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By User:riverajessica @timeAndDate(1294856838)

How To Move with Your Pet

For all their fur or scales or live animal eating, move, of course you'll want to take them with you. Moving with your furry friends can be a complicated process, depending on just how far you're going and what sort of pet you have. Establishing your pet in your new home is another difficulty you'll have when moving, but with some care and a little time, you'll both feeling completely at home soon enough. 

The Letter of the Law

First and foremost, make sure your new home allows animals. Some places are very strict about their No Dogs Allowed policy, and this can often apply to other creatures. This mostly concerns renters, but bringing along a previously undisclosed pet may impact a sale if it is not yet  final. Before you move, make sure your pets have: There's also the issue of prohibited pets. Due to issues of invasive breeding or fear of disease, larger mammals like ferrets, rabbits, or rats may be restricted, so it's best to find out if this is the case before shipping one across country or buying an expensive new carrier. Large birds and some fish species are also sometimes restricted.

Packing Your Pet

This task is all about priority. Avoid boxing up items like food, favorite toys, and bedding and health items until they absolutely must be stowed away. The flurry of activity surrounding a move can upset sensitive animals, so they'll need their comforts. Things they don't need or use everyday, like scratching posts or less favored toys, can be discreetly packed away. During this process, watch your pet for signs of stress, including changes in appetite, aggressive behavior, and excessive noise. All these tips are just as important on the big day. If you have extra help, assign someone to keep watch over animals in a quiet room; make sure food and water are readily available.

Travel Arrangements

Next you need to consider ''how'' you're going to move with your pet. A hike across town isn't terribly difficult; larger animals will have to spend time in a carrier, with Going the Distance Long-distance moves are a bit more complicated. Driving to your new destination is one of the easier routes you can take, especially if you need to move your car anyway. The added bonus of traveling on the open road with your labradoodle? You can control how and when they're fed, and you can take your breaks when they need one too. Nonetheless, stopping overnight may be tricky as many hotels and motels don't allow pets.

Air Travel and Your Pet

Car travel isn't always ideal, however: it can be a long process, and skittish creatures like hamsters and lizards are easily stressed out. Air travel and shipping can make complicated moves more simple, if a bit more expensive. Each airline will have its own specific rules, so it's important to check with them first. Some general tips include: * Feeding instructions and water should be included for longer flights. * Claws should be clipped; this will help you or airport staff avoid injury in case of escape. * Animals traveling in the cabin may not be removed from their carriers or let loose in the cabin. * By and large, snakes are barred from air travel, as they can easily escape. * To avoid issues with connecting flights and long check-ins, try to book nonstop flights when traveling with or shipping pets. * Counterup; instead they will await your arrival at the ticket counter.

A New Home

Before you get comfortable in your new home, check the house thoroughly. Cleaning chemicals and strong odors can cause distress for birds, reptiles, and small mammals, so you may want to ask the Realtor, previous owner, or landlord to avoid using anything too harsh. You should air the place out regardless.  Dog and cat owners should also do a thorough job cleaning debris from the floor. Carpets are especially prone to concealing little dangers, so if possible, arrive early to vacuum and sweep. A bit of glass here, an old screw there, and poor Spot's paws aren't safe.

Related Guides

* Moving Survival Guide * Cat Carriers * Dog Transport * How to Prepare for the Vet * Reptile Amphibian and Invertebrate Care