Moving Your Pet

Moving Your Pet
By dan the roommate man, Fri Dec 9th


Getting through the emotional stress of moving is difficultenough for adults and children. But what about pets, a specieswith whom we can't even level? Pet owners are often baffled bytheir pets' behavior during and after a move. Sometimes it's apersonality change, a regression in housebreaking habits or asudden unexplained illness. Even if you don't notice somethingthat dramatic, there's no question that your faithful companionis feeling stress. How do you move your pet and keep the strainto an absolute minimum -- both to yourself and your beloved pet?

If you're planning a cross-country move by air, call theairlines first -- before you make any reservations -- and findout which ones allow pets as "animal passengers." Approximately750,000 pets make airline trips every year. Most of the majorairlines, such as American, Delta, Continental and Northwest,will allow animal passengers provided outdoor temperatures arewithin a certain range. Pets may be brought on board with theirowners as "carry-on baggage," or placed within the cargo sectionof plane as "checked baggage," weather permitting. Airlines alsohave established regulations regarding the number of petspermitted per flight, both on board and in the cargo section; aswell as number of pets permitted per passenger; and size andweight limitations for carry on and checked baggage. If at allpossible, book a direct flight to avoid the additional stress ofplane changes.

If you're contemplating having your pet travel in the cargosection of the plane, you may want to consider first thatbecause this area is in the belly of the plane, you won't haveaccess to your pet at any time during the flight. While thecargo area is both heated and pressurized, this area isn't lit,so unless you tranquilize your pet first, the experience islikely to be traumatic. And you should note that the safety ofsome varieties of tranquilizers has been questioned. Thesesubstances can have a dramatically different effect upon yourpet at high altitudes.



The federal Animal Welfare Act defines the guidelines for thetransportation of animals


by air, ground and water; however, asan added protection, some airline carriers take a particularlystrict approach and require passengers to submit a certificateof acclimation form signed by their veterinarians, permittingthe animal to be in temperatures below 45 degrees; as well as aninterstate health certificate.

As your moving date approaches, try to maintain your pet'sroutine, including feeding, exercise and play times. When youbegin to box up your belongings, and particularly when themovers arrive, you may want to consider recruiting a friend topet-sit to avoid undue stress for your companion. Make sure yourpet is wearing updated identification, and that you're carryingsome kind of identification for your pet, including recentphotos. If your pet escapes at any time during your move, you'llbe prepared.

Veterinarians also recommend that if you pack a water supplyfrom the home you're leaving. Changing water sources could causeyour pet stomach upset and ultimately, dehydration. Keep yourpet's food as bland as possible; this isn't the time toexperiment with new brands or varieties. Check with your vet forhis or her recommendations. Bring your pet for a thoroughphysical exam prior to your move, and make sure you obtain yourpet's updated records from your vet. If your vet can't refer youto a new health-care provider in your new hometown, call theAmerican Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) at (800) 883-6301for a list of local veterinarians in your new hometown.

Another tip: Several weeks before your move, find out what theregulations are in your new home state regarding the importationof animals. These laws often vary from state to state and evenamong counties.

Coming next week: Stay tuned for some enlightening tips specificto the moving of cats, dogs, birds and other small critters suchas gerbils and hamsters. Each one of these pets possesses a setof personality characteristics unique to the species, and theyaffect how well your pet is able to adapt to the movingexperience.

MoreMoving Advice


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About the author:Since 1989 dan the roommate man has helped 1000's of people findroommates. Need help? Contact him at 800-487-8050 orwww.roommateexpress.com


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