| Often when we move, we're so busy with packing | | | | that no airline can guarantee acceptance of an animal |
| and preparing for the move that we forget to give | | | | it has not seen. Make sure you've got all the |
| proper attention to our pets. But we shouldn't. For | | | | necessary documentations, proper carrier markings |
| dogs, like for many other pets, a move to a place | | | | and sizing, and food and drink for the flight. You can |
| with new sights, sounds and especially smells can be | | | | check with Delta Airline recommendations on shipping |
| a challenge or even a trauma. Especially it concerns | | | | your pet. |
| dogs which never leave the house but for a | | | | Usually interstate health certificates for dogs have to |
| veterinary clinic. It's harder for them to adjust than | | | | be obtained before entering most states. Rabies |
| for the dogs that are used to new experiences going | | | | vaccine is required for dogs to enter most states. |
| out every day. The most important thing in moving | | | | Hawaii even requires that dogs be quarantined for |
| with a dog is to make it feel as secure, calm and | | | | the period of 120 days. Be sure your pet wears |
| comfortable as you can, otherwise your move can | | | | identification tags with your pet's name and |
| turn to nightmare. The following suggestions will | | | | description, your name, address and phone number; |
| make the dog moving easier: | | | | vaccination tags are often required as well. For more |
| Start packing 1 or 2 week before the actual day of | | | | detailed information on each state requirement for |
| the move in order not to get a dog overly excited | | | | pet's travel go to USDA Veterinary Services. |
| when you try to pack everything in a rush during the | | | | Airlines generally transport animals in the cargo |
| last couple of days before movers arrive. Do not | | | | compartment of the plane, but small dogs are |
| pack your dog's favorite toys or move the bedding if | | | | allowed to travel in airliner cabin with their owners, |
| possible. Sudden change of safety environment will | | | | provided they are placed in an approved carrier that |
| make your dog anxious and may lead to | | | | will feet under the seat. Dog kennels should be |
| unpredictable behavior. | | | | roomy enough to allow you pet sit, stand and lie |
| Don't change the feeding schedule of your dog and | | | | naturally; they must be easy to open, strong enough |
| keep doing the regular walks with it on, before and | | | | and leak proof; kennels should have proper |
| after the move. | | | | ventilation: at least 14% of the total wall space and |
| If the place you are moving to is located not far | | | | at least one third of the openings must be located on |
| from the place you are moving from, try bringing | | | | to the top of the kennel with the rims on the sides |
| your dog there so it can explore new sights, sounds | | | | to provide at least an inch of clearance in case the |
| and smells during the walks. In this case the change | | | | opening is blocked by another cargo. The kennel |
| of moving won't be as stressful for your pet. | | | | should have handles to lift it and marked "live animals" |
| Prepare the new id tag for you dog and be sure that | | | | with the directional arrows showing the proper |
| the dog wears it on the day of the move, especially | | | | position of the kennel. Also the instructions for |
| if you're moving long distance. This is in case the dog | | | | feeding and watering you pet should be attached to |
| gets scared and runs away or gets lost in the turmoil | | | | the kennel. Food and water must be provided for |
| of the move. | | | | puppies every 12 hours and for mature dogs should |
| It is strongly recommended that you leave your dog | | | | be fed every 24 hours and given water every 12 |
| at your neighbors', friends' or relatives' your dog is | | | | hours. |
| familiar with on the day of the move. If you have to | | | | Feed your animals no less then 3 hours before the |
| use a pet care center for the move day. This will | | | | flight and take it for a long walk. It would be better if |
| serve several purposes:a) - the dog will not feel | | | | you arrive to the airport early so you have enough |
| invaded, threatened by seeing the strange people | | | | time to take care of your pet according to the airline |
| entering its space. This can trigger the aggressive | | | | regulations. When you reserve the flight make sure it |
| behavior and may lead to accidents if the dog | | | | has as few stops and transfers as possible and try |
| encounters movers; dog can damage the furniture if | | | | to avoid peak travel periods. Also when you make |
| it is locked in a room. Other dogs may feel frightened | | | | your reservation tell the airline directly that you are |
| and this can lead to runny stomach and accidents of | | | | traveling with the dog and ask what requirements |
| other sort.b) you do not have to tend to him while | | | | they have. The law is changing and airlines often |
| the moving men are around packing your household | | | | require animals to be prepared by professional |
| goods and loading the van.c) moving men will not be | | | | transport companies with all necessary |
| distracted or scared to do their job and this will also | | | | documentations. |
| result in a faster and more efficient move. | | | | If you are planning to use sedative for your pet |
| If you have no other option - then lock your dog in a | | | | consult your veterinarian to be on the safe side. |
| room where it feels comfortable and make sure the | | | | Generally it is not advised to use sedatives because |
| dog has its favorite toys and a bed. Try to and | | | | animals lose balance and control over their bodies |
| make sure the room is empty of the boxes and | | | | what may hurt them during turbulence or other |
| furniture your movers will need to take. Often dog's | | | | unstable conditions of a plane. You get a word about |
| anxiety can turn to aggressiveness to strangers so it | | | | using sedatives from American Veterinary Medical |
| might be even better to put a sign on the door like | | | | Association . |
| "Dog. Do Not Open." so your pet won't be disturbed | | | | At the place you move in, find again the small and |
| and excited by the sight of the moving men. | | | | comfortable room for your dog to lock it in while the |
| Transporting the dog to a new place can also be | | | | moving men unload the truck. |
| problematic, unless it is so close so you can walk | | | | Make sure your pet knows where his stuff is: bed, |
| there. Do not put your dog in the back of the truck. | | | | crate, litter box, toys, eating area. And don't interrupt |
| When truck body is closed, conditions are very | | | | the day routine for you dog. Give the dog the water |
| adverse: it is dark, noisy and scary. Shipment may | | | | from the previous home, gradually mixing it with the |
| shift, boxes and furniture might fall. It is extremely | | | | water in the new one. Leave as little surprises for it |
| hot inside in the summer. | | | | as possible. Get your dog acquainted with the new |
| If you do not have a car - then use a pet-friendly | | | | home gradually: don't let it roam around everywhere |
| taxi to get you to the moving destination with a dog. | | | | at once. |
| When moving your dog by car, make sure you | | | | Keep the dog at home for few days for them to |
| prepared a sheet or a blanket for the car seats, | | | | adapt before letting it out to the street. Try not to |
| paper towels, food and drink if the trip takes more | | | | leave the new home to eat out at first, do it at |
| than two hours. If you're traveling far, don't feed the | | | | home so your pet won't feel forsaken. |
| dog at least 3 hours before the trip and don't forget | | | | And, lastly, be human - don't punish your pet for initial |
| to make stops every 2 hours to get some fresh air | | | | misbehavior, find some way to reduce their stress. |
| and drink for you pet. You can put one of the | | | | But should your dog leave some "accidents", be quick |
| favorite toys of your dog in the car for it to relax. | | | | to get rid of it, so the odor won't attract it again. |
| Check the pet friendly hotels you can stop at on | | | | Moving pets webpage will help you to get further |
| your way. | | | | information on related topic. |
| If you are traveling by air, take into consideration | | | | |