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• Pets can become frightened and may try to run away during a move. Keep your pet on a leash when they are outside.
• Your pet should wear an identification tag with its name, your name and where you can be reached.
• Pets can not be shipped on moving vans.
• Except for Seeing Eye dogs, pets are not permitted on buses or trains.
• Consider sending smaller pets by air express.
• Consult with your veterinarian concerning mild sedation of your pet during transport.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

• Call or write the State Veterinarian, State Department of Animal Husbandry, or other authority for out of state moves.
• To get names of veterinarians nearest you, you can call the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) (800) 883-6301.
• Interstate health certificates are required by most states before dogs and horses before entering the state.
• All but four (4) states require rabies vaccination for dogs and many, for cats - Hawaii requires a 120 day quarantine for dogs and cats.
• Some pets must have an entry permit issued by the destination state's regulatory agency.
• A few states have border inspection of all animals being transported; others have random inspections.
• If your pet is on any medications, be sure to carry them with you.
• Avoid exposing your pet to extreme temperature changes.

LOCAL LAWS

• Local communities have pet control and licensing ordinances - for some, the number of pets is limited.

AIR TRAVEL

• Make reservations well in advance - follow airline instructions.
• Obtain a shipping container a week or two in advance - familiarize your pet with it by placing the pet in it for a few minutes each day - gradually, lengthen the time until the pet seems at ease.
• Schedule boarding and shipping arrangements for your pet to assure that the pet is well cared for until you are able to receive it at your new home.
• Try to book a direct flight.
• Feed your pet no less than five (5) or six (6) hours before flight time - Give your pet a drink of water no less than two (2) hours before flight.
• If your pet will accompany you on your flight, arrive at the terminal 45 minutes earlier than the normal check-in requirement.
• If you are shipping your pet, arrive at the freight terminal two (2) hours in advance.
• Confirm that your name, address and phone numbers are correct for the origin and destination and are clearly marked on the container and your pet's identification tag.
• Notify the person that is receiving your pet that it is on its way - Give them the flight and waybill number.
• Pets can usually be picked up within 90 minutes of flight arrival.

CAR TRAVEL CHECK LIST

• If your dog or cat is not used to traveling by car, make short trips with your pet a week or two in advance.
• Dogs should be taught to lay quietly - Don't let your dog put his head out of the window into the wind, its eyes can be irritated and it may be hurt by flying objects such as rocks.
• Cats are often frightened by car travel but can adjust quickly.
• Folding crates or kennels designed for station wagons can be very useful.
• Accustom your pet to a leash and always use it when outside your vehicle or hotel.
• If you must stop overnight, check in advance for hotels that allow pets.
• Be sure the your pet is properly tagged and its rabies tag is firmly attached.
• Pet travel kit: Food, water, dishes, can opener, leash, treats, favorite toy and bedding.
• Ask your veterinarian if a sedative would be appropriate.
• Don't forget the scooper and plastic bags for cleanup!

CATS

• Cats are particularly sensitive to stress which can make moving time a challenge - They don't like change, they like "sameness" - They don't like events to be unpredictable - During a move, you have a high degree of all three - Don't expect your cat to settle down until things settle down.
• Maintain your cat's routine during the move.
• During the move, try to keep your cat confined to one room with food, water, a litter pan, some favorite toys and the carrier that you plan to use so your cat can get use to it.
• Lock the door to this room or place a very large DO NOT OPEN sign on it.
• At your new residence, place the cat and the carrier in a secure room with at least two doors between. the cat and the outside. Open the door of the carrier and let the cat decide when it is time to come out. Allow your cat to become acclimated to the one room before releasing him to the rest of the house.
• If the cat scurries for cover when you open the door, wait a day or two longer, then try again. Let the cat explore other rooms of the house when it meets you at the door.
• If your cat is accustomed to going outdoors, wait several days after arriving at your new home before letting the cat out, using a leash or harness for short exploratory trips. After 2 or 3 days of these trips, you can begin to let your cat out on its own.

DOGS

• Dogs generally easier when it comes to moving than cats.
• Be prepared to clean up after your dog at rest stops - Carry a roll of toilet paper and plastic bags.
• If you plan on flying with your dogs, a smaller dog may be able to fly with you in the passenger compartment if they are able to fit into a carry on that will fit under the seat -Check with your airline for details - If you are flying and have a larger dog, try to book a direct flight to minimize transport time and long periods during layovers - Arrange to have a friend, relative or associate pick up your dog if you are not able to pick up your dog yourself.
• Never leave a pet alone in your car, even for a few minutes, especially during warm weather.
• Call ahead to reserve hotels that will accept pets.

 BIRDS

• Depending on its species, most states require a health certificate for birds - Some testing for diseases may be required - Have your veterinarian verify these requirements well in advance of your move.
• When transporting birds in a car, maintain a warm, constant temperature since birds are particularly sensitive to temperature changes.
• If you have a cover to prevent drafts, you can move birds in their cages - By darkening the cage with a cover, this will also reduce your bird's anxiety.
• Place slices of apply, grapes or other fruit inside the cage to supplement the bird's water supply - provide adequate places for your bird to perch inside its cage.

 FISH

• For short distance moves and a few fish, they can be moved in plastic bags half filled with water and the other half with air/oxygen - Place bags in an insulated container such as an ice chest or Styrofoam container to help maintain a steady temperature.
• For a larger number of fish or for transporting greater distances, a 5 - 10 gallon container can be used - Fill the container with water (salt or fresh water, depending on the type of fish) and change the water often to remove any toxins that might leach from the plastic container - On moving day, fill the containers half full with water and place the fish in the water, about 1 to 2 fish per gallon.
• If your trip will take longer than two days, it's best to invest in some portable aerators to keep the water well oxygenated - Do not keep the containers in the car overnight since the drop in temperature is likely to be too severe.

REPTILES

• If you are going to ship a venomous snake, it must be placed inside two sturdy boxes (box inside of another box or wooden crate) - Non-venomous snakes will only need one box - Be sure containers are well insulated and contain air holes for ventilation clearly marked with the common and scientific name of the species.
• If you are transporting your snake in your car, be sure to not leave it in the car overnight - Take it inside the hotel room (be sure they allow pets) and let is soak for about an hour in the tub.
• Turtles are the easiest pets to move - You can overnight them in a well cushioned, insulated box with air holes.
• The American Tortoise Rescue (tortoise.com), is a non-profit organization founded to provide for the rescue of turtles and tortoises - They recommend overnight mail - Be sure to write "FRAGILE, LIVE CARGO and THIS SIDE UP" on the outside of the box to increase the chances of a smooth ride - You can also place leaves and grass inside the container for added cushion and give your pet a homey environment.
• Remember to keep the surrounding of all reptiles moist but not wet - Dampen a cloth and place it inside the container is the best approach.
• There are some government regulations concerning shipment of reptiles - Consult with A Fieldguide to Reptiles and the Law by J.P. Levell (published Serpent's Tale).

SMALL MAMMALS

• The best way to move small mammals such as mice, gerbils, guinea pigs and hamsters is to keep them in the car with you and in their normal container - Take their water bottle out to avoid it leaking and soak the bedding - At rest stops, check the animal and place the bottle back in the cage so it can drink.
• Maintain a steady, comfortable temperature, even if it means parking your car away from restrooms to be in a shaded area - These little critters enjoy the same temperatures that people do - If you're hot or cold, so are they.  

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