MOVING WITH YOUR PET
Summer is moving time for many people, and while it is stressful for everyone involved, with a little planning, it doesn’t have to be difficult for your pets. Check out the tips below!

Sadly, many pets will not be going with their families to new homes. Moving is the most common reason for relinquishing dogs and the third most common reason for relinquishing cats to shelters.  In addition, when citing moving as a reason for giving up pets, nearly 40 percent of pet owners cited the refusal of a landlord to allow pets as the reason.  Searching for pet-friendly housing in advance of the move can prevent the loss of a pet due to moving.

Pet owners travel with their dogs more frequently than with their cats. Cats are more focused on their surroundings than dogs, and don’t adapt to change as readily as their canine counterparts. Cats thrive on constancy,  and any disruption to their environment can foster stress-induced behavior changes.

Below are some things you can do to make the move with your pets easier on everyone:
If your cat’s only exposure to a carrier has been going to the vet, now may be the time to leave it out with the door open for him to explore daily.

If your dog has only traveled in the car for trips to the vet, it may be advisable to take him for some short rides a few weeks before the move.

On the day of the move, confine the pets to one room of the house or the backyard., or have a neighbor watch him while you move belongings out. Once everything is out of the house, retrieve the animal and place it in it’s carrier in the car.

Cats should always be confined to a hard-sided carrier, as should other small animals, such as rabbits, ferrets and birds. Allow for proper ventilation. Cover the carrier with a blanket or light sheet for the first few hours of the trip. Cats can get “freaked-out” watching the world go by.

Dogs should also be restrained. Safety harnesses, which attach to any seat belt, allow your dog to sit or stand comfortably. An unrestrained, agitated dog can impair your ability to control the car while driving.

Pack a separate bag for your animal. Include his favorite food, a gallon of water and some toys. Cats can generally travel for 8-10 hours without a litter box, but it never hurts to bring along a disposable one for emergencies or overnight stops. Bring a pet first aid kit and some extra towels and clean-up supplies for emergencies.

Place temporary ID tags with your new address and phone number, or cell phone number on your pet’s collar. Keep a current health certificate for your pet handy during interstate travel, because many states require one.

If you can’t take your pet with you during the move, there are a variety of animal relocation companies that will transport your animal using their own vehicles or by prearranging appropriate relocation methods or boarding. They also make sure your pet’s paperwork is up to date.

Many realty companies provide clients with special welcome kits for clients they know are pet owners. Kits can include toys and treats, as well as, books that feature local pet laws and directories of animal Hospitals, dog parks and pet specialty shops.

If your move will involve an overnight stay, be sure to book “pet-friendly” hotels.  Once in the room, check for hidden dangers to your pet before allowing it out of the carrier. Cats always look for hiding places, so check the room for these before allowing the cat to explore it’s surroundings.  Cats may freak out and run for the door when it’s opened, so confining him to the hotel bathroom while you’re going in and out is advisable. 

Remember, when your pet is in unfamiliar surroundings, he/she may exhibit uncharacteristic behaviors. Please don’t leave your pet unsupervised in a hotel room. Hotel staff could accidentally allow the pet to escape, or a “freaked out” animal could injure someone. If you are leaving the room, your pet should either be confined to a carrier or taken with you.