Moving can be stressful not only for you and your family, it can also be stressful for your pet. As they are highly attuned to you, pets can actually feel your stress and sense that something is about to take place. You will need to reassure and prepare them for the coming move. There is also the practical question of how you will move your pet, usually by car or by airline. Airline pet moves will require some extra preparation and certificates. In short, moving your pet is a lot more complicated than you would assume.
This two-part Alpha Moving and Storage article describes some of the practical aspects of moving with pets.
First Stop – Your Vet
So the first stop in order to begin the process of moving your pet, should be your veterinarian. If you decided to move your pet by airline, you will need to check is a health certificate is required. This certificate should be provided by your veterinarian. Before visiting your vet, make sure to check the specific requirements of the state you will be moving to and the requirements for importing animals. A good place to check the requirements is the Department of Agriculture’s website. There, you will be able to find useful links and information regarding the regulations of various states.
The Importance of a Veterinarian Examination
It is recommended to have your pet examined, even if you’ve decided to take it with you in your car. Your moving destination many require various vaccinations, such as heartworm. Again, be sure to check in advance so you could ask your veterinarian to give your pet the proper shots and provide you with the necessary certification. If your pet doesn’t have an identification chip, it is highly recommended to have the veterinarian implant it with one before the move. Bear in mind that some airlines require all pets travelling with them to be implanted with a chip.