Moving with Pets

Most pet owners feel their pet is a member of the family. Remember that your pet can feel your anxiety and may show unusual personality traits at this time. Try to keep your routine as normal as possible. Remember, a long trip can be even tougher for an animal than a human. Take this into consideration when moving your pet, and everyone should arrive on the other end safe and happy.

Tips

• Cats and Dogs may be shipped by air or taken along in the family car. If you are flying to your new destination, check with airlines regarding size requirements to take a cat or dog into the passenger cabin with you. If you are transporting your pet in the baggage department, talk to your veterinarian about up-to-date shots and a health certificate. You may want to ask for tranquilizers to give your pet just before heading to the airport. Make sure to put a piece of clothing with your scent on it in the animals box so it will feel more at home during transportation. If you're driving, be sure to precheck with hotels and motels along the route to make certain your dog or cat will be welcome.
• Hamsters, birds and other small animals can be easily transported in your car. Make sure they have enough food and water in their cages and are out of drafts or extreme temperatures. It is a good idea to cover their cages with a cloth to keep them quiet and restful.
• Fish are very difficult to transport. In general, it is impractical to move an aquarium with fish in it. A gallon of water weights 8 pounds, so a small ten-gallon aquarium will weight almost a hundred pounds when filled. Plan on giving the fish away with a promise to restock the aquarium when you arrive at your new home.