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Moving causes stress, and moving with animals can be
extremely traumatic. However, there are precautions and
procedures that can ease the process for both pet and
human. The steps a pet owner should take will vary, of
course, with the species. Dogs, cats, small animals,
birds, reptiles and fish all require special
consideration. Animals cannot be moved in regular moving trucks.
But even large animals like horses can be moved
successfully with a bit of forethought and preparation.
It is important to keep up the animal's daily routine up
until the time of the move. Animals are intuitive and
they will recognize when something is amiss or radically
different in their lives. Continue feeding them the same
food up to the day of the move, and take along their
familiar food, water bowls, toys, and bedding. Cats can
become very upset by a change of environment. Invest in
a proper carrier for a cat. Keep it covered with a
blanket when traveling by car to create the illusion of
a safe place.
Dogs may take a move in stride but there are
exceptions. If a dog is subject to motion sickness it
should not be fed twelve hours prior to traveling, and
if necessary, medication can be prescribed by a
veterinarian for motion sickness.
Birds and small pets are sensitive to temperature
change. They need to be fed and watered regularly during
a move and they need adequate ventilation. Reptiles need
to be handled with care and to be kept moist, not wet.
Be sure that all state and federal regulations regarding
the movement of birds and reptiles from one state to
another are followed. Fish are more difficult to move
than other pets and may require placement in two or more
tanks. A portable aerator will keep the water oxygenated
during the move. Try to get the aquarium set up as soon
as possible after arriving at your destination.
Moving a horse will require that you tow a trailer
behind your vehicle. If your regular vehicle is not
adequate for towing, you will need to undertake a van rental. If
overnight stays are anticipated, booking stables along
the way is absolutely necessary. These stables will
require a health certificate. If no stables are
available, it may be possible to park the trailer in a
hotel lot overnight. This is not advisable during
inclement weather. Your horse will be reassured when you
feed and water it as normal, and clean out its stall.
It is important to keep your pet reassured and safe.
It is even more important to follow the advice of your
veterinarian, and to follow all the health regulations.
If moving by airplane, seek the advice of the airline.
When moving a pet seems overwhelmingly difficult, there
are always professional animal moving services. |
