Moving With Pets
Moving is stressful enough without having to worry about how your pet is faring. Follow these guideliness for a safe and uneventful move with a pet:- Most states have laws regarding the entry of animals. Although most states do not require quarantine, be sure to check on what you will need to move your pet if you are moving interstate.
- Border inspections of all animals being transported are conducted by some states while others have random inspection. Be prepared with health certificates for dogs and up-to-date rabies inoculations for dogs and cats.
- Pets cannot be shipped by professional movers. The best alternative is to have your pet travel with you to reduce anxiety. Be sure to have a leash with you because your pet may react oddly to strange surroundings.
- If you are traveling by air, your pet will have to be in a carrier. Check with the airline to see if the carrier can be kept in the cabin. Some airlines require that all carriers be stowed in luggage compartments; others allow small carriers to be kept in the cabin.
- Make sure your pet wears an identification tag with your name, the address of your destination, and the name and phone number of a friend or relative in case the pet is lost during transit.
- Check ahead of time with the city clerk or county clerk about any local laws about pets before you move. Some communities restrict the number of pets per residence, and most expect pets to be licensed shortly after you move in.
