While traveling and moving are undeniably stressful for anyone, you can help make it much easier for your pet. We’ve put together this information to assist you during your relocation.

Please ask us any specific questions you have regarding your own pets’ needs. Very young, ill or elderly pets may need special care during the transition to your new home.

BEFORE YOU MOVE

ü   Remove your pet’s old I.D. tag and order a new one with your new address and phone number. If you will be going back and forth between this area and your new home, have your pet wear tags for both addresses.

ü   Make sure to give  your new address our office. Your pet may be traced using his old Rabies tag so we may need to know how to reach you.

ü   Stock up on your pet’s medications and food, especially special prescription diets.

ü   Speak to one of our veterinarians if your pet has difficulty traveling.

ü   Request a copy of your pet’s medical history to give to your new veterinarian. Make a copy for your own files.

ü   Travel within the continental U.S. requires a certificate of health and proof that your pet’s Rabies vaccine is current.

ü   Travel overseas requires special documentation. Check with the U.S. consulate of the country to which you will be traveling for the requirements of that country. Call them at least 2 months in advance to be sure all the  appropriate tests, vaccines and paperwork can be completed in time.

We are often asked if pre-travel medication is a safe way to help relax your pet. Each pet is different, so if you have questions regarding this topic bring it to the attention of one of our veterinarians, who will examine your pet and decide if that is an appropriate option.

 

DURING THE TRIP

ü   We recommend your pet travel in a crate, carrier or safety harness while in your vehicle.

ü   Dogs should be leashed at all times while traveling, even in the car.

ü   Suitcases and boxes can shift in a vehicle and injure a pet. Be sure all objects are secure.

ü   Be sure to stop often for water, exercise and elimination breaks for your pet. Don’t be surprised if your dog is a bit confused about where to eliminate in a strange place; he may not go until he is desperate. Be patient and reassuring. Cats do well on very long trips with a litter box break (in the car) two or three times daily.

 

AT YOUR NEW HOME

ü   Restrict your pets to one room during the hustle & bustle of moving day. Better yet, find a good boarding kennel and board your pets for a day or two at each end of the move. Not only does this keep them out of your hair on moving day, it prevents them from seeing their old home being taken apart. By the time you bring them to your new home, most of the old familiar furnishings will be in place and there should be less confusion.

ü   Once things are quiet, introduce your pet to your entire new house & yard. Take your dog on a slow tour of his new house and yard while on a leash. Follow your cat around as she explores. Make sure to introduce them to the areas where you want them to eliminate (e.g. litter box, corner of the yard). The new home will be unclaimed territory your pet may try  to “mark” as his own with urine.

ü   Be aware of aspects of your new home (e.g. stairs) that were not present in your old one. Your pet will not automatically know how to deal with them. Pet-proof any areas that may be hazardous for your pet until he gets used to the new house.

ü   Feed your pet in each room so he knows the whole house is part of his home.

FINDING A NEW VETERINARIAN

One of the first things you will need to do in your new location is to find medical professionals for your entire family, including your pets. You do not want to have to trust your pet’s care in an emergency to a veterinarian you have never met.

The best way to locate excellent veterinary care in your new home is by word of mouth. Ask your new neighbors. Ask people you meet who are walking well-cared-for dogs. Check out the local pet supply store and ask people who are NOT buying the cheapest pet food available. Get a consensus of who gives the best care in the area, not necessarily the least expensive.

Once you have the name of a veterinary office in your area, call and make an appointment for a well-pet checkup, nail clipping or ear cleaning, or even just to meet the doctor.

ü   Ask about their daytime hours and night-time emergency coverage.

ü   Find out if they carry (or can order for you) any special medications or diets your pet needs.

ü   Request a tour of the facility. Is it clean, in good repair and (mostly) odor-free?

ü   How does the staff interact with you and your pet? Are they rushed, or do they take the time to answer your questions and comfort your animal? Do they seem to genuinely enjoy what they do?

ü   If your pet currently has a condition requiring special laboratory tests or procedures, can they perform them?

ü   Don’t settle for less than the best available care for your furry companions!