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GENERAL GUIDELINES
Keep your pets' routines as regular as possible as you prepare
to move. If you normally feed, exercise or play with them at a
certain time, continue to do so. During the final crunch of
moving, you may find it works best to keep your pet either at a
friend's house or a kennel, reducing the chance of your pet
getting upset and running away, or in the case of cats, hiding
in a box about to be shipped.
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.
PRE-PLANNING
This is the key to an easier transfer, regardless of the mode of
transportation chosen. Travel arrangements should be completed
as far in advance of moving day as is practical, keeping
departure day tasks to a minimum. One person in the family
should assume responsibility for the pet. Be sure to discuss the
transfer of your pet with your travel agent. Your agent can help
you select the best way to transfer your pet, offer helpful
suggestions, and assist with, or take care of, any necessary
shipping arrangements. The agent may recommend a pet handling
agency that will take care of all the details of shipping pets,
including boarding, pick-up, and delivery. Costs vary according
to services rendered.
General Checklist
1. Take pet to veterinarian for checkup and health documents
apply for entry permit if one is needed; inquire about sedation
for pet; obtain pet's health record; schedule second visit to
vet if necessary; ask your vet to recommend a colleague in the
new city.
2. Obtain travel identification tag.
3. Check destination state's pet entry regulations.
STATE AND LOCAL REGULATIONS
State Law: Nearly every state has laws applicable to the entry
of dogs, cats, horses, psittacine birds (birds of the parrot
family), and other pets. Tropical fish are the only exception.
It is important to comply with the laws of the state to which
you are moving; otherwise, you may be subject to prosecution.
Stevens Van Lines suggests contacting the State Veterinarian in
the capital city of your new home state well in advance of your
move for specific laws concerning entry of your pet.
A few states have border inspection of all animals being
imported; others have random inspection by department of
agriculture officials or the state highway patrol; some check
interstate health certificates; many depend on individual
compliance with the law; and a number rely on a combination of
these methods. Representatives of the state department of
agriculture are usually present at airports to inspect any pets
arriving by air.
Local Regulations: The majority of communities in the United
States have enacted pet control and licensing ordinances. In
many instances these relate only to dogs, but increasing numbers
of cities are applying them to cats as well. Local laws may
limit the number of dogs or cats permitted in one household.
Most communities prohibit the stabling of horses, ponies and
other livestock within city limits. Where permitted, minimum
distance from the barn to you and your neighbors' houses may be
specified, as well as size of pasture required. You may have to
stable your animal(s) outside the city limits. License fees and
the length of time a new resident has in which to obtain a
license for a pet vary from place to place. Contact the city
clerk at the destination city or town hall for specific
information.
CATS
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
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
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
If you have 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 (http://www.tortoise.com), 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.
Since there are some governmental regulations regarding the
shipment of reptiles, consult with A Fieldguide to Reptiles and
the Law by J. P. Levell. (published by Serpent's Tale)
SMALL MAMMALS
The best way to move small mammals such as mice, gerbils, guinea
pigs and hamsters are 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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