Are you relocating with dogs and cats? It takes planning if you want a smooth transition. A reliable transport service for dogs and cats can help your pet travel comfortably. But before you hire a pet moving service, consider five ways to help you plan wisely.
1. Before Moving Dogs and Cats, Take Them to the Vet
Have you ever traveled while feeling unwell? Illness can make a trip long and miserable. If you’re moving, your dog or cat might sense that something is going on. But it doesn’t fully understand what’s happening. A few months in advance of your move, ensure your pet is healthy. A trip to the vet will help prepare your pet dog or cat for transport and prevent an unknown illness from making the trip miserable. Many pet owners’ checklist includes the following:
- Vaccinations
- Health certificate if you’re using a pet moving service
- Veterinary records to transfer to your new location
- Getting the pet microchipped, as recommended by the American Kennel Club, so you can locate your pet if it escapes during the move
- ID tags with your new address
2. Ensure Your New Home and Location Are Pet Friendly
Are you planning on buying a new home and moving your cat or dog with you? Before you look for your dream home, tell your realtor about your pets—and ask about community restrictions for dogs, cats, or other pets. Be sure that your new location is pet friendly—and friendly for the types of pets you own.
Ask questions before you buy, lease, or rent to determine if your pet is welcome. It would be stressful for you to move a long distance and hire a transport service for dogs or cats only to learn that your new location won’t allow your pet. Federal housing and disability laws prohibit bans against service pets.
But it’s wise for all pet owners to ask about general restrictions before you move.
- Home-owners association – Ask if the home-owners association has any of the following restrictions or requirements for dogs or cats:
- Type or breed
- Size or weight
- Number of pets allowed
- Outdoor requirements for pets while they are on your property or walking with you in the neighborhood
- Verification of license, vaccination, or identification
- Renting or leasing contracts – Review your contract for the following requirements:
- Monthly fees for pets
- Restrictions on the type of pets, breeds, size, weight, or the number of pets allowed
- Verification of the status of your pet’s health
- Rules for leashing or confining your pet when it’s outdoors
3. Need Time to Adjust Before Transporting Your Dog or Cat?
If you’re moving unexpectedly or if you need time to adapt to your new home or schedule, you might relocate before the rest of your family or your pets. If moving your cat or dog isn’t wise at the time you move, arrange for your pet to stay in a safe, calm environment. And know who will be in charge. Entrust your pet to a sitter with these qualifications:
- Mature – Leave your pet with a responsible adult who has good judgment in an emergency. Thinking about the types of emergencies that can arise, as recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association, can help you choose a mature sitter for your pet.
- Attentive – Your pet’s sitter must be willing to feed, exercise, and bathe it regularly.
- Reliable – Anyone in charge of your pet should know its location when it’s indoors or outdoors.
- Communicative – When your pet sitter is willing to update you on your dog or cat’s well-being, it puts your mind at ease.
- Pet lover – Your pet dog or cat can be stressed if it’s temporarily left behind. But the tension will be eased if you find someone who loves pets and will give your cat or dog the comfort and care it deserves.
If you select a sitter carefully, it will help your pet remain as calm as possible when it’s time to travel with a transport service for dogs or cats.
4. Prepare a Comfy Place Before Your Pet Arrives
Have you ever arrived at your accommodations after a long trip, only to find that the place is unclean, not ready for check-in, or sold out? If you’ve arranged for a dog or cat moving service, you agreed to a date and time for your pet to arrive at your new home. Prepare well. Need some ideas for your checklist?
- Have a familiar blanket or toy ready for your pet dog or cat.
- Decide where you want your dog or cat to sleep.
- Choose a location for your cat’s litter box or where your dog will do its business outside.
- Buy your pet’s favorite food and snacks.
- Be prepared to spend time with your dog or cat when it arrives instead of needing to run errands and neglecting your pet.
- Create a calm, welcoming environment to help your dog or cat adjust quickly.
5. Select a Pet Transport Service in Advance
Don’t wait until you’re ready to receive your dog or cat at your new location before arranging for pet transport services. Research a few companies in advance to find one that provides the dog or cat moving services you need. And ask what’s required of you for a company to transport your pet. Prepare your questions in advance. You might include items from this list:
- What types of animals do you transport?
- Do you have restrictions for moving specific dog or cat breeds?
- What information do I need to verify my pet’s health before you transport it?
- What is the cost? Are there additional fees?
- Do I need to provide a crate or carrier for my dog or cat?
- How frequently does your pet transportation service feed and exercise pets while traveling?
- How often will you update me with the status of your travel and my dog or cat’s well-being?
Transport Your Dog or Cat with Pet Van Lines
If you’re relocating, don’t neglect your dog or cat. Prepare your checklist:
- Schedule an appointment for a checkup at the vet.
- Ensure your new location is pet friendly and doesn’t restrict your pet’s size or breed.
- Decide if you need time to adjust before your dog or cat arrives.
- Prepare a comfy place before your pet arrives.
- Select a pet transport service.
Pet Van Lines has more than 15 years of experience in moving cats, dogs, and other pets. An attentive, pet-loving driver will transport your pet in a climate-controlled environment. Tell us about your dog or cat and its personality and quirks. And we’ll work to accommodate it and give it a stress-free ride to your new home.
Call us with questions or complete our contact form. Visit the photo gallery on our website to see some of our relaxed travelers riding in style.