Homepage » Relocation Guide » Moving With Pets
Moving With Pets
Our pets are an inseparable part of the family. They are with us in many of life's pivotal moments, and of course join us when we move and relocate. While even the most stubborn and petulant child can grow to understand the necessity of the move, pets are harder to convince…
When moving with pets, you must take every possible measure to ensure your furry friend's transition is as smooth and bearable as possible. Remember that your pet's health and wellbeing are in your hands.
Planning ahead
As with other aspects of the relocation process, when moving with animals you must plan ahead.
Contact your veterinarian in advance and have him or her give your pet all the necessary shots and vaccinations.- Find out which documents and health certificates are required in your new location, and make sure they are accessible to you in every stage of the move.
- Provide your pet with a travel identification tag, specifying your contact details (in your new address) and the pet's name. Should your pet get lost, an ID tag will make it easier to find you.
If necessary, contact a pet handling agency, which will take care of the various technical and bureaucratic details entailed in your pet's move.
Your pets on moving day
The hassle of the move begins long before moving day. The sight of moving boxes and the packing process itself are bound to frighten your pets.
Even when in the midst of the turmoil, remember to pay extra attention to your pets, and more importantly – to maintain their daily routine. On the big day, when movers are coming in and out of the house and the mayhem is at its zenith, confine your pet to a specific room, and make sure no-one enters it. This confinement will not only ensure your pet does not try to escape, but will also keep it away from the mess and confusion.
Transporting your pets
Never ship your pet off with the rest of your cargo on the moving truck. If you're moving locally, it might be advisable to take your pet with you in your car. If necessary, place the animal in an adequate carrier, with ample food and water, and preferably with some toys.
Large animals, such as horses, will of course be towed in a horse trailer or, alternatively, be entrusted to an authorized horse transporting company. When traveling with your pet, particularly with dogs, remember to stop every once in a while along the way. If you make overnight stops, do so in pet-friendly places only.
When moving internationally or long distance, it is best to transport your pets by air. Flights and reservations should be booked well ahead of time, and all necessary arrangements with the airline should be completed long before the scheduled flight date. Small pets in a carrier and seeing-eye dogs are allowed to travel with their owners in the passenger cabin. Most animals, however, will be shipped as air freight. They will need to be placed in an adequate container, on which your contact details are to be explicitly specified. If you are shipping off a pet, arrive at the airport earlier than usually required. Most importantly, arrange to have your pet picked up at the destination point on time.
When the move is complete and your pets have arrived safely home, it is time to help them adjust to their new surroundings. You may need to confine them to a specific room or area of the house for the first few days. Shower them constantly with love and affection. They deserve it.
We would like to thank Mover New York for their professional guidance while building this site.
