Moving Your Pet Safely

Check State and Local Regulations in the Area You're Moving to

Contact the Veterinarian's Office or Department of Agriculture of the state you are moving to and request any pet laws and regulations that will apply to the type of pet or pets you plan to move.

Also contact the City Clerk's office of the locale. Many communities have zoning laws that prohibit you from keeping pets like farm animals in areas zoned residential. And be sure to check of you are planning on renting or moving into a condo or a neighborhood with a homeowners association, whether there are Regulations regarding the kinds, sizes and/or numbers of pets allowed.

Keep Up Your Regular Routines

Keep your pet's routines (feeding, exercise, play and walk times) as regular as possible before and during the move. On the day of the move, you may want to leave your pet at a friend or neighbor's home so you won't have to worry about the pet getting in your way, or worse yet, running away from all the hustle and bustle going on.

Visit Your Veterinarian Before the Trip

Before the move, take your pet to your veterinarian for a thorough physical exam. If your cat or dog is on any medication, be sure that you have enough for the period while you are getting settled in your new home and have time to visit a local veterinarian in your new town. You may want to ask your current vet to recommend a veterinarian in your new town. He may know someone there that is trustworthy and reasonable. If he or she doesn't have a recommendation, you can call the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) at (800) 883-6301.

Don't forget to get copies of your pets' records from your veterinarian before you leave. It will be important for your new vet to know the status of all your pet's shots and the history of its care.

If You are Moving Your Pet(s) by Plane

Be aware that some airlines won't transport pets at all and most that do will only do so when the temperature outside is within a certain range. Be sure to check with the airline you intend to use well ahead of time

Try to book a non-stop, or if that's not possible, a direct flight to minimize the time the animal will be sitting in or outside the plane on the tarmac in inclement weather and to reduce to the minimum the chance of your pet being lost as luggage as it is transferred from one plane to another.

If your pet is small enough, some airlines allow you to bring them on the plane with you in special containers as carry-on luggage for a reasonable extra charge.

Some airlines also provide counter-to-counter service so your pet is carried on and off the plane by an airline employee. This service costs more, but it may be worth it for your pet's health and your peace of mind.

If Moving your Pet by Car

"Avoid feeding or giving your pets water for several hours before you begin the drive to your new home unless they are used to traveling in the car with you," says Judie berger, an experienced realtor specializing in luxury homes. Make fairly frequent stops or whenever your pet seems to be uncomfortable. Try to feed your pets on the same schedule as they were on before you started the trip.

If possible, never leave your pet in the car alone. It is against the law in some states, but if you must, remember to open the windows and sunroof if you have one and lock the doors. Do not leave your pet alone in the car for long. Take the pet out for a walk if possible during most of your stops. Remember that they need to relive themselves just as you do.

Find pet-friendly hotels in advance of your drive. Listings of animal-friendly hotels are available from the Auto Club (AAA) and will help you find overnight lodging during your move. Some hotel chains accept pets at almost all of their locations, but be aware that some localities have laws banning pets in hotels and motels so do your homework on this before you start driving.

Purchase a new ID tag for your pet(s)

As soon as you know your new address, order a new pet ID tag that includes your new address and telephone number. An up-to-date ID tag is a lost pet's ticket home.

Special Considerations if Moving A Cat

One well-known Sarasota realtor says, "Cats become more attached to their environment than their owners. Thus, moving a cat will be more stressful for it than moving a dog." Show your cat plenty of attention prior to and during the move. Reassure it with familiar items and scents so the move is not any bigger shock that it needs to be.

Most cats aren't used to traveling in a car, so if you're moving by car, take your cat on short trips around the neighborhood and slowly increase the distance in the weeks before your move.

On the actual move day, confine it in its favorite room along with its favorite bed and toys until you are ready to leave. You will reduce the chance of your cat running away or getting lost in one of the boxes while you are packing.

At your new home, provide your cat with a comfortable living space right away. Limit the cats' explorations to just the new house and then, if you allow it outside, gradually accompany it on tours outside. Confining an "outdoor" cat in this manner may seem a bit cruel, but cats may try to return to their old house, no matter the distance for quite a while. It might take a month until your cat feels comfortable in the new home with its new scents, sounds and surroundings.

Special Considerations if Moving a Dog

Unlike cats who prefer routine, dogs may welcome a change in their environment. Dogs become attached to their owners rather than their environment. Therefore moving a dog is easier than moving a cat.

Your dog is probably already used to riding in a car and being on a leash. But, if you haven't taken the dog on as long a trip as this one will be, take him on longer rides in the car during the weeks prior to your move.

Since dogs, like cats, may get upset on moving day with all of the unusual activity, consider keeping your dog in its favorite room with its favorite blanket and toys until things settle down and you're ready to leave permanently. Visit him frequently, though. to reassure him that he is not going to be left behind.

"As soon as you arrive at your new home, take your dog for a walk. Help him or her become familiar with the new neighborhood. Let it sniff around and mark its territory," says Bert Stanley, the owner of BerStan Web Creations, "because dogs develop strong relationships with their owners, they're less likely to run away." In the new home, provide a comfortable sleeping area for the dog and try to keep a familiar routine of walks and meals.

Your pet is a member of your family. When you move to Sarsota Florida, be csure to give that pet the same attention you give the rest of the family during the move