Moving to a new home is a stressful and harried time, even for the most hardy among us. For our little furry companions, relocating can be especially harrowing. Please use my checklist below to remember important details:

Before you leave:

• Make an appointment and have your pets examined by your veterinarian – get copies of records to take and discuss strategies to make the move easier for your pets
• Ask your vet for a referral to a practitioner in your new area
• Book domestic air travel four weeks in advance of departure for domestic moves and six to eight weeks ahead for international moves
• If moving overseas, have your pets examined and vaccinated 30 days prior to departure
• Secure a form of identification to your pets’ collar; consider “chipping” your pets to prevent loss of identification
• Book interim housing for your family and confirm that pets are allowed
• If your move is local, take your pets on several visits to the new home before you make the move, to allow them to familiarize themselves with their new habitat.

Moving Day:

• Before crossing into another state, know that some states have border inspection of animals
• Limit pet feedings to once a day during the move, preferably in the evening, unless otherwise instructed by your vet
• Use a kennel big enough for your pets to stand up, lie down and turn around in natural positions.