|
Moving companies cannot move living creatures so you will have
to take responsibility for moving any pets yourself. This isn't
just a case of making the physical moving process as smooth as
possible - you need to manage their psychological reactions to
the move too and make sure that they are kept safe and secure at
all times. If you prefer to have someone else move your pet for
you, you can find professional pet services that will do the job
for a fee. If you also can't face moving your pet on the day of
the move you can think about having them put into kennels for a
day or so until you have everything sorted.
Unless you're traveling very long distances it's better to
physically move your pet(s) yourself in your car or the vehicle
you're traveling in. This way you can manage their care during
the move and they'll feel better just being with you. If you are
traveling by car and your pet isn't used to this spend some time
before the move giving it short trial rides. You don't need to do
this with every pet - it's doubtful that it'll benefit a goldfish
for example - but it can help with cats and dogs.
You need to consider the type of container that your pet will
travel in if they need one. Your best bet is to buy a purpose
built box or container that is suitable for the type and size of
your pet. Many of you may already have travel baskets for pets
and these will be fine too. Do be aware that airlines often
specify particular types of approved containers for pets that are
flying. You may have to buy these from a specialist shop or from
the airline itself - talk to their representatives for advice. If
in doubt your veterinarian or local pet shop will be able to
help. Containers should always be large enough for your pet to
stand up, lie down and turn around in. They MUST have adequate
ventilation and not leak. It's always wise to take extra
precautions against accidents by putting down something absorbent
in the bottom of the container before you start your journey.
Make sure that you can secure the container and that it is strong
enough to cope with accidents. If you are moving birds or pets
that live in cages you can simply use these for most moves but
it's a good tip to cover the cages first to help your pets remain
calm.
On the day of your move you need to put your pet somewhere quiet
and secure. The packing up of your belongings can be a chaotic,
loud and confusing process for a pet - it's kinder to close them
in one room until you're ready to move them. Also, larger
non-caged pets, such as cats and dogs may take the opportunity to
bolt if all your doors are open and searching for a lost animal
is the last thing you want to do on moving day! Make sure they
have food and water and some familiar items to keep them happy
and keep popping in to see them. Stick a large notice on the door
saying not to open it and warn anyone helping you with your move
that your pet is shut in there!
Before you move talk to your veterinarian if you are at all
unsure how to transport your pet. They'll be able to give you
valuable advice on how to move them and may also sell pet
carriers for the journey. If your pets don't travel well, get
sick in vehicles or you're worried about long-distance travel and
the stress effects they can also advise on medication that can
help your pet out. You'll also need to check if your pets need
vaccinations brought up to date, special inoculations, permits
and so on and whether they need any special certificates - your
vet will be able to advise you on the legal ramifications of
moving with pets. If your move means that you'll be changing
veterinarians then arrange to get a copy of your records to hand
over to your new one.
You need to be making particularly early preparations if you are
taking your pet abroad or on a flight. Each foreign country will
have specific regulations governing bringing pets into the region
and you will undoubtedly need documentation and/or 'pet
passports' to get them allowed in. The paperwork for this can be
extensive and you may need to apply well in advance. Ask your
veterinarian, airline or the embassy of your destination country
for further advice on what types of pets will be allowed in and
what documentation you need.
Flight regulations for pets will vary according to airline and
the duration of your flight. Some airlines will allow certain
types of pets into the cabin for some flights - in all other
cases they will have to go in the hold or, in the cases of
extremely large animals, may have to travel freight. Some
airlines won't carry certain pets and some countries won't allow
certain types to enter. You MUST check first - otherwise your pet
will simply be sent home or quarantined and you'll have to pay
for the process. Special arrangements usually apply for dogs for
the disabled and you need to check these as well.
Flight arrangements for pets need to be made well in advance and
you need to adhere to any airline/customs regulations otherwise
your pet will not be allowed to travel. You must talk to the
airline first to check their procedures before your flight.
Turning up with a pet (no matter how small) with no prior notice
certainly won't get you on a flight. And, if you don't meet
regulations, they'll refuse to carry your pet - most airlines
have a list of cases when they'll refuse anyway such as extreme
temperatures and so on, so you need to check for these exclusions
as well. Talk to your veterinarian to discuss the effects flying
may have on your pet - your best option may be to sedate it to
minimize what can be a strange and stressful experience. In all
cases you will need travel and health documentation, an approved
container and probably a special ID. Some countries operate a pet
passport scheme as well. If your pet has to go in the baggage
hold make sure that their container is clearly marked - if you're
at all worried write LIVE ANIMAL on every available surface so
that baggage handlers know to be careful. Don't feed or water
your pet too close to flight time - for long journeys take the
advice of the airline and veterinarian on feeding. Finally,
remember to pick your pet up at the other end! You'd be surprised
how many people forget to do this - resulting in extra costs if
the animal is shipped back or placed in a kennel.
If your move is a long-distance one and you'll be driving
yourself to your new home stopping at hotels on the way make sure
you find hotels that will take your pets. For anything but the
shortest journey you need to have a box or bag available to cover
short-term needs. This should include food, water, bowls,
favorite toys/blankets etc, baskets, leashes and so on - anything
and everything your pet will need to keep it happy, fed and under
control for a few days. Being with you will make them feel better
but being in a car for long periods and travel in general can be
disorienting. The more familiar things a pet has around it the
better it'll cope. If you are traveling long distances make sure
to always keep your pet on a leash or in a carrier when you stop
anywhere. A confused and stressed pet will be more prone to run
away given a chance even if they are with you. It's not good to
leave pets alone in the car and, in certain countries, this is
actually illegal. If you do have to leave them, keep the time
short and leave a window open so that they get some air (but not
so open that they can escape!)
On the day of the move try not to feed your pet or give it too
much water for a few hours before you set off. This will minimize
the risk of the animal being sick on the journey. Do stop
regularly to give larger pets such as dogs a break for exercise
and to give other pets a rest, something to eat and drink. Keep
meals and drinks small and regular rather than large and
infrequent. Animals can get just as carsick as humans! Make sure
that larger pets such as dogs and cats have an ID chain with your
NEW address and telephone number on it. If your pets are being
transported via a carrier box write your contact details on the
side.
Getting to your new home might be a relief for you but it
continues the strange moving experience for some pets. Cats and
dogs, for example, establish specific territories within their
home environments and, if you move them, they lose these. You
need to be aware that they will need time to settle in after the
move. Make sure that you put out all of their toys, bowls and
bedding etc., somewhere quiet before you introduce them into
their new home. This will help them realize that this really IS
home. Keep pets indoors for a few days, or only take them out on
a leash, until they get used to their new surroundings. If they
are particularly stressed by the move and you let them outside
their first reaction may be to set off for their old home!
|
|
