Best Preparation Tips When Moving Your Pets | What Pet Records Are Required For IntraState Laws | Quarantined Pet

When the family relocated to this past year across seven states, it was a major event. We had two dogs and a cat that needed to travel by car for two days. Preparing to move to another house is very stressful for your pets. Pets like a scheduled routine and get majorly stressed out when this routine is changed. Especially so when it involves their stuff. For dogs this event can get them so worked up they can become very ill with intestinal issues from being nervous about the packing and moving of furniture contributed by lack of naps from anxiety. There was much I needed to consider and detailed preparation to be done in advance to ensure this trip would be as easy as possible given the dynamics of three animals in one car.

Emily made some fine points I thought were worth sharing during our chat one afternoon that helped put a lot of her fears at rest. Once she understood what was happening and how all of her personal belongings would be handled, she was able to relax knowing that I had it all under control. (Boy did I have her fooled.)

Point #1 Records: If we cross into a state that has a border patrol Emily feared she will be taken and put into another animal shelter where she never sees us again. I assured Emily, Current Veterinary Records, Rabies Vaccine Certificate and a letter of Veterinary Certification will be in the car with us at all times. If anyone has questions, we would have proof to show them.

Point #2 Crating: Emily was worried that she would have to spend the night in the car when we got to the hotel if the hotel required crating. The portable crate will be in the car just in case, no worries, I told her. Portable crates are great for any emergency situation on the road.

Point #3 Id Tags: Emily looked down at her neck as if to say, ok what about the new address. If I get lost during transit, how will anyone know where I belong with this old address around my neck? I assured Emily that new tags were ordered and we will add them to her new collar when we start out on the trip. The leash will also be very close during travel because of the leash laws in certain states along the way.

Point #4 State permits for transit: I explained to Emily that I checked all the states along the route to make sure it was alright to transport dogs and cats across the state lines and that no special permits would be required to do so by calling the City Hall Bureau of Licensing for Pets. She was relieved to know that since the last thing she wanted to happen was to be confiscated and quarentined for disease control. If for instance you travel to Hawaii with your pets, Hawaii has a quarentine law for 130 days; no exceptions. Know these things before you get on the road with your pets.

Point #5 Pet Supplies: Emily wondered what happen with her stuff? I told Emily her beds, bones, food and water bowls, and all her toys would be coming along in the car with us. She sighed. Her little step-sister, Bella, was quietly and intently listening during this family chat. At this point, she woofed, 'are we gonna take all my stuff too?' I assured Bella we would and they both looked at each other with a wag and paw of approval from Emily. Bella gestured, It's all good and went to tell Shadow he better get his questions ready because he's next.

Point #6 Cat litter box: My cat is very particular about his box. When I asked Shadow if he would be happy with a disposable litter box, he looked the other way. So I used his regular litter box and attached it to his crate. (Explained in more detail in hub: Traveling With Pets.) There are disposable litter boxes for travel that may be more convenient. I say do what works for your cat so there are no problems. Start using the disposable at home before travel to make sure your cat will use it. The last thing you need is cat spray in the car. Yep.

Point #7 Medications: If your animals need medications, make sure you have an ample supply to take with you to last until you can get your pet to a vet at the new location for refills. If you pets preventive medications are due during the trip, administer these before the trip and pack them accessibly for next month. Having a few sedatives for each pet is a good thing to have on hand. Sometimes a pill is necessary to stop the cat from meowing which in turn upsets the dogs and the driver.

After we discussed all of Emily's points of contention and addressed her fears, she was ready to relax and have a good nap (her 10th nap of the day). As moving day approached and more and more of the house was being packed. I could sense a bit of tension in the animals so we went out in the yard and played a bit to release some anxiety. It is a good idea to give your pets a little extra attention and ability to relieve stress during times of disruption. Remembering that they like routine and they world is being turned upside down.

All pets should be kept on schedule as it keeps more relaxed and also helps avert problems. They will take care of business on schedule and should be less likely to develop diarrhea or vomiting from the moving disruptions. Feed, walk, and crate early on move day before the moving crew arrive.   It will keep them feeling safe from moving vehicles, furniture, and movers. Putting the pet crates in a closed off room would be even more relaxing, especially to the cat. Don't forget to keep your pets hydrated. They will likely need more water due to the extra stress level, especially if your pets are panting. Emily likes to have her bed or crate when feeling stressed as it calms her immensely. Bella just wants to be with Emily. Shadow, the cat, well ...that's another story.

As a general rule: rabies vaccination documents are required by the entire country of United States for dogs and most states for cats. States exempt for cats include: AR, CA, IL, IA, MI, OK.

Always recheck State Veterinary Department before traveling for updates in the state requirements. As of 2011 the following states are exempt from CVI's. USDA has a site called APHIS, United States Department of Agriculture Animal & Plant Health Inspection Services to help you with this.

All states require for dogs except: CA & TX

All states require for cats except: CA, IL, MO, TX, VT

If you are stopped with animals in transit State Border Patrols may require any of the following 

•  Import permit
• Tests for disease
• Vaccination requirements for the state (proof of)
• Proof that you did not come form a quarentined area.
• CVI