Moving with pets
After your children, your pets are probably your most treasured friends. When moving,
it is essential you make adequate and comfortable preparations for this important member of your family. Your pet will become anxious when they see you packing up and will begin to fret, wondering whether you will be taking them on what appears to be an adventure. This anxiety can lead to strange behaviours in pets and they will do things that are uncharacteristic such as leaving ‘wet patches’ in inappropriate places.
Pet Preparation
Make sure your pet has a thorough check and is up to date with vaccinations, including those required by kennels and catteries before they agree to board it. Keep your pets records in a safe place so you can produce them when needed. If your pet is on medication, ask your vet for enough to cover the settling in period before you find a new practice.
Don’t lose it
The last thing you want on moving day is for your pet to do a disappearing act. Cats are notorious for this but any pet under stress is unpredictable.
If your pet isn’t micro-chipped, now is the time to do it. It is the law in many states
Buy a new, sturdy ID tag with your mobile number etched onto it
Take a photograph of your pet, just in case, and keep it with you
If you are planning to use a cat carrier buy a good one. Familiarise your pet with it before the move
On moving day keep your pet in a quiet place, such as the laundry, with food, water and a litter tray. Put a keep out sign on the door and let family members and the movers know
Travelling interstate
If you are moving interstate there are advantages to using a Pet Transportation Company. A good company will collect your pet from your home, board, feed and keep him/her comfortable until you are in your new location. They will then deliver your pet to your new home. They should be able to obtain General Health Certificates, vaccinations, flea washes, medication, State Vet inspections and other requirements necessary prior to your pet’s journey. For air travel they should arrange flight bookings and ensure the timely delivery to the point of departure and collection at destination.
The Crate
The crate must be the correct size for your pet. It also must comply with the strict guidelines set down by IATA, the International Organisation that watches airline standards. Your pet must be able to stand, lie down and turn around in the crate with ease, but there may not be so much room that it may injure itself.
Choice of Pet Transportation Company
Is the company a registered member of an accredited association?
Does the company have boarding facilities?
Have you visited the premises to make sure your pet will be comfortable while in their care?
Are their vehicles air conditioned in the rear compartment with sound proofing on the floors and sides?
Is there adequate access to fresh clean water?
Costs you can expect:
Crate purchase or hire
Veterinary charges
General Health Certificate
Boarding costs (if applicable)
Airway Bill – paperwork handling fee charged by the airline
Freight charges
The cost of appointments and arrangements, travelling to and from the various places and finally to the point of departure and destination
Cost of quarantine (if applicable)
Further information may be obtained from Dogtainers Australia Pty Ltd or Jet Pets Animal Transportation.
Travelling with Birds
You can take a bird in your car, making sure it has a perch and a cover for the cage to prevent drafts and keep the bird calm. If your bird is highly strung it is worth padding the inside of the cage so it doesn’t hurt itself flying around wildly.
Travelling with Fish
On short trips with a few fish move them into plastic bags half filled with water. Make sure there is plenty of air inside the bag and place the fish in an insulated container to keep the temperature constant. For more fish or longer trips fish need to be transported in large plastic containers so seek advice from your local aquarium.
