Your pets need unique care and handling to get to their new home. The following are some suggestions for arranging their move.
Cats and Dogs
Small pets such as cats and dogs can either be shipped by air or taken along in the family car. There are also commercial services available for the shipment of pets. Look in your local yellow pages or call your moving company. If you are flying to your new destination, your cat or dog can ride in the baggage compartment. The following is a checklist to follow if you plan on using this method:
Book your flight early. Some airlines will allow you to keep a small animal in a carrier under your seat, which is preferable to placing him/her in the cargo hold.
Time your flight right. A plane's cargo hold can get dangerously hot or cold during extreme weather. In summer, it's best to fly in the early morning or the evening. In winter, travel in the afternoon. Go non-stop if possible.
You must provide the airline with a current certificate of health from your veterinarian. Sick or injured pets cannot fly. Animals must be at least eight weeks old to travel by air, according to federal regulations.
Call the airline in advance to find out about special shipping containers it may provide.
If you are going to provide the shipping container make sure it complies with the airline's regulations. Carriers should be well ventilated and should lock securely.
Do a chow check. To help prevent your pet from becoming nauseated, don't feed him/her for four to six hours before traveling. Ask your vet whether you should include food in the carrier.
Obtain some tranquilizers from your veterinarian and administer them to your pet just before the flight.
Put an old blanket or article of worn clothing with your scent on it to give your pet some comfort and a feeling of familiarity.
Include proper ID. Be sure your pet is wearing clear identification with your name and phone numbers of your home and destination plus any special diet or medical information. A matching tag should be on the crate as well.
If you aren't flying with your pet but are having him/her shipped separately by air, make sure someone is on the other end to pick him/her up at the airport and care for him or her until you arrive. If you do not know anyone in the destination location, arrange for a local kennel to do it for you. This service can also be provided in the origination location. Some kennels can board your pet several days before you move ( keeping him or her out of your way), package the pet according to airline regulations, take him or her to the airport, arrange to have a kennel on the other end pick him or her up and provide care until you arrive.
If you plan on taking your dog or cat with you on a long cross-country trip take special precautions. Animals get car-sick easily and being restricted in a car all day long can make them nervous and upset. Be sure to provide for frequent rest stops. Bring along the water dish, leash and favorite toy.
Some motels and hotels have regulations against pets. Others have special facilities for handling travelers' pets. Call in advance and check out the available literature on hotels along your route. National chains usually publish such information.
Smaller Animals
Hamsters, birds and similar pets can be transported in the family car fairly easily. Make sure they have enough food and water in their cages and are out of drafts or extreme temperatures. Cover cages with a cloth to keep them quiet.
Fish
Fish should not be moved in an aquarium. A gallon of water weighs eight pounds. A better arrangement would be to give the fish away and restock the aquarium when you arrive at your new home.
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