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 If
pets are a part of your family, remember that moving,
whether down the block or across the country, is just as
stressful for them as it is for you. But this stress can
be greatly reduced with good planning and the tips that
you'll find here on MatchMovers.com. "Animals can sense
and react to stress just like people," says Dr. William
Fortney, a veterinarian at Kansas State University.
"Anything we can do to make it easier on them can make
recovering from the move easier on us." Here are some
suggestions from top veterinarians, zoo experts and
experienced pet owners on how to minimize the stress of
moving with pets. Read the general guidelines, then
check out the specific pets that make up your family's
menagerie.
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.
PET ROCKS
Probably the only pet easier to move than a turtle. Be
careful to not let your pet rock out of its box while
you are driving the car. It's simply too easy for them
to cause an accident by slipping under your gas or brake
pedal.
GORILLAS (How NOT to Move One)
On October 16, 1996, travel plans for the people on
Delta Flight 709 were delayed when one of the passengers
became upset during a stopover in Salt Lake City. The
passenger, a 490-pound gorilla, named Vip, had been
traveling for over 12 hours in the cargo hold. Having
endured a stopover in Cincinnati and a change of planes
in Salt Lake City on his way from Boston to his new home
in Seattle, Vip expressed his exasperation by rattling
his reinforced aluminum cage, resulting in a "rather
loud" noise. "It just turned into a long day," said
Brian Rutledge of Boston's Franklin Park Zoo, where Vip
had lived. "And when you weigh 490 pounds, you can let
people know you've had enough." He was unloaded in Salt
Lake City where he spent the night in Hogle Zoo before
continuing on to Seattle on the ground.
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