When moving across town, state-to-state, or globally the checklist of details appears to be endless. If you are a pet owner of any kind then add a few more “to do’s” onto that ever growing list!
As Americans, we love our pets. According to the most recent survey of the American veterinary medical association 60% of U.S. households owned one pet, with 45% being owners of a dog or cat. Therefore this ‘member of the family’ will now be part of the relocation process and their specific needs require specific solutions.
Not all pets fall under the category of dog or cat. There are relocations, which involve the transport of horses, llamas, burros, sheep, rabbits, gerbils, birds, reptiles of all types and fish. All of these animals require specific arrangements when being moved locally or with a major relocation.
Larger animals are best serviced by professional animal transportation services. They are specialized in all facets of safe and appropriate handling and provide trained attendants as well as proper vans and vehicles for transport.
Regardless of the type of pet to be moved, there is a specific calendar of functions to address, beginning at the four week period prior to the move and continuing through the packing and moving out day, the transit period and ongoing to the post move and settling in stage. This list of ‘ to do’s includes pre-move veterinarian examinations, health certificates, vaccinations, quarantine requirements (international moves), transportation crates, identification tags, travel reservations, feeding schedules, boarding kennels and of course finding a new veterinarian and establishing records at the new location.
It is also important to know how to manage your pet in this changing environment. Your pet will likely pick up on your own anxieties at this time and the family should be cautious in recognizing any signs of stress in the pets. Dog and cats may be restless and hyper vigilant and at times their hearts may beat rapidly. Cats tend to run for cover and hide from their owners. Many pets including birds, hamsters, cats and dogs may react by pulling on their fur or feathers or wash themselves continuously.
Many progressive corporations have introduced special allowances for the moving of pets in their relocation policies. The cost of the pet transfer varies with the type of transportation required and the average cost is $1,200 according to data provided by the Employee Relocation Council. There are both domestic and international pet policies, which cover all costs of pet shipping and associated expenses. For relocation policies that do not include a pet policy than it is wise to cover the associated cost of moving a pet through the use of allowances under miscellaneous items.
There are various forms of transporting domestic pets and until recently airlines have been the most commonly used method. Each airline has specific rules and regulations. Congress stepped in April 2000 with regulations for safe air travel for animals act. It is important to check with the individual airlines to learn of the guidelines and or restrictions that apply at that time of year. Call the airline’s 800 number and ask for pet transportation. There are a few web sites helpful in finding airline-approved animal transport companies and pet carriers: www.ipata.com under “find a pet shipper” or www.iata.org/cargo/live.htm.
The transferee may decide to drive their pets and there are other web sites with useful information for when traveling with pets; www.runzheimer.com, www.healthypet.com “find a hospital” section and www.petswelcom.com for a list of hotels that allow pets.
If you are planning to rent accommodations in the new destination city than it is important to find a rental that will allow pets. Numerous apartment complexes as well as private landlord situations have the right to place pet restrictions and where pets are allowed you may be required to submit a substantial dollar deposit along with the security deposit
Since Fido or Morris is often considered a member of the family the responsible pet owner will take care to spend a few additional hours and learn of the services available and to make the appropriate arrangements. This will result in a healthy atmosphere for the pet and another well planned section to the many parts that make up relocation.
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