How To Have a Smooth Move With Your Pet

When moving with a pet, always remember that a move can be just as traumatic or upsetting for your pet as it is for the rest of the family (particularly for dogs or cats that are use to just being in the house except for a few minutes a day). Even though things can be chaotic during this time, you can make your pet feel calm, relaxed and secure as possible without adding too much more stress on you. The key is to plan and know what is expected of you ahead of time.

When you don't plan ahead, the likelihood is that chaos is going to break out a day or two before your move date. To avoid this chaos, start packing a week or two before your moving day. Never pack away your pet's toys, bedding and bowls until you absolutely have to (preferably the morning of the move); otherwise, your pet could become very anxious and can withdrawal or act out. To avoid unpredictable behavior wait until the very last minute to pack their belongings.

Keep feeding and walking schedules the same if at all possible to you're your pet feel secure.

When your new home is not far away, take your dog for a visit so that he/she can explore the smells and sounds of the area. Walk the parameter with your pet so it won't seem so strange when you do move.

Whenever possible, on moving day, leave your pet with a neighbor, relative or someone he/she knows. You will be accomplishing a couple of things; the pet will avoid feeling threatened so you won't have to worry about anyone being bit and there won't be a chance that he/she will dart when all the doors are opened and closed. In addition to your pet being more comfortable, your mover's will definitely be more comfortable if they don't have to be on the lookout for your pet.

If removing your pet for the day is not an option, you need to lock him/her in another room with their toys and bed. A room that is empty is recommended so that the movers don't have to move in and out. Put up a sign "Dog Inside – Don't Open".

Never place your dog in the storage area of the truck for transportation. Place some kind of cover over the seats to protect them for any kind of long distance trip and also don't feed your pet for at least two hours before departure and you'll want to stop every two hours for bathroom and stretching breaks for your pet.

If you are flying, make sure you have all the required paper work, an acceptable carrier and food and water. You'll want to visit the airlines website before making reservations to investigate each airlines requirements. Most times health certificates for pets are necessary to enter most states and the rabies vaccine will almost always required. Hawaii even requires that before release, dogs be quarantined for the period of 120 days. You can find exact information for a particular state's requirements for your pet's travel at USDA Veterinary Services.

Animals are usually transported down below with the cargo; but small pets often fly with their owner as long as the carrier is approved and will fit beneath the seat. Your kennel will amost certainly need handles and labeled "Live Animal" with the directions showing up and down.

At your new residence, make sure your pet knows where his/her things are and don't interrupt their daily routine. No more surprises than are necessary will make for a smoother adjustment. Let your pet get acquainted with your new home gradually if possible instead of letting him/her roam everywhere at once.

Hopefully your pet won't misbehave due to the move, but it wouldn't be that unusual if he/she did, so be patient and you'll have your old precious pet back in no time.