Moving Your Pets Safely
Both dogs and cats can either travel with you in your car or take a plane ride. Think it over carefully if you are traveling with them in your car. Animals can get car sickness too. They are usually coping with the extra stress of motion and new surroundings as well as picking up on the anxiety of their owners. Be sure to take rest stops to help alleviate all of these symptoms. Have drinking water available with a bowl, access to air when in the car, and room to move. While in the midst of excitement and stress remember to keep your animals on a leash at all times as they will instinctively want to run when the car doors open to get back home to their comfort zone.
Want to send your critters on a plane ride? Keep these things in mind. Check with your airlines for any specifics you might have to abide by in order to get them on the plane. Your pet will most likely need a pet certificate prior to boarding. Again, call the airline for specifics on that and at the same time see what their regulations are for the size of crates/boxes you need for your pets. When putting your pets in their travel crates or containers make sure they have water and food and possibly a piece of your clothing so the scent will calm them.
For smaller animals such as hamsters, mice, guinea pigs or birds you can transport them as well. Again, make sure they have food, water, and a clean cage with room to move. These smaller animals can’t have the drafts that a dog or cat might enjoy. Sometimes it’s best to cover their cages to keep out any extreme temperatures, drafts or activity outside the vehicle.
Fish on the other hand are not real practical to move. It’s not easy to move an aquarium as a gallon of water alone can weigh eight pounds. It is best to plan to give the fish away to another loving home, or check with your vet, or sell them. You can restock your aquarium when you reach your new destination.
Your veterinarian, boarders, pet store owners and the airlines can be a wonderful resource for you and your pets!
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