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Moving with Pets? The safety of your pet is one of the most important things you have to consider when you’re moving. If you understand what it requires to move your pet and how to move it, the entire process will be easier than you’ve imagined from start to finish.
As you prepare for your move, consider the moving of your pet as part of your move and plan for it with just as much care as you would with your other stuff. The first step in preparing for your pet relocation is to ensure everything you need to move your pet is set before moving out. How to move your pet shouldn’t be the last item on your moving agenda rather it should be among the top on your list.
Here are key tips for a successful pet relocation:
Getting Set To Move Your Pet
Decide on transportation
you need to make up your mind about how to transport your pet. Decide if the pet will be flown, or travel in the same car with you. Regardless of how you intend to transport your pet, make the required plans for moving the pet not less than a month before your actual move.
Medical checkup
don’t take unnecessary risk with your pet. Take your pet to a veterinarian for medical checkup. Inform the veterinarian about your intended move and ask for what your animal may need while in transit.
Also, you should ask the vet about the documents you need for moving your pet. Request for the pet’s medical record and ask if the vet can recommend a new vet for you anywhere around the new town or city you are moving to.
Check the destination state law
If you’re moving to a different state, find out the requirements of moving pets into the state. Each state has distinct laws for moving animals and domestic pets. You can find pets moving laws in state’s website. While some pet laws are applicable for all pets, other are specific. Lookout for the laws that are related to your pet
You can avoid been detained at the border by checking the required and applicable laws before you move. Your vet may provide you with all the necessary information you may need. But you need to keep checking the state’s law website for updates.
If you’re making the trip by road, bear in mind that most states often perform random searches. However, if you fly your pet, custom officers will check the pet when the plane touched down. Whatever means of transportation you opt for, ensure you have all the required documents intact and ready for presentation on request.
Required documents for moving with pets
The following are key documents you may need for moving your pet:
Health Certificate
if you’re moving across state lines, you are required by law to have an Interstate Health Certificate for your pet. The certificate is an indication that your pet is disease free and has taken all the required and necessary shots.
Horses and dogs must have Interstate Health Certificate before you can move them across states. While other pets such as hamsters, birds, cats and other small companions may not necessarily require an Interstate Health Certificate except it is stipulated in a state’s law. Do some research to find out what are actually required for your pet in a new state and talk to your vet about it.
Rabies tag
if your pet is a dog, you may need a rabies tag. A rabies tag is an indication that the dog has been inoculated against rabies. Ideally, your pet must be given a rabies shot every three years.
Find out from your vet about rabies tag and its requirement in the state you’re moving to. Also, do some personal research online. Depending on the state you’re moving to, cats may be required to have a rabies tag too.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), it is impossible to determine how many stray dogs and cats live in the United States. Estimates for cats alone range up to 70 million. While owned cats and dogs generally live longer, healthier lives than strays. Do not make your pet a stray just because you are moving.
