting from upset stomachs. If in doubt, check with
your veterinarian for food recommendations.
Prior to moving, schedule a visit with your veterinarian for a thorough
physical exam, making sure all vaccinations are current, especially
the rabies vaccination. While at your veterinarian's office, get copies
of your pets' records and check to see if he can recommend another veterinarian
at your new location. You can also call the American Animal Hospital
Association (AAHA) at (800) 883-6301 for the names of AAHA veterinarians
near your new home.
If your pet is on any medication be sure to have an ample supply so you won't
run out before getting settled in your new location. Also discuss with your veterinarian whether your pet should be tranquilized during the
move. If so, get enough to try it out prior to the move to be sure the dosage works properly.
Since each state has different laws and regulations regarding the importation of
animals and some counties and municipalities have their own ordinances,
check with a veterinarian in the new area to be sure your pet complies.
It is important to do this several weeks before your move to allow time
for all paper work to be completed.
Temperature
extremes should be avoided. In most cases, it's best to transport your
animal in a sturdy, insulated carrier to help regulate the changing
temperature. Never leave a pet in a hot car during the summer time or
a cold car in the winter.
If you are transporting the pet 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. While this service costs a little more, it may be worth it
for your peace of mind.
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Cats
Moving with cats are notorious for getting into trouble during the moving process
since they are particularly sensitive to stress. "Stress for a
cat involves three things," says animal behaviorist and psychologist,
John Wright, author of Is Your Cat Crazy? "It involves reaction
to novelty -- cats don't like novelty. They like sameness. It involves
reaction to unpredictability -- cats don't like events to be unpredictable.
The third thing is the degree of control -- cats don't like to be out
of control. When you move, you have a high degree of all three, until
things settle down."
For
these reasons it is particularly important to maintain your cat's normal
routine. During the move itself, keep your cat confined to one room
with food, water, a litter pan, some favorite toys, and the carrier
you plan to use so your cat can get used to it. The door should be locked
or have a large, "Do Not Open" sign on it, so the movers won't
inadvertently let the "cat out of the bag."
Transport
your cat in a well constructed cat carrier large enough to have room
for food, water and a small litter box. Upon arrival at your destination,
place the cat and carrier in one secure room with at least two doors
between the cat and the outside. Open the door of the carrier and let
the cat decide when to come out. Allow your cat to become acclimated
to the one room before releasing him to the rest of the house. If the
cat scurries for cover when you open the door, wait a day or two longer,
then try again. Let the cat explore other rooms of the house when it
meets you at the door.
If your cat is accustomed to going outdoors, wait several days after
arriving at your new home before letting the cat out, placing him on
a leash or harness for short exploratory trips. After 2 or 3 days of
these trips, you can begin to let your cat out on its own.
Dogs
Moving with dogs are generally easier to move than cats since they aren't as affected
by the stress. A few special considerations to keep in mind include
being prepared to clean up after your dog at rest stops. Carry a roll
of paper towels and disposable plastic bags. Place a piece of paper
towel over the solid matter, and your hand in one of the plastic bags.
Pick up the towel and solid matter and pull the bag down over your hand
and towel, turning it inside out. Then, twist, seal and dispose.
If you have
a small dog and plan on flying to your new home, he may be able to fly
with you in the passenger compartment if he is small enough to fit into
a carry-on bag that will fit under the seat. Check with the airlines
for details. If you are transporting a larger dog by plane, try to book
a direct flight to prevent your pet from having to spend long periods
in a distant airport, and have someone scheduled to pick up your dog
at the other end.
Never leave
any pet in the car for more than a few minutes. This is especially important
during warm weather. If you are carrying your dog with you in the car
and plan to stop overnight, be sure to call ahead to find a hotel that
accepts pets.
Birds
Moving with birds
need a health certificate to enter most states and depending on the
species may be required to have tests done for certain diseases. Since
these regulations can change, it is important that your present veterinarian
verify these requirements well in advance of your moving.
If you will
be taking your bird in the car, maintain a warm, constant temperature
since birds are particularly sensitive to temperature changes. It is
possible to carry the bird in its cage as long as you have a cover for
it to prevent drafts and keep the bird in a darkened setting to reduce
the bird's anxiety. If you have an excitable bird, it may be necessary
to cushion the cage or crate with a soft material to reduce self-inflicted
trauma.
Place slices
of apple, grapes or other fruit in the cage to supplement the bird's
water supply and be sure they have adequate places to perch.
Fish
Moving with fish a small number of fish and are moving only a short distance,
you can move them to their new location by using plastic bags half filled
with water and the other half with air. Place the bags in an insulated
container such as an ice chest or Styrofoam container to help maintain
a steady temperature.
For
a larger number of fish or for transporting over a greater distance,
5-10 gallon plastic containers can be used. First, fill them with water
(either salt or fresh water, depending on the type of fish) and change
the water often to remove any toxins that might leach from the plastic.
On moving day fill the containers half full with water and place the
fish in the water, about 1-2 fish per gallon.
If your
trip is going to take more than a couple of days, it's best to invest
in some portable aerators to keep the water well oxygenated. Do not
keep the containers in the car overnight since the drop in temperature
is likely to be too severe.
Reptiles
If you are going to ship a venomous snake, it must be placed inside
two sturdy boxes or a box inside a wooden crate. With non-venomous ones
only one box is needed. Be sure the containers are well insulated and
contain air holes for ventilation and are clearly marked with both the
common and scientific name of the species.
If you are
transporting your snake in your car, be sure not to leave it in the
car overnight. Take it into the hotel room (be sure they allow pets),
and let it soak for about an hour in the tub. (You will have to take
turns.)
The easiest
pet to move is a turtle, which can be overnight expressed in a well
cushioned, insulated box with air holes.
American Tortoise Rescue, a nonprofit organization founded to provide
for the rescue of turtles and tortoises, recommends using overnight
mail. Be sure to write "Fragile, Live Cargo" and "this
side up" on the outside of the box to increase the chances of a
softer ride. You can also place leaves or grass inside the container
for added cushion and to give the box a more homey environment.
Remember
to keep the surroundings of all reptiles moist but not wet. Dampening
a cloth and placing it inside the container is the best approach.
Small
Mammals
Moving with small mammals such as mice, gerbils, guinea pigs
and hamsters is to keep them in the car with you and in their normal
container. Take their water bottle out to avoid it leaking and soaking
the bedding. At rest stops, check the animal and place the bottle back
in the cage so it can drink.
Be sure
to maintain a comfortable, steady temperature even if it means parking
your car away from the rest rooms to get it under the shade of a tree.
These little critters are comfortable at about the same temperatures
people are so if you are cold or hot, they are too.
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