 Note:
The following article is referenced from the web site
of the Humane Society of the United States for your
convenience on jim-mulligan.com.
Moving: How to Move Your Pet Safely
At the
end of the article,
we've listed several other sites that may be of interest as you
are planning a move with your pet.
If you and your pet
are getting ready to move, follow these recommendations to keep
your companion safe on moving day.
- Plan
ahead. Advance planning will make your move less stressful
on you and your pet. Pack over a period of time, and try to
maintain your pet's normal routine.
- Invest in
a high-quality, sturdy pet carrier. If you have a dog or
cat whom you want to keep safely confined on moving day, get a
carrier ahead of time and gradually accustom your pet to
spending time in it.
- Purchase a
new ID tag for your pet. As soon as you know your new
address, get a pet ID tag that includes your new address and
telephone number(s). (Or obtain some other visible form of pet
identification such as a collar with ID information imprinted
on it or an identification band that attaches to the collar
but does not dangle like a traditional tag.) An up-to-date ID
tag is a lost pet's ticket home.
- Keep your
pet secure. On moving day, place your pet (whether in the
carrier or not) in a safe, quiet place, such as the bathroom,
so that he or she cannot escape. Place a large sign on the
door that says, DO NOT ENTER, and be sure that friends and
professional movers are aware that the room is off-limits.
- Make your
car trip safe. If you're traveling by car and your dog
enjoys car travel, you may want to accustom him to a
restraining harness. Because most cats aren't comfortable
traveling in cars, it's best (for their safety as well as
yours) to transport them in a well-ventilated and securely
placed carrier. Never leave pets alone in a parked vehicle
during warm weather as the temperature rises quickly and can
injure or kill them. In any season, a pet in a parked vehicle
is vulnerable to being harmed or stolen. 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.
- Talk to
your veterinarian. If your pet doesn't enjoy car rides,
consult your veterinarian about behavior modification or
medication that might lessen the stress of travel. Depending
on your destination, your pet may also need additional
vaccinations, medications, and health certificates.
- Find
hotels in advance. Listings of animal-friendly hotels will
help you find overnight lodging during your move. Our online
information on Finding Animal-Friendly Hotel Accommodations
will point you toward some useful resources and get your
planning on track.
- Plan ahead
for air travel. Check with your veterinarian, the U.S.
Department of Agriculture, and the airline if your pet will be
flying. Also be sure to check out our online tips for
traveling with your companion animal. You will need to take
precautions to ensure your pet's safety, so give yourself
ample time to work out all the arrangements.
- Prepare
your new home. Take with you all the familiar and
necessary things your pet will need from day one in your new
home: food, water, medications, bed, litter box, food and
water bowls, and health records. Also have on hand a recent
photo of your pet, for use if your pet becomes lost.
Other web sites with
information regarding moving with your pet:
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