WASHINGTON—Spring and summer are high seasons for moving to a
new home, and as families across the country pack their
belongings and load moving trucks, The HSUS is offering tips
for pet owners to help make the mover safer and less stressful
on their pets.
"Moving can be tough on pets, as well as their caregivers,"
said Stephanie Shain, director of companion animal outreach for
The HSUS. "The hustle and bustle leading up to moving day and
settling in to a new home can be stressful on pets. However,
you can help make it a smooth transition with just a little
advance planning."
On the day of the big move, take with you all the familiar
and necessary things your pet will need from day one in your
new home: food, water, medications, bed, litter box, food and
water bowls, and health records. No matter if the big move
takes place during Allied Van Lines' National Moving Month in
May or in the dead of winter, your pet will be ready to handle
his or her new home.
Tips for moving with pets include:
* Invest in a high-quality, sturdy pet carrier. If you have
a dog or cat whom you want to keep safely confined on moving
day, get a carrier in advance so you can gradually accustom
your pet to spending time in it.
* Update your pet's ID tag with your new address, and
telephone number(s). An up-to-date ID tag is a lost pet's
ticket home.
* Keep your pet secure. On moving day, place your pet in a
safe, quiet place, such as the bathroom, so that he or she
cannot escape. Keep the door closed and be sure that friends
and professional movers are aware that the room is
off-limits.
* Make your car trip safe. Dogs should be in a restraining
harness while traveling in a car. Cats are safest when
transported in a well-ventilated and securely placed carrier.
Never put an animal in the trunk of a car, the open bed of a
pickup truck, or the storage area of a moving van. Never leave
pets alone in a parked vehicle during warm weather. Rising
temperatures can kill a pet left in a parked car.
* Talk to your veterinarian. If your pet doesn't enjoy car
rides, consult your veterinarian about behavior modification or
medication that might lessen the stress of travel. Depending on
your destination, your pet may also need additional
vaccinations, medications, and health certificates.
* Find hotels in advance. Listings of animal-friendly hotels
will help you find overnight lodging during your move. Our
online information on Finding Animal-Friendly Hotel Accommodations
will point you toward some useful resources and get your
planning on track. Visit www.hsus.org/ace/11828.
* Plan ahead for air travel. Check with your veterinarian,
the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the airline if your pet
will be flying. Also be sure to check out our online tips for
airline travel with your companion animal at www.hsus.org. You
will need to take precautions to ensure your pet's safety, so
give yourself ample time to work out the arrangements.
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's
largest animal protection organization with more than eight
million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream
voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals
and equine protection, wildlife and habitat protection, animals
in research and farm animals and sustainable agriculture. The
HSUS protects all animals through legislation, litigation,
investigation, education, advocacy and fieldwork. The
non-profit organization, which is celebrating its 50th
anniversary in 2004, is based in Washington, DC and has 10
regional offices across the country. On the web at www.hsus.org.
