If you have pets you will have to make a decision about their transport and you’ll want to ensure a transition that is as comfortable as possible.Maintain your beloved creature's regular routine up to the time of your departure. Also keep their diet the same and pack their regular food.
Health Issues
Prior to your trip(if you will be leaving the state) make a visit to the veterinarian and make sure medical records for your animals are up to date. Many states require health certificates and rabies inoculations. Attach identification and rabies tags to their collar accordingly.
Most airlines require up to date health certificates. If you will be transporting your critter by air call the airline to confirm requirements. If you are traveling out of state or country check with the proper authorities for their requirements.
On the Road
If you will be transporting your critter by car consider purchasing a transport carrier. Keep cats in a carrier during auto travel. Dogs handle well using a restraining harness. Make frequent stops to allow your buddy to exercise and relieve itself.
Never leave your animals unattended in a car especially during the summer or hot weather due to high temperatures that can elevate to lethal levels within. Be prepared to keep your creatures shielded from cold as well enroute and at your destination. Cover carriers for temporary insulation from cooler temperatures at times. Don’t forget to account for good ventilation.
Some motels do not allow animals yet many do. Check your route in advance and plan your stops or make reservations at motels that will accept your critters. If this proves complicated or your trip is a lengthy cross country jaunt or overseas consider transport by airplane or use an animal transport service.
Transport by Airplane
As mentioned above if you will be transporting your animal by airplane make sure their health certificates are up to date. Make reservations well in advance and call the airlines and ask about their requirements and restrictions. Some airlines will not transport animals.
Some airlines will permit you to take your animal with you as a carryon. You will need a sufficient carrier. Carryons are forever being limited now so, that route may require sacrificing the checking of an additional bag. Typically these carriers will fit under the seat. So, if you decide to purchase one make sure it meets the airline’s dimensional requirements.
Kennel Thoughts
Whether at your departure point or at your destination consider keeping your buddy in a kennel temporarily at whichever location is more convenient. You could transfer them in advance or retrieve them later after your move.
If you use an animal transport service a kennel could even be a drop off solution at the destination if timing is such that you will not be there when your animal arrives.
Hopefully these suggestions will prove to make your beloved creature's travel to his/her new home a comfortable one.
authored by Lon Britton
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