Moving Time

The time for the great spring migration is about to pull itself into high gear. With the advent of
warmer weather the nesting instincts of the human soul rages to the surface. Finding a new home
is one thing but moving is totally a horse of a different color.
On average every Sunday in the month is spent riding around with kids and dog or dogs in the car
seeking just the right new domicile. The saga does not end here.
Finding and buying are small potatoes compared to the dreaded PACKING. Arrangements
for school transfers, hiring a mover, working out the utilities cut-ons and shut-offs are all at
the top of the list.
I bet by now you are wondering if I write about animals why am I making such a big to do
over moving. The big to do is that in the past several weeks I have heard of a couple of cats
and a dog or so who were misplaced during a move much to the chagrin of its owners.
House pets are the last to know that the family is moving. They generally find out when placed
into a car and driven to their new address.
Moving is traumatic to humans can you imagine what it does to the brains of our best friends?
First the house that has always been home becomes a cardboard jungle. Boxes litter the
housescape like carcasses of beached whales. It is very confusing to our domestic pets.
The following are some suggestions for a happy and safe move with your pets.

1. Never leave the animals in the house you are vacating or closed up in the new house.
     Why? Because chances are someone will inadvertently open the door and release
      them at the wrong moment.
2. If you are worried about transferring fleas or ticks to that brand new house it is best to
     make an appointment to have those problems taken care of on the day of the move.
     Why? Gets the animals out of your hair and into a safe environment for the day. Note
      please inform the groomer of a late pick-up.
3. If the move is going to take several days...spring for a trip to the boarding kennel.
     Why? You are going to have enough to put up with..lost toys, clothes, can openers
      the list is endless.
4. Call upon family or friends to maintain custody of pets until you are settled or how to
      lose friends and really hack your family off.
      Why? Pops doesn’t like midnight walks at 32 or 87 degrees for that matter. Friends will do
       it to be nice or expect the same favor. Please remember this!

Safety tips upon your pets arrival at new home. DO NOT LET THE CAT OUT! If you
do you may never see them again. This is a great time to make the cat a total house pet
and keep him alive longer. Dogs will climb fences that never thought of it before in a strange
environment. No fence means walk the dog on a leash. He doesn’t know the neighborhood
and besides most places have a leash law. Next week more on this situation.

Traveling

Whether moving or just traveling with your pets a few simple precautions can make it a much
more pleasurable trip. Packing is very important or else costly to replace items you have on hand.
Always remember to pack a separate tote or box for your pets. In this order:

           #1......Vaccination records with veterinarian’s name and number
           #2......Current Picture of pet
           #3......Extra Collar & Leash
           #4......Unbreakable food and water pans
           #5......Normal pet food
           #6......Can opener [if necessary]
           #7......Gallon jug of fresh water
           #8......Bottle of Real Lemon
           #9......Bedding/Animal Carrier or crate
          #10.....Treats

Scratching your head on some of that list aren’t you? Well here are the why’s and how’s.
Vaccination records are very important to prove that the animal has been completely
protected should say someone get a “snap” or “scratch”. Stress can do strange things to a
good animals disposition. Always place a collar with the current tags on the animal. If that
gets lost you have the paper proof.
Having your pet’s complete medical records is advisable when moving out of town or
out of the immediate area from your veterinarian.
Current picture is helpful should, yikes! the animal gets lost somehow. Descriptions by the
pet owner don’t always describe the animal accurately. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Normal pet food! That means don’t be a softy and switch petfood in midstream here. It can
cause diarrhea and that is never pleasant. Unbreakable dishes can be stored after things settle
down. It is a good thing to use new unbreakable dishes for several weeks before the move.
The can opener is self explanatory for those of you who are using canned pet food.
The Jug of water is because the change in water systems can cause diarrhea. When you
run out of the gallon of water add several drops of Real Lemon in the pets water bowl.
This will help eliminate taste problems. Hint: not a bad idea to use this remedy for yourself
and your family as this type of problem can cause diarrhea in humans too!
Bedding for the pet is important as the constancy can have a settling effect in a strange
environment. Teaching your pet that a carrier or crate is their personal bedroom can be
a lifesaver on long trips or in strange places. It is also a great place for “time outs” when
the animal is upset. Think about that for a minute. Don’t you feel better when you get
upset if you have some quiet time to yourself?
Always exercise your animals well before taking a short trip this eliminates the need for
another exercise period. Never feed your animals within 4 hours before traveling. For
cats a cardboard box with some litter in the back floorboard can be an emergency
rest area. Smaller boxes can be used in crates. Small baggies can tote that extra litter.
Just empty box each time to remove any odors.
Remember crating your animals is the best safety precaution when traveling by car. It
will eliminate them taking an unauthorized stroll and protect them in the event of a
traffic emergency. Happy Motoring!