The decision to move your home will include not only you, your family, and belongings, but also your pets that you consider a family member. Relocation must be smooth and stress–free for every member of your family, including your family pet.
Pets require special care and tending when moving, and the essential requirement for this is preplanning,
The following information outlines the points to consider when relocating with your pet.
v Preparatory to the Move
Inquire from the State Veterinarian’s Office or State Department of Agriculture requesting the pet laws and regulations of your destination state. For exotic pets or animals, wolf, monkey, big cat, or any others, you will be required a special permit to keep it.
After you finished with the state regulations, check with the City Clerk’s office in your new community for local pet ordinances. Many communities have zoning laws that prohibit you from keeping pets such as goats, pigs and chickens in residential areas. Also exotic pets are not allowed in apartment or condo complexes. Make sure you have all these permits before moving in.
With these preparations, you are sure your pet will be allowed in your new community and/or complex. Be sure to bring your pet’s health records from your veterinarian. This record will help your new pet provider better care for your pet.
v Prior to your departure, make sure you have with you a recent picture of your pet (in case the animal is lost). Have the proper pet documents, such as:
ü A Health Certificate that is not more than 10 days old. Most states require one for dogs and another for cats and other pets. Your veterinarian or one of the state animal-control agencies will be able to provide you with the information. Have the certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian, and current inoculation records must accompany it.
ü You may need to pay for a permit allowing your exotic pet to enter the destination state. Let your vet help you get one. Your veterinarian may assist you in applying for one.
ü You should provide your pets war a collar with an ID tag secured. You use leg bands for your birds. The ID tag should include the pet’s name, your name, and the destination address. In addition to ID, most states require dogs, cats and some exotic animals to have a rabies tag on their collar.
v Selecting the moving method
After making all the necessary preparations as stated, you are properly equipped to relocate your pet but how will you do it? You can have these options:
ü You can hire a professional pet-moving service to transport your four-legged family member;
ü Do it yourself.
Moving vans, buses or trains are not allowed to transport animals except seeing- eye- dogs.
If your pet requires special handling when moving, you may consider using a professional pet service. Desert Moving Company & Storage specializes on general delivery and moving needs.