Making Your Move
Travel for Pet-Owners
Moving with your pet? Here are
some useful hints and information to help you take care of your furry friend.
Choose from below to get started:
What preparations should I make before traveling?
Are there entry requirements per state?
Do professional movers take pets?
How can I find pet-friendly hotels for the road?
What if my pet gets lost on the move?
The importance of ID
What are restrictions on air travel with dogs and cats?
How can I ensure a safe airline trip for my animal?
What are the specific age and kennel requirements?
Tips on feeding and watering for air travel
On traveling by car
What about small birds and animals
Are there resources for disaster planning for my pet?
As your moving plans get underway, ask yourself these questions, courtesy
of the pet experts at Purina:
· Is my pet in good health?
· Will it be a good traveler?
· Is it welcome at our relocation destination?
If you've answered "yes," accustom your pet to riding in your
car. Begin with short rides each day and gradually increase the length of
each ride. If your pet is unable to adjust to short rides, consider plane
travel. And of course, if you're traveling long distances required by plane,
read on.
What preparations should I make before traveling?
· Carry health and rabies certificates with you. Airlines and State
health officials generally require health certificates for all animals transported
by air. They are required if you cross international borders. In most cases,
health certificates must be issued by a licensed veterinarian examining
the animal within 10 days of transport.
· Ask your veterinarian to provide any required vaccinations or treatments.
Does your pet have appropriate heartworm protection if the mosquito season
begins earlier or ends later in the area you will be traveling to? Administer
tranquilizers only if specifically prescribed by your veterinarian and only
in the prescribed dosage.
· Pack your pet's water and food bowls, grooming equipment and any
heartworm or other medicine it may require. If you are not certain your
pet's diet will be available at your destination, take a supply with you
to avoid digestive upsets.
And Remember: Don't leave all your pet's food in the moving truck - pack
it with you!
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Are there entry requirements per state?
Interstate health certificates must be obtained for dogs and horses prior
to entering most states. Nearly all states require a rabies vaccine for
dogs, and many require it for cats. Hawaii requires that cats and dogs be
quarantined for 120 days.
If your move is across state lines, call or write to the State Veterinarian,
State Department of Animal Husbandry, or other appropriate authority.
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Do professional movers take pets?
No, federal regulations prohibit moving companies from shipping animals
in moving vans. If your pets and plants can't travel with you, ask your
professional mover to help you safely transport them to your new home. Pets
and plants travel best in your own car.
To find a professional moving service right for you, check with our partners
I-Move, at www.imove.com, for help in this process.
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How can I find pet-friendly hotels for the road?
You'll find a very handy resource in www.petswelcome.com, where you can
search by city for hotels, B & Bs--even amusement parks--that are pet-friendly.
Visit them here and plan your route so that reservations are made in advance
for you…and your pet! Just click on their Listings section to start
your search for accommodations.
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What if my pet gets lost on the move?
If your pet should turn up missing during transport, immediately speak to
airline personnel. Many airlines have computer tracking systems that can
trace a pet transferred to an incorrect flight. If there is no report of
your animal, proceed with these steps:
· Contact animal control agencies and humane societies in the local and
surrounding areas. Check with them daily.
· Contact the APHIS-Animal Care regional office closest to where your pet
was lost. Eastern Region: (301) 734-4981; Central Region: (817) 885-6910;
Western Region: (916) 857-6205. For further information, call 1-800-545-USDA.
· Provide descriptions and photographs to the airline, local animal control
agencies, and humane societies. Help can also be sought from radio stations.
Leave telephone numbers and addresses with all these locations should you
have to return home.
· You can also contact the Missing Pet Network at http://www.missingpet.net/.
Follow the advice on "How to post a listing." The MPN is a group of volunteers
sponsored by the USDA Animal Care Office.
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The importance of ID
Securing ID is one of the most important preparations you can make. Be sure
to have identification tags secured! Attach taps to your pet's collar or
leg band (for birds). ID tags should include your pet's name, your name
and full address/phone, and full destination address and telephone. Most
states also require dogs and cats to have a rabies tag on their collars.
Take color pictures of your pet and a written description of its colorings
and distinguishing marks. Record your pet's body size and weight. If your
pet is lost, these identification aids could make the difference in locating
it.
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What are restrictions on air travel with dogs and
cats?
No airline will guarantee acceptance of an animal it has not seen. Important
considerations for acceptance of animals include the health and disposition
of the animal, proper health certificates, and kennel markings and sizing.
Airlines also require that, if wheels are installed as part of a kennel,
they be removed or rendered inoperable prior to transport. This action prevents
kennels from rolling, protecting both the animals and airline employees.
USDA assigns airlines the final responsibility for determining the safety
and compliance of the kennels they accept.
Airlines generally transport animals in the cargo compartment of a plane.
In doing so, the airlines advise the flight crew that animals are onboard
the aircraft. Some airlines allow passengers to carry their pets in the
cabin of a plane if the animals are capable of fitting under the passengers'
seat. Carryon pets are not protected under the Animal Welfare Act.
Certain animals are accepted as baggage at passenger check-in locations,
and others are accepted as cargo at the airlines' cargo facilities. For
the specific requirements pertaining to your animal, make advance arrangements
with the airline you are using.
Airlines must ensure that they have facilities to handle animals at the
airports of transfer and final destination. Airlines must comply with USDA-APHIS
guidelines on allowable temperature limits for animal-holding areas.
