Planning for the transfer of your pet should begin as soon as you know you are moving.  Pre-planning is the key to easy and successful transfer.  Travel arrangement should be made as far in advance as possible. 

For the long distance transfers following steps should be taken before the move:

 ·          Take your pet to the veterinarian for a general check up and for obtaining travel or health documents if needed.  Check destination state’s entry regulations

 ·          Some animals might get agitated while in transit; inquire about sedation for the pet.

·          Obtain the travel identification tag for your pet.

Most of the states have laws applicable to the entry of the animals.  It is important to comply with the laws and regulations of the state to which you are moving to otherwise you might be prosecuted.  Some states might have border controls and inspections of the animals being imported.  It is suggested to contact a State Veterinarian for information regarding specific laws related to the animal transfer.

The documents pertaining to your pet’s health are very important.  Nearly every state asks for the health certificate upon the entry.  This certificate can be obtained from your pet’s health provider.

Some pets must have entry permits issued by the destination state's regulatory agency. Either you or your veterinarian may apply for the permit. 

All states require dogs to have rabies vaccination.  Rabies tag must be securely attached to the pet’s collar.  In addition to the rabies tags, dogs and cats must have a special travel identification tag.  The tag should include pet’s name, your name and the destination address.  You might also want to include alternative contact information in case you are not available.

Pets cannot be moved on the van or truck, for the exception of the seeing-eye dogs accompanying blind person.  There are two ways to transport your pet.  It’s either by air or in a personal motor vehicle.

When traveling by a motor vehicle with an overnight stay at a hotel or a motel, make to choose a pet friendly lodging.  Purchase a portable carrier that will become “home-away-from-home” for the time being.  Administer a tranquilizer if veterinarian has prescribed one.  Never ever let your pet loose in a strange place.  Birds and small pets most of the time can travel in the cage they use at home.

When traveling by air, make sure that the pet carrier meets airline regulations.  Try not to feed the animal too much right before the trip and make sure you take your dog for a walk before you put it on the plane.

If it’s a short move it probably makes most sense to move your pet in a car on your moving day.  Keep your pet away from the movers, maybe in the vacant room or even outside.  Remember to always have fresh water and plenty of favorite toys to occupy their attention.

Many animals especially cats will need some time to adjust to their new place.  To make them feel more at home it is suggested to use pets’ familiar food/water dishes, toys, bed, etc. 

Remember if you get overwhelmed, it might be a good idea to enlist help of a pet transporter. Reputable transporter can organize every aspect of moving from beginning to the end. Moving with dogs presents a unique set of challenges. Unlike cats that can be readily contained with a litter box and some food and water, dogs need to be able to go outside, to burn off energy, to be assured that everything is okay, especially if this is their first experience in dog moving crates. As if finding a dog friendly apartment wasn’t difficult enough, now you have to get Fido to his new destination in one piece and happily adjusted. Dog moving crates can make moving with dogs a much simpler process for the human, but many dogs that have never experienced being closely confined can have negative reactions.

When moving a long distance, especially when moving yourself in a rented moving van, dog moving crates can keep a dog secure and safe. If your little guy (or not so little guy) is a bundle of nervous energy, a dog moving crate might actually help keep them calmer during these anxiety provoking times.

When you are moving with dogs to a dog friendly apartment, it probably won’t take much to get him settled and comfortable once you arrive. Keeping his anxiety level down might include things like keeping the vehicle cooler than you would without your furry passenger or resisting the urge to blare the music at high levels. Dogs are usually warmer than humans by at least ten to fifteen degrees and their hearing is much better than ours. Thus cars that are comfortable for us might be too hot for them and our loud music can be painful to their sensitive little ears.

Make sure you plan extra time into your trip. Moving with dogs also means stopping every few hours and giving them the opportunity to stretch their legs and to do a little business. Don’t allow your need to get to your final destination create a terribly unpleasant situation for your dog. After all, he is already worked up enough and he may have to urinate more frequently than normal due to elevated stress hormones. He may also have an upset tummy due to those same hormones and the ride to his new home. If you can’t keep him on your schedule, you are likely to either have a mess to clean up either during or after the trip or a pretty sick pup by the time you arrive.

Dog friendly apartments can be easier to find in some areas. Being dog friendly mean more than just allowing dogs to live there. It means larger, open rooms and an area readily available for bathroom needs. Exercise areas and places for some on leash or of leash play make apartment living with a dog so much better and more enjoyable. Some places charge by the pound for your dog to live in the apartment and some just require a pet deposit.

Moving with dogs might take a little extra planning, extra money, and extra time and patience, but keeping your most loyal and faithful family member with you and finding his company enjoyable is part of what dog ownership is all about.