How to Keep a Pet Safe on Moving Day

Moving is stressful, not only for you but also for your animal companion. Keep your precious pet safe on moving day by taking a few precautions in regard to your animal. The following steps will help you keep your pet calm and safe on moving day.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A pet carrier
• New animal tags
• Pet-friendly hotel

1. Maintain a normal routine for your pet while getting ready for a move. Gradually pack a little at a time so that you can make time for your pet.

2. Purchase a sturdy pet carrier if you need one for your move. Visit a pet store with your animal when picking out a carrier to make sure it is the right size.

3. Keep your pet in a room while moving such as the bathroom where he or she won't be disturbed and where your pet won't escape. You can also leave your dog in the yard if you have one while moving.

4. Update your pet's tags to reflect your new address as soon as you know it so that if your pet is lost, he can be returned to you.

5. Find hotels that will allow pets before you leave if you are driving to your new destination. Check online for hotels that will accept pets.

6. Contact the airline to determine if your pet can travel on board with you if you are flying. Take a direct flight to prevent airline personnel from having to move your pet from plane to plane so that your pet doesn't accidentally get put on the wrong airplane and to avoid possible delays in flights.

7. Prepare with everything you need for your pet to be ready in your new home to make things less stressful for your animal. Find a veterinarian immediately upon arrival at your new destination so you have a place to take your pet if he becomes ill.

Tips & Warnings

• If your pet will be traveling in the cargo section of the airplane, you will need to call ahead to see if the airline has any restrictions on transporting pets. Also check to see if there are any more requirements that need to be met when transporting your pet through the airline.
• Keep a recent photo of your pet handy in case your pet becomes lost during or after the move.
• Keep your animal as calm as possible. An agitated animal may take off or could become destructive.

Resources

• Locate pet-friendly hotels

[Karenc1972]

on 11/18/2007 If you have cats, it's a good idea to place them in one room for the first few days so they can adjust. If you have outdoor cats, keep them indoors for at least the first 2 weeks so you don't run the risk of them running away or becoming lost.