Finally, airlines are not required to carry live animals, and they reserve
the right to refuse to carry an animal for any reason.
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How can I ensure a safe airline trip for my animal?
Here are some good air travel tips courtesy of the pet experts at Purina:
· Try to avoid peak travel periods when delays and stopovers are longer.
Plan a trip with as few stops and transfers as possible. Avoid traveling
in extreme hot or cold weather to avoid dangerous loading and unloading
periods for your pet.
· When you make your reservation, tell the airline directly that you will
have an animal with you. Be sure to reconfirm with the airline 24 to 48
hours before departure that you will bring your pet. Advance arrangements
are not a guarantee that your animal will travel on a specific flight.
· Arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare. If your animal is
traveling as a carry-on pet or by the special expedited delivery service,
check-in will typically be at the passenger terminal.
· If you are sending your pet through the cargo system, you'll need to go
to the cargo terminal, usually located in a separate part of the airport.
Note that by regulation an animal may be presented for transport no more
than four hours before flight time.
· Some airlines allow cats and small dogs to travel (generally for an additional
charge) with their owner if the carrier fits under the passenger seat. Otherwise,
rent or purchase a carrier or crate that meets airline regulations and affix
a LIVE ANIMAL sticker. Mark it with your name and address and the name of
a person who can be contacted about your pet at your destination if necessary.
· Put a cushion or blanket on the crate floor. Attach a water cup to the
crate door. The cup should be deep, but not too full of water to avoid spilling.
· On the day of the flight, take your dog for a long walk before leaving
for the airport.
· At the end of the trip, pick up your pet promptly.
Certain countries and island destinations require a quarantine period for
animals at the owner's expense. Ask your travel agent or the consul of the
country you plan to visit about quarantines.
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What are the specific age and kennel requirements?
Age: Dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks old and must have been weaned
before traveling by air.
Kennels: Kennels must meet minimum standards for size, strength, sanitation,
and ventilation.
Size and Strength--Kennels must be enclosed and allow room for the animal
to stand, sit, and lie in a natural position. They must be easy to open,
strong enough to withstand the normal rigors of transportation, and free
of objects that could injure the animal.
Sanitation--Kennels must have a solid, leakproof floor that is covered with
litter or absorbent lining. Wire or other ventilated subfloors are generally
allowed; pegboard flooring is prohibited. These requirements provide the
maximum cleanliness for the animal in travel.
Ventilation--Kennels must be well ventilated with openings that make up
at least 14 percent of the total wall space. At least one-third of the openings
must be located in the top half of the kennel. Kennels also must have rims
to prevent ventilation openings from being blocked by other cargo. These
rims--usually placed on the sides of the kennel--must provide at least three-quarters
of an inch clearance.
Grips and Markings--Kennels must have grips or handles for lifting to prevent
cargo personnel from having to place their fingers inside the kennel and
risk being bitten. Kennels also must be marked "live animals" or "wild animals"
on the top and one side with directional arrows indicating proper position
of the kennel. Lettering must be at least 1 inch high.
Animals per Kennel--Each species must have its own kennel with the exception
of compatible cats and dogs of similar size. Maximum numbers include 2 puppies
or kittens under 6 months old and 20 pounds each and of similar size, 15
guinea pigs or rabbits, and 50 hamsters. Airlines may have more restrictive
requirements, such as allowing only one adult animal per kennel. Be sure
to check with the airline you are using.
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Tips on feeding and watering for air travel
Instructions for feeding and watering your pet over a 24-hour period must
be attached to the kennel. This 24-hour schedule will assist the airline
in providing care for your animal in case it is diverted from its original
destination.
Food and water dishes must be securely attached and be accessible to caretakers
without opening the kennel. Food and water must be provided to puppies and
kittens every 12 hours if they are eight to 16 weeks old. Mature animals
must be fed every 24 hours and given water every 12 hours.
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On traveling by car
Already packed and ready to move? Here's how you can keep your pet comfortable
and safe on the road. Our travel tips come courtesy of the pet researchers
at Purina.
· Do not feed your pet for at least three hours before leaving on a trip.
Take your dog for a walk just before you start the drive. You will still
have to stop along the way, but your dog will be more comfortable as the
trip gets underway.
· During stops, provide fresh drinking water for your dog. You may also
reward it with a dog snack for being a good traveler.
· If the drive is eight hours or longer, give your cat the opportunity to
use a litter pan three or four times, and offer it fresh drinking water.
· Feed your pet shortly after you arrive at your destination or when you
have stopped for the day.
Pet Travel Kit: food, water, and dishes; can opener (if needed); leash;
a few treats; favorite toy; and some type of bedding. Don't forget scooper
and plastic bags for cleanup!
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What about small pets and animals?
Birds and small pets, such as gerbils and hamsters, can generally travel
in their cages. Birds are very susceptible to drafts and sudden changes
in temperature, as well as being easily frightened. To keep your bird calm,
its cage should be covered while on the road.
Remove the water container from the cage to avoid spills. Place the cage
in the car out of drafts but with plenty of ventilation, and be sure it
will not tip over. Give the pet fresh water at every stop as small pets
become dehydrated very quickly, particularly during hot weather. Feed at
normal intervals.
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Are there resources for disaster planning for my
pet?
The following is a list of links on disaster planning for your pet, provided
by Missing Pet Network. Visit the page at: http://www.missingpet.net/mpn/info/disaster.html.
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