MOVING WITH PETS

Moving with pets is a sensitive issue to address when relocating. Since moving can cause unneeded stress on your pets, it's important to try and reduce these stress levels as much as possible. For the inexperienced, sorting through the maze of shots, health certificates and strict quarantine regulations that vary from one country to another ads undue tension to the already complex task of overseas relocation. Here are some things you can do when moving the family pets to your new home:

• Make certain your household pet is wearing proper identification and any required license tags in case they get lost.

• Ask your veterinarian for a copy of your pet’s medical history to take with you, and be sure all shots are current.

• Shortly before the move, your pets may become nervous because of all the unusual activity. Keep a close eye on them; stress may cause them to misbehave or run off. Consider having them boarded during the hectic days.

• When you move, take along a health certificate and rabies vaccination certificate. The health certificate, signed by your vet says your pet is in good condition. The rabies certificate states when and where your pet was vaccinated.

• If you move across state lines call or write the state veterinarian for laws on the entry of animals. 

If you move to another country :

• When traveling by air, contact the airline well in advance to check regulations and services.

• Consider direct flights to minimize the amount of time your pet will be confined. Select a portable air-transport kennel that’s large enough for your pet to stand and move around a bit and let your pet get accustomed to the kennel in advance.

• Don’t forget to mark the kneel with “ Live Animal”, your pet’s name, your new address and phone number.

• After boarding your plane, ask the flight attendant to confirm your pet has been loaded on the plane.

• If your pet has and ID implant, remember to have updated contact information.