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Moving With Pets

When many of us move house, it is not just our furniture and belongings that come with us, but our beloved animals as well. Moving is a stressful time for all of us with many things to organise, but it is most stressful for our animals as they really have no idea what is going on. Moving house, cities or even countries is a part of life and sometimes has to happen, meaning that we simply need to find a way to do it that minimises the amount of stress placed on our faithful friends.

What to Do When You Move with Dogs and Cats

Before you Move

Moving with pets, particularly dogs and cats, is a process that begins long before the actual that the moving trucks arrive and most of the work occurs in these planning stages. The first step is to compile a moving schedule. This will not only keep you on track in terms of your pet, but will also help with all other aspects of your move as you will be organised at every point. But in between all the planning and preparation, the most important thing to do is simply spoil your pet. Playing with them, giving them treats and going on regular walks will ensure that they are relaxed and secure come moving day, letting the whole process run smoothly.

For your pet, the first appointment on your moving schedule is a visit to your local vet. Letting your vet know that you are moving allows him or her to recommend a good vet in your new area and give you copies of all your pets records to hand over to their new physician. Your vet will also inform you of any special considerations he or she take with your animal for you to pass on to the new vet. This is also a good time to get your pet up to date with all the necessary shots and vaccinations. You might take a while to get to the new vet and it is always better to be safe and know that your pet is protected against any possible infections. If you think it is necessary, ask your vet for a sedative to help your dog or cat cope with the move, but make sure you are confident that you can administer it correctly.

Make sure that you have a significant supply of any medication that your pet needs and a good stock of their favourite food – nothing is worse than worrying about your animal in your new home when they refuse to eat. If you are driving a distance to your new home, the next step is to plan out the route carefully. You need to know that there are enough places to stop along the route for your pet to stretch its legs and if you need to stop overnight, make sure that they hotel you choose is pet friendly. If you are driving your pet, make sure you have provisions for the car and that they don’t get packed up in the move. Fresh water, a bowl, treats, a lead and a blanket or pet carrier are vital if you – and your pet – are going to survive a lengthy car trip!

During the Move

Many animals stress during the actual packing up of the house as they are unsure of what is going on, sensing that you are leaving and fearing that they might not be going with you. While the movers are busy, close your animals into a quiet room with familiar things around them and make sure that you check on them regularly. This is particularly important with cats that could disappear during all the confusion, delaying you while you search for your missing feline. Before you leave and put your animals in the car, remember to put the details of your new home on their ID collars in case they get lost. If you are at a hotel overnight, don’t forget to put the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door, as housekeeping staff may come in and could let your pet escape.

At the New House

Once you are at your new house or pet-friendly rental home, the very first thing to do is to make sure that the garden is secure and safe for your pet. Check that there are no holes in the fencing where your pet could escape and no sharp objects around that could hurt a jumping cat. If there is a swimming pool, either fence it off or make sure that your animal knows how to swim and get out should they accidentally fall in.

To make your pet feel at home, reserve a particular place in the new house for them. Fill it with their toys, bowls and familiar smelling blankets and bedding to show them that this is their home too. It is also advisable not to be too strict with your animals during the first few weeks. Dogs might howl if left outside and cats might become restless. It is a good idea to keep these animals indoors and close to you for a while. Being reassured that you are nearby and not leaving them will go a long way to helping them adjust to their new surroundings.

And, once again, the most important thing is to play with your pets. Take dogs for walks to familiarise them with their new surroundings and keep treats on hand to convince them that this new home is really a great place to be. With cats, keeping them indoors for a while is not a bad idea to prevent them from wandering off and getting lost. Another trick is to put butter on their paws – the time spent licking it off will help them acclimatise to their new surroundings.

Moving to Another Country

Moving overseas with pets can be an extremely stressful time and requires careful consideration before any decisions are made. Where possible, drive your pet to its new home and avoid flying as, while you love your pet and can’t imagine life without it, flying and quarantine are a lot for your pet to cope with. It may often be kinder to find a happy new home for your dog or cat. Some animals do not survive the flight and countries that require lengthy quarantine means that your pet will be confined to a cage for a long period. But many pet owners know that their pets could equally not survive without them and undertake the whole process. In doing so, they need to follow these steps:

1. Research – The rules for moving your pet differ from country to country so read up on the regulations applicable to your new home. It is also a good idea to research the airline that your pet will be flying with, making sure it has a good track record with animals.

2. Vet – A visit to your vet is vital. They will tell you if your dog is fit to fly and will survive the ordeal. Take your vet’s advice, no matter how hard it may be to hear.

3. Paperwork – All cats and dogs need to be inoculated against rabies 30 days before they are due to fly and have any other shots that are required by the country to which you are moving. Your vet must issue a health certificate attesting to the health and history of your pet at least 14 days before you leave and both this certificate and the rabies inoculation must be verified by the office of the State Veterinarian. Most countries that you move to will also require an import permit for your pet.

4. Flying – An approved container is vital to the safety of your pet in the hold of the aeroplane. Animals are treated like baggage, so it is up to you to ensure that they are secure. Put treats and familiar items in the carrier and ensure the water bowl is attached to the door so that it is less likely to spill. A tranquiliser is often a good idea to keep the animal calm, but these can be counterproductive as dogs can easily become dehydrated on board and need to be alert enough to drink.

5. Boarding - Try and supervise your pet’s boarding and make sure that the cage is clearly marked with your details. Informing a flight attendant that your pet is on board is also a good idea.

6. Landing – In most countries with quarantine, pets need to be met by an official and taken straight to the facility. Make sure that you have organised this in advance.

7. Help - Using a pet transportation company is usually the best way to transport an animal internationally. They will take care of everything from the inoculations to the carrier and ensure that everything runs as smoothly as possible.

What about Other Pets?

While dogs and cats can be the most stressful to relocate with, many people have other pets that also require special care. Transporting fish is often tricky and many die en route. Consulting with your local vet or pet shop is the only way to figure out the best manner in which to move an aquarium, but be prepared for some hard work! Other pets like hamsters and birds are simpler to move as they can simply travel in their cages. Cover the cages in a blanket to keep the animal or bird calm and be careful not to throw the cage around and alarm the pet inside. It is also important to check that their food and water has not spilled and is kept fresh and accessible.

If you take all the precautions your new home will be a happy one for your family as well as your four legged friends.
Good luck.

Article Source: http://www.uberarticles.com/articles

Property24 is South Africa’s leading online property portal and as well as extensive property listings, offers excellent advice on all aspects of the moving process. From finding the right estate agent to getting a home loan and successfully moving your pets, Property24 is there for you every step of the way.

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