Moving is stressful enough with kids — add pets to the list and the job gets even crazier. In addition to worrying about seamlessly relocating your family and belongings, you have to make sure your furry friends make the move safely as well. The key here is planning. Check out these tips to safely moving your pets from the old digs to the new one.
Know Before You Go
Do your research well before you move to see what the pet laws and regulations are for your particular state. Go to your state’s agricultural or veterinary office websites to learn more about special permits for animals like monkeys, big cats, iguanas, and exotic animals.
Next up: call the City Clerk’s office in your new home town to learn all about local ordinances pertaining to leash laws and licenses. There are usually limits as to how many pets you can have in your house. In addition, zoning laws may come into play that restrict farm animals like goats, pigs and chickens from being contained within residential areas. Then, a call to your apartment or condo association is in order, as many do not allow animals of any kind, from simple cats and dogs to exotics like tarantulas and snakes.
Gather all Paperwork
Here’s a general overview of what you’ll need for your pet before moving, especially across state lines:
- Health Records: Call your existing veterinarian to get all health records and have them sent to your new veterinarian.
- Health Certificate: Get a health certificate issued from your existing licensed veterinarian that states your pet is in good general health. Don’t do this too soon, as this paperwork can’t be more than 10 days old from the time of your time in many cases. Be sure to get a copy of your pet’s inoculation records that are up to date.
- Permit: if you have an exotic pet, you’ll likely new a permit from your the state you’ll be moving to.
Be Sure to ID Your Pet
Things can get lost in the shuffle during a residential move, and pets are one of those things. They may get frightened at any time during the moving process and run off. Make sure your pet has a collar with ID tag featuring its name, your name, the new address and a phone number. You may want to consider a microchip for your pet that provides permanent identification.
Transportation for Your Pet
If your pet isn’t used to traveling by automobile, take them for short car rides before the big move. Purchase a pet carrier to make sure your pet makes the trip in comfort and safety. Bring along a favorite chew toy or other comfort item for your pet so they can make the transition easily. This includes at the new home too. Just like humans, animals can take awhile to adjust to new surroundings. Make it as easy and painless for them as possible by bringing their favorite food bowl, toy, blanket or scratcher.
Contact Moving Proz
Moving Proz knows the best way for pets to travel. Call us for advice on how to safely move your cat, dog, or any other pet you may have. Contact us now or fill out our free quote form for more information.