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Handle
With Care
Moving Pets Takes Time and Preparation
Courtesy Allied Van Lines
You can't pack them away with your children's stuffed animals.
So how do you transport your pet when you are moving to a
new home on the other side of the country?
Millions
of relocating pet owners are asking themselves that same question
as they prepare to move this summer.
According
to Mike Fergus, CEO and president of Allied Van Lines, one
of your priorities should be to talk with veterinarians in
your new area to familiarize yourself with animal regulations
and licensing requirements. "You will find restrictions
on things such as the number of pets allowed per household,
mimimum distance your pet's house must be from your neighbors,
and where and when your pet must be leashed," says Fergus.
Allied
offers the following additional tips to help pet owners move
their animals safely:
Preparing
Your Pet For The Move
Update
health records at your animal's final trip to the vet. Your
veterinarian can advise you on other preparations you should
make for your pet.
Find out
if you will be required to pay licensing fees and obtain health
or ownership documents.
Order
new identification tags with your name and new address.
Moving
Your Pet By Car
If the
drive to your new home requires a stay overnight, find out
which hotels along your route allow pets. This information
can easily be obtained, either by contacting the hotels themselves
or by calling an auto club.
If your
pet is not used to riding in a car, be sure to take him on
a few short rides to condition him for the longer trip.
Pack a
survival kit for the car ride, including food and water, treats
and favorite toys.
Pets should
not be fed for several hours before your trip.
Stop for
drinks and rest frequently and never leave a pet in an enclosed,
locked car.
Look at
the companion article to this for other tips on traveling
with your pet.
Moving
Your Pet By Plane
Contact
the airline for regulations and services. Airlines vary with
respect to required health and identification requirements,
size and types of cages allowed, and cost.
Keep in
mind that not all airlines will transport pets in the summer
due to larger crowds and warmer temperatures.
Book a
direct flight, preferably during weekdays and not during a
holiday. Travel times during the coolest time of day are recommended.
If your
airline allows you to take your pet into the cabin, it must
be in a cage small enough to fit under the seat but large
enough for your bird to be able to turn around.
Pets flying
in cargo must also have ample room to move comfortably in
their cages. Remember to put both a "Live Animal"
label and identification label on the container.
As with
traveling by car, it is important that you do not feed or
give water to your pet for a few hours prior to the flight.
Arriving
in Your New Home
Acclimatize
your pet in your new home by making sure his cage is available
and has the same toys and equipment. Try to locate the cage
in the same area of the house as in your previous home.
Follow
his regular eating and exercise schedule.
Become
familiar with the veterinarians in your area and make sure
you know who to call when your pet needs care.
For
more tips on moving pets, send away for a free copy of Allied's
Guide to a Good Move. Write to Allied Van Lines, PO Box 9569,
Downers Grove, IL 60515. Allied Van Lines web site is at www.alliedvan.com.
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