Moving With Pets Guide

Tips for moving your Pets

Depending on where you are moving to, you will either move your pet yourself in the car, or he/she will have to travel on an airplane to get to your new home. If it is possible, you should try to move the pet in the car with you. It keeps the animals calmer, and you will have more control over how they are doing.

If your pet has to travel by air, make sure to check with the airlines for any regulations they have regarding this. Many have specifics on the size of the container/carrier for the animal. Also, if you want the animal to travel in the cabin with you, there are different rules and regulations for this. Generally, if the animal is over a certain weight, they will not be allowed in the cabin and will have to travel in the cargo section of the plane. Also, some airlines will not carry animals on certain flights, at all. Check with the airline ahead of time so you are not caught in a difficult situation upon arrival at the airport.

Regardless if they are in the cabin or in the cargo area, make sure that the container is well ventilated, and that the size is appropriate for your pet. The animal must be able to stand up, lie down and turn around in the container. It is also a good idea to put down an absorbent pad (like a training pad) to guard against leakage. A good place to check is with a pet store, which will have the proper containers and supplies for an animal that is traveling. Also, talk to your veterinarian for any tips on the journey. They may prescribe a mild sedative to help keep your animal calm.

On the day of the move, try to keep the animal as calm as possible, if the movers are in the house that day, keep the pet in a room by itself, so he doesn’t get nervous with all of the commotion. Don’t give the pet food or water too close to the time of the flight, and discuss with the veterinarian how/when to feed the animal on long flights.

If you are driving with the pet, and need to stop at hotels on the way, make sure to check ahead of time that they can accommodate pets. Again, you do not want to get stuck at the last minute searching for a hotel. Always travel with a box or carrier for the pet as well, and food and water bowls, toys and a leash. If the dog is a large breed, you will need to stop periodically for exercise, eating and drinking.

Once you arrive at your new home, the pet will need some time to get used to his new surroundings. Put all of their familiar items, food bowls, toys, etc in a quite place and let them settle in. Keep them indoors for a few days until they get used to their new surroundings.

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