You have found your perfect agent, sold or purchased your Pet Friendly Property, and now it is time to pack up and move. 

Whether you are moving across town, across country or from another country – you have a big task ahead of you.   Preparation is key to a successful move, keeping your pet’s safety in mind: 

 

• Identification.  Rule #1 in moving with your pet is properly identifying your pet with an identification tag and sturdy collar.  Make sure your pet’s tag includes your destination location and telephone number and a mobile number, so you can be reached easily.  Your prior address or telephone number will be useless if you have already moved.

• Medications, Food, and Veterinary Records.   Keep a current copy of your pet’s vaccinations in a convenient location and not packed away in the moving truck.  If traveling is stressful for your pet, consult your veterinarian about ways that might lessen the stress of travel.  Depending on your destination, your pet may also need additional vaccinations, medications, and health certificates.  Keep at least one week’s worth of food and medication in case of emergency. 

 

• Crates and Containment Systems. There are many different types of travel crates on the market, and many are lightweight and collapsible just for traveling purposes.  Make sure your pet is familiar with the crate you will be using for transportation by gradually introducing him to the crate before your trip.  Be sure the crate is sturdy enough for stress-chewers or he could make an escape.

 

• Traveling by car.  It is best to travel with your dog in a crate, but if your dog enjoys car travel, you may want to accustom him to a restraining harness. For your safety as well as theirs, it is ALWAYS best to transport cats in a well-ventilated carrier.  Never keep your pet in the open bed of a truck, or the storage area of a moving van.  In any season, a pet left alone in a parked vehicle is vulnerable to being injured, harmed or stolen. Plan ahead by searching for pet friendly hotels to find overnight lodging during your move, and have plenty of kitty litter and plastic bags on hand for Doggy Duty. 

• Keeping your pet secure.  Pets can feel vulnerable on moving day.  Keep your pet  in a safe, quiet place, such as the bathroom on moving day with a PETS INSIDE sign on the door to keep off-limits to friends and professional movers.

• Air Travel.  If traveling by air, first check with the airline about any requirements they need. Give yourself plenty of time to work out arrangements if necessary including consulting with your veterinarian and the US Department of Agriculture.

• Preparing your new home. Keep in mind that your pets may be frightened and confused in new surroundings.  To reduce the chance of escaping due to fear, or pure excitement to explore the new territory, prepare all the familiar and necessary things your pet will need from day one including food, water, medications, bed, litter box, food and water bowls. 

SOURCE: The Pet Realty Network™ Library  
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