How to make moving with pets easier.

Feb 1, 2011

Moving long distance is stressful on everyone in the family including your pets.  Here are some tips to help make it easier on you and your pet.

Pre-Planning

This is the key to an easier transfer, regardless of the mode of transportation chosen. Travel arrangements should be completed as far in advance of moving day as is practical, keeping departure day tasks to a minimum. One person in the family should assume responsibility for the pet. Be sure to discuss the transfer of your pet with your travel agent. Your agent can help you select the best way to transfer your pet, offer helpful suggestions, and assist with, or take care of, any necessary shipping arrangements. The agent may recommend a pet handling agency that will take care of all the details of shipping pets, including boarding, pick-up, and delivery. Costs vary according to services rendered.

General Checklist

1. Take pet to veterinarian for checkup and health documentsapply for entry permit if one is needed; inquire about sedation for pet; obtain pet’s health record; schedule second visit to vet if necessary; ask your vet to recommend a colleague in the new city.
2. Obtain travel identification tag.
3. Check destination state’s pet entry regulations.

1. Health Certificate:
   1. Interstate health certificates must accompany dogs and horses entering nearly all states. About half have the same requirement for cats, birds and other pets. In some cases, advance receipt of the health certificate by the destination state’s regulatory agency is a prerequisite to entry of the pet.
   2. The health certificate must include a complete description of the pet, list all inoculations it has had, and state that it is free from infectious diseases.
   3. Have your pet examined by your veterinarian well in advance of departure date so there will be time for any treatment or inoculations recommended. Another examination just prior to departure may be necessary. If the pet is excitable, or prone to motion sickness when traveling, ask the vet to prescribe medication for it. Also ask if a colleague in your new area can be recommended.

For more information on making a smoothe move for your pet you can visit this website for the rest of this article.