Moving your pets requires careful planning and organized execution. All in all, it is not an easy task because of two major reasons:
- movers won’t relocate your pets so the responsibility of transporting them safely to their new home rests with you, and
- unlike a local move where you can take your loved ones with you in the car, moving your pets long-distance comes with its unique sets of challenges.
The very first step of the organization process is to book an appointment with your veterinarian for a complete check-up of your pets. Make sure their vaccinations are up to date and that they have the right documents to travel. If you’re flying to your new city and you’re taking your dog or cat on the plane with you, discuss with your vet whether they will have to be sedated or not during the flight.
The next step is to check the local laws of your destination for any restrictions or special regulations regarding your pet(s). While most pets are perfectly allowed in all states and countries, others (exotic birds, lizards, etc.) could be problematic in some places. It’s best to just be on the safe side and check the legislation in advance.
In case you’re flying with your pet, you should check the official regulations of the International Airline Transportation Association (IATA)regarding pet carriers and other useful information.
Also, make sure you have prepared your pets for the journey:
- One day before the trip, reduce the food ration but give them enough water;
- If you have a dog, take it out for a walk before heading for the airport;
- In order to minimize your pets’ stress level, don’t forget to give your loved ones a light meal around 2 hours before placing them into the carrier.
Once the relocation is over, your pets will need time to get used to the new environment – just like you. As a direct result of the tough acclimatization process, you may notice signs of depression and uncharacteristic behavioral patterns or other. Most pets get back on track quickly but if the unusual symptoms persist, ask professional help from a good veterinarian.
