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Moving With Pets

Most of us consider our pets as part of the family. They are with us in many of life's key moments, and they also move with us when we relocate. While even the most stubborn of your children will grow to comprehend the reasons you need to move, pets have a harder time understanding. When you're moving with pets, you must do everything you can to make sure that your trusted companions are happy and calm during what can be a very difficult transition. Your pet's health and comfort are your responsibility while moving.

When moving with your animals, proper planning is of the utmost importance. Always make sure that your pet is up to date on all vaccinations before moving. Know what documents and health certificates are needed in your new location, and keep them in a handy spot throughout the move. Each pet should have a travel identification tag with the pet's name, your name, and your new address and telephone number. An ID tag is a simple but very useful tool that will help you reunite with your pets, should they become lost. Feel free to contact a pet moving agency if you think that you need their services. They will gladly take care of the various bureaucratic and technical details entailed in your pet's move.

Know that your troubles will begin well before the moving date. Your pets are likely to be frightened by both the sight of moving boxes and the packing process itself. Don't forget to give your pets the care they need during your move, and maintain their daily routine (feeding times, potty times, play times, etc.) whenever possible. During the actual moving day, when people are coming in and out of the house and havoc is at its apex, place your pet in one room and lock the door. You don't want to add to the stress of moving by adding a lost pet search to your day. This confinement will ensure your pet does not try to escape, and also keep it away from the mess and confusion.

NEVER let your pet be shipped on the cargo truck with your furniture and boxes. If you are moving locally, consider taking your pet in your car. You may want to confine your pet to a carrier. If you do, make sure that it is large enough for the animal to comfortably sit, stand, and turnaround in. You wouldn't forget your own food or water, so don't forget your pet's either! Larger animals will need to be towed in their own trailers or trusted with an animal transportation company. When traveling long distances, it's important to give your pets regular breaks. They like to step out and stretch their legs, just as we do. Dogs will usually use their break time for "business" and it's much more ideal if that "business" stays outside of your car. Always stay in pet-friendly places when you have to make an over-night stop.

It is often best to transport your pets via airplane when moving long distances or internationally. Flight reservations and any special arrangements should be made with the airline well before the scheduled flight date. Small pets in a carrier and seeing-eye dogs are the only animals that may travel in the passenger cabin. Air freight is the most common way of shipping animals. Your animals must be in acceptable carriers, and your contact information should be complete and legible. If you are planning to have a pet shipped, be sure to arrive at the airport well in advance of your scheduled departure. At your pet's destination airport, make arrangements to have your pet picked up on time.

After you move it is very important to help your pet settle into its new home. For the first few days keep them in a quite area of the house or a particular room. Comfort them with lots of love and affection. No-one deserves it more than they do!