Moving Tips for Pet Owners

Moving, whether relocating by choice or because of a job transfer, can be very upsetting to the non-human members of your family. Unlike children, you can't simply sit the family dog, cat, parrot, or other pet down for a discussion about what is happening. As you prepare for relocating, your pet will see unusual activity which is hard to understand and, as the moving process progresses, can become extremely stressed and fearful of abandonment. During the entire move process, give your pets some extra love and reassurance.

If your home is being listed for sale, you will have real estate agents and potential buyers visiting your residence. When your listing realtor arrives for an initial visit to tour your home, introduce your pet if it is friendly. However, do not allow the pet to become too friendly and jump on the realtor's clothing. After an introduction, place the pet safely away while you conduct business. When people who want to buy a home come to visit, confine the pet in an area that will not allow it to cause fear or aggravation to the potential buyers. It is surprising how many people are afraid of dogs, cats, snakes, tarantulas, or other pets. These tips also apply to people who may be coming into your home to see items you may be selling or donating instead of moving them to your new residence.

Using a next-generation online moving planner serves to make your move more efficient and cost-effective. They will also allow you to list in the segment for real estate facts that you have pets and what type of pets you will keep in the residence or on the property you plan to buy or lease. This can help your realtor locate rental property that allows your type of pet or search for a home suited for pet owners. For example, if you have two large dogs, having a fenced-in back yard may be a necessity for you and your family.

Before moving, especially if you are traveling by airline or crossing state or province borders, you must have a health certificate for your pets and proof of any required vaccinations. You must also make certain that the area to which you are relocating does not have any laws against owning pets of the type and species you own. For example, some U.S. states have laws against owning Quaker Parrots, also known as Monk Parakeets. These laws can easily be researched online.

It is important that you know how to move your pet so that the pet will be comfortable during the process. If you are traveling by airline, check with the airline for exact regulations about the flight, cost of moving the pet, whether the pet can be kept in the cabin or must be placed in the pressurized cargo hold. Small dogs, cats, and birds, with proof of health and required vaccinations, can often travel in the cabin with you if housed in a proper carrier. Large animals must be placed in the cargo area. Be sure your pet has food available and moisture such as fruit or a wet towel to chew if the flight is longer than two hours. Even if the flight is short, airline delays can result in longer periods of time the pet must be in the carrier, so it is a good idea to provide moisture in some form.

If you are moving the family by automobile, your pet can be made comfortable by being placed in a carrier that is safely strapped to the seat during the move. If the weather is pleasant, you can allow dogs and cats to take potty breaks and eat or drink while on a leash during rest stops.

If your move requires staying at a hotel overnight or several nights along the way, you should call in advance to make certain that your lodging arrangements are pet-friendly. Many hotels welcome well-behaved pets; others do not accept any type of animal.

If your relocation is during extremely hot or cold weather, you must make certain the vehicle has heat or air conditioning that operates properly, not only for you and your family but for your pet's safety. Parrots, for example, if overheated for as little as 10 minutes in a hot vehicle can die. Any pet can become ill if exposed to cold temperatures. Each day, before departing your hotel, start your vehicle and allow the temperature to adjust to comfortable levels before placing your pets inside.

As part of your moving checklist, include pet food, dishes, leashes, pet beds, favorite toys, and any prescription medications necessary to be packed into the vehicle with your pets. If flying, these items should be packed into checked luggage so your pet will feel right at home upon arrival at its new residence.

About the Author: Richard Holley, President and Owner of Summit PM Services resides in Stony Plain, AB. Having experienced several stressful relocations, he acknowledged a need for people moving to have access to better information to assist in relocating. Holley began development of Online Custom Moving Plan Service, which after careful research and development, was launched online at Planning-Your-Move.com (http://www.planning-your-move.com.) Holley also loves animals and understands the stress a pet can undergo during relocation. He can be contacted through his website's contact form.