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Relocation can be stressful for
pets: Here's how to make it easier
By Laura
Bruce • Bankrate.com
 We
Americans are well-known for our willingness to share our homes with other species.
So if you're moving, there's a good chance you'll be traveling with something
that barks, purrs, chirps or hisses.
Relocation can be stressful for pets. Dogs and reptiles will fare
pretty well, says Dr. Tate Posey, veterinarian at Promenade Animal Hospital
in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., but cats and birds can get stressed out easily.
The first thing to do is take the animal to a veterinarian certified
by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture for a complete checkup. This should be done
no more than a week before moving. Sometimes a health certificate is necessary
for transporting certain animals across state lines and all airlines require
it. The certificate must be no more than 10 days old at the time of travel.
Use common sense
A lot of travel advice is common sense for pet owners who already know what
it takes to raise a healthy animal. Posey suggests feeding dogs and cats a small
meal before the trip -- half of the normal amount. Make sure they have water
during the trip, especially during the summer. If you're traveling with a dog,
count on stopping every couple of hours to let the pooch exercise.
It's strongly recommended that all pets travel in secure travel
carriers -- they'll feel safer and will be less likely to be injured if the
driver has to stop short or, worse, gets in an accident.
A healthy, well-fed reptile should travel well. Posey suggests
not feeding healthy reptiles until you get to your destination if you're only
traveling for a day.
Birds can present special problems because it's harder for them
to regulate their body temperature in cold conditions -- so make sure the temperature
in your vehicle is controlled. Also be aware that some birds get carsick. Make
sure the bird has food and water and consider covering its cage to keep it calm.
Speaking of keeping calm: Traveling humans will be calmer if the
pets are calm but Posey isn't a big fan of tranquilizers.
"There was a study that showed a significant number of animals
that didn't do well during travel had been tranquilized," says Posey. "Sometimes
there can be adverse reactions that make the pet hyper-excitable. It may make
things more distorted and bizarre for the animal, but if a pet typically tries
to get out of the carrying case and may hurt itself, it may be necessary to
use drugs."
Alternative to
tranquilizers
Posey says an over-the-counter herbal product called "Rescue Remedy" seems to
be effective without the side effects of a tranquilizing drug.
If you're traveling by commercial airline, check with the carrier
to see if they transport animals. Most airlines will transport pets, either
in the cabin or in the cargo hold, but they all have to follow rules set by
the Agriculture Dept.:
- All animals must be at least 8 weeks old and weaned.
- A health certificate from a vet is required and it must be
issued no more than 10 days before departure.
- Small animals that fit in a carrier that fits under the seat
may be transported in the cabin. Airlines have the right to restrict the type
of pet allowed in the cabin. Delta Airlines, for instance, doesn't allow reptiles,
monkeys or pot-bellied pigs in the cabin.
- All airlines must allow service animals, such as seeing-eye
dogs, in the cabin. They don't have to be in a carrier but they do have to
be harnessed.
- Check with the airline for regulations on kennel size. If yours
doesn't comply, most airlines will supply one for a fee.
- The airline also will tell you what information needs to be
displayed on the kennel, including when the animal was last fed, when it should
be fed, and your name and address.
- Kennels must have secured, empty food and water dishes that
must be accessible from outside.
In addition, many airlines require the pet to be checked in two
hours before departure. Fees for transporting a pet can range from $50 to $100
or more depending on the number of pets being shipped.
-- Posted: July 1, 2003
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