Pets,
like people, are happiest and most content when in
familiar surroundings. Many have an instinctive fear of
a new environment, even though they may adjust to it
quickly.
Careful pre-planning will minimize or avoid relocation
problems. Pre-planning for the transfer of your pet, as
well as for your household goods, should begin as soon
as you know you are going to move. Consider...
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State
Laws and Regulations
– Almost every state has laws applicable to the
entry of pets.
Contact the state veterinarian in the
capital of your new home state to learn the
laws. You
should also contact the city clerk or town
hall in your destination city to learn about
license fees and regulations for your pet.
Vet Visit
– Many states require a health certificate
listing of all inoculations and
verifying that your pet is free from
infectious disease. Ask your vet for the
certificate and keep
it handy when traveling. To find a vet in
your new state, ask your current vet for a
recommendation. You can also call the AAHA
at (800) 252-2242 and ask for the Member
Service Center or visit their Web site at
www.healthypet.com.
Pet
Identification
– In addition to permanent identity and rabies
tags, make an ID tag with
your pet's name, your name, destination
address, and an emergency name, address and
telephone number, in case you cannot be
reached. A luggage-type tag with writing space
on both sides is easy to use.
Familiar
Surroundings
– Once moved into your new home, use your pet's
familiar food
and water dishes, bed, blanket, and toys to
make him/her feel "at home." Try to keep things
in
the same locations as they were in your
previous residence – for example, food and water
dish by the back door.
Moving
Your Pet by Airplane
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Contact airlines
for their rules and regulations,
transportation charges and pet
insurance.
You will be responsible for a
shipping container/carrier to transport
your pet.
Make your reservations well in advance,
because pet approval is granted on a
first-come,
first-served basis.
Feed your pet no less than five or six
hours before flight time, and give
him/her a drink
of water about two hours before
take-off.
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Moving
Your Pet by Auto
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Plan ahead and
purchase carriers, supplies and
first-aid kits. Start a list of items
you'll
need for a pet travel kit including
collapsible dishes, favorite toys, your
pet's
regular food and a few treats.
If your pet is not used to car travel,
start taking him/her on short trips to
get accustomed
to car motion. If necessary, ask your
veterinarian about tranquilizers to
relax your pet.
Do not feed or water your pet just
before starting. A few treats during the
day will keep
him/her satisfied. Plan regular stops
to give your pet a drink or a short run.
Take a
container of fresh water with you,
because a sudden change in drinking
water may
cause a temporary upset stomach.
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Moving
With a Dog
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After moving into a
new house, immediately walk your dog
around the neighborhood
so that he/she becomes familiar with
the new area.
Maintain the feeding and walking
schedule from your original residence.
Immediately establish boundaries in
your neighborhood or yard for your dog
to roam.
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Moving
With A Cat
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Do not let your cat
outside until he/she is familiar with
the new living environment to
reduce the risk of running away.
Constantly surround your cat with
familiar items during the move to reduce
the emotional
effects on your cat.
Do not expose your cat to your new
living arrangements all at once. Limit
the number of rooms the cat is allowed
in and gradually let your cat explore.
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