Several weeks ago we looked at a few of the things that need to be done
when moving your valuable material possessions from one home to the next,
including specific time frames by which you need to accomplish them. The
main thrust of the column of course, was the value of being prepared and
that the use of checklists can assist you in achieving preparation
perfection.
As helpful that may have been, it failed to 90 into any great detail
involving the transportation of one of the most valuable members of any gay
home ... the household pet. Unlike furniture and family jewels, these
extremely important associates require special attention that a moving
company simply can't (and sometimes isn't legally permitted) to provide.
In contrast to significant others, who tend to be made of iron and are as
emotionally steadfast as rocks. pets can be skittish when leaving the old
and confronting the new. Face it, no matter how many times you calmly
explain to Gidget the Poodle or Claws the Cat, she or he will invariably
look at you with a mixture of surprise, hate, dismay and betrayal when you
push her or his struggling body into a moving crate of some kind.
Dogs and cats are the easiest of creatures to move because you can
transport them in a car or ship them by air. In fact, moving your best
friend by car is probably the least desirable method because of their
tendencies toward carsickness, their need to be watered and de-watered, and
the inconvenience of finding hotels that will allow them to stay overnight.
If you decide to move your dog or cat by plane, it's probably a good idea
to contact a travel agent who will be able to help you with the
arrangements. Remember to ask about the transportation charges and any pet
insurance that may be available. In addition to carriers for your pet, they
may be able to suggest a handling agency that can do most of the work for
you, including things like transferring the pet to the carrier, shipping the
pet, arranging boarding in your new home town, and delivering the animal to
your doorstep. In addition, many of the airline web pages include sections
on rules and guidelines for your pet.
If you decide to go the car route, you'll need a carrier or portable
kennel for any overnight trips. Prior to the move, take the animal on
several short trips so they get used to the idea of travel. Use discretion
(listen up, cat lovers!) when allowing your animal out of the container
during any drive; they don't call them curious for nothing. Also, be sure to
clip the pet's nails to thwart scratches and damage to upholstery.
A few of the things you'll want to have in a handy place (if they ask
what it is, tell them it's a trip kit or some such) include the pet's
regular food, a can opener, their favorite water and food dishes, a blanket,
toys, treats, some grooming supplies (brush, comb, etc.), paper towels, flea
& tick spray, and a sedative (for the pet, not for you!).
Regardless of how you decide to move your animal, here are some things
you'll want to make sure you accomplish prior to moving day:
- Check with a vet to determine the kinds of health documents you will
require.
- See USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary
Services,
http://vrww.aphis.usda.gov/vs/sregs/official.html for a list of
state contacts for determining pet entry laws).
- Find out from your vet if you can get sedation for your pet (in some
cases, a sleeping pet may be a happier pet).
- Get your pet's medical records and ask for a recommendation for a
vet in the new town.
Remember to give yourself plenty of time on the day you plan the animal's
move, since pets can feel your anxiety and tend to take it on. Feed your pet
no less than five or six hours before travel time; give them a drink two
hours prior to travel: if sending her or him off on an airplane, make sure
all containers are plainly marked with addresses and phone numbers, exercise
the animal on a leash prior to transport; securely attach the leash on the
outside of the travel container; and - most important - if it's not going to
be you, let the person who is greeting your pet on the other end know that
they're on the way.
For critters other than cats and dogs (birds, fish, gerbils, hamsters and
the like) transport them in the containers they normally call home; and
beware of sudden changes in temperatures. Remove the water from the cage or
box and stop on occasion to feed the precious spark of life. Some websites
suggest giving away all your fish and buying new ones when you arrive at
your new home. Other sites, including Aquatics Unlimited (http://bestfish.com/moving.html),
Aquarium Fish.net , and Freshwater Fish FAQs (http://bucing-dude.tripod.com/id37.htm)
offer numerous suggestions on their transportation.
Finally, assistance on moving your horse can be found at
http://www.manepoints.com/howto/0197move.html.
Upon arriving at your new surroundings, remember it can take days, weeks,
or even months of dubious examination before the critter feels at home. By
that time, even you and your significant other should have settled in.
- 30 -
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by Michael Walker
