Moving with Pets

When moving or relocating your residence it is a good idea to consider the needs of your pet. While we can understand what is going on, a pet is pretty much clueless. This can be very stressful for them. Keep in mind that your pet will become confused and insecure during relocation, and will need some special attention to help them deal with the stress of moving.

While your home is for sale, people will come in to look over the house. These visitors may include realtors, and potential home buyers. It is polite of you to allow your pet to greet them, as long as they aren�t the jumpy type. Most people enjoy getting greeted by a loving dog. If your pet is friendly, you can allow them to greet potential buyers that come to inspect the home, but then keep your pet confined, or outside while the visitors are present. While it is true that most people like a friendly dog, some people may be frightened by a large dog, or bothered by a friendly dog. They may be allergic to cats, and afraid of snakes. Tarantulas and other pets may make them nervous. So put a cover over the aquarium that houses you snake or tarantula. Keep cats and dogs outside, or in a confined area.

You can use a next-generation online application to locate a suitable home for you and your pet. You can list the type of pet you plan on having in the segment for real estate facts. This will help you locate a suitable atmosphere for them. Having a large outdoor dog for example, would mean it would be in your best interest to find a property with a fence already around the back yard.

Be sure you have your pet�s health certificate and proof of vaccination before traveling by air, or across state or province boarders. Also, be certain that if you have an exotic pet that it is legal to own the species and breed of pet you have in the state or province you plan on moving to. In some U.S. states it is illegal to own a Quaker Parakeet, while in others it is not. You can search for the breed and for laws in the location you are planning on moving to online.

If you are transporting your pet via the airlines, it is important to know how your pet will be transported or confined during the flight. Call ahead to get specific details on the size of container you can transport them in. Also it is a good idea to find out what type food you can provide them, if any, and perhaps a wet towel for them to obtain hydration from in case your flight it delayed for longer than expected. Call ahead to find out the details as to the expected flight time, any regulations that may pertain to transporting your pet, and whether or not you can keep your pet with you confined, in the cabin. However, large dogs for example, will have to stay in the pressurized cargo hold.

When traveling by automobile, it is safest to place them in a carrier that you can fasten a safety belt around. Be sure to plan to stop for breaks at rest areas to let them do their business, eat and drink. When your journey requires overnight stays, be sure to make arrangements before you leave. While some hotels will permit pets with manners, others do not permit any pets. So you want to be certain that where you will stay is pet friendly.

If you are traveling in the heat of summer, or cold of winter, it is always a good idea your vehicle�s cooling or heating system is up to par. When you have your car inspected and serviced before your trip, ask the mechanic to check your heating and cooling system out too. Parrots, other small pets can die in as little as 10 minutes in an overly hot car. And never leave your pet in the car if it is dreadfully hot or cold as they may die from the extreme temperature. In winter, prepare by warming your engine up and allow the passenger compartment time to warm up to room temperature before bringing your pet inside.

Always make it a part of your moving check list to add your pet�s favorite toy, their food and water bowls, their leash, bedding and any medication they may be taking. Keep them in a place that you can access easily. When flying, keep these items in your carryon luggage so as to be able to access them as soon as you and your pet arrive at your destination.

About the Author: Richard Holley, President and Owner of Summit PM Services, resides in Stony Plain, AB. Having experienced several chaotic relocations, he felt a need for people moving to have access to more and better information about relocating. Holley began development of an Online Custom Moving Plan Service which, after considerable planning and development, was launched online at Planning-Your-Move.com (http://www.planning-your-move.com). Holley loves animals and knows first-hand the stress a pet can undergo during the process of changing residences with the family. He can be contacted via email by using his website's contact form.