How to move serenely with your pet?

 Planning to move with your pet? So that the change of address can take place with peace of mind and without stress, for you, your dog, or for your cat, here are our tips from moving professionals:

The impact of moving on your pets

Preparing the pet for the move

Moving is a big life change for you. So imagine your pets! In the United States and Canada, the majority of domestic animals identified are dogs and cats. If you are lucky enough to have one of these companions in your life, I will not teach you anything. Our pets are endowed with real emotions, like children, they are sponges. A move is stressful for you, your dog, and/or your cat. You have to consider them and take them into account in your moving project. It is worth noting important differences between dogs and cats when faced with the possibility of a move:

Like you, animals can feel the stress of moving. Symptoms of stress in your pets can manifest themselves in different ways, including:

• A change in behaviour
• Hair loss
• An absence of appetite

Do not hesitate to ask your veterinarian for advice if you find that these symptoms persist a few weeks after the move.

How to move with pets

Before the move

A move is well known, it is prepared in advance. Moving with an animal is the same thing to ensure their well-being. For this, do not hesitate to start your boxes gradually and let them get used to them by turning around, and sniffing them. Also keep their bearings and habits, such as meal times, walks, and toys. Put them away only at the end. You can obviously entrust them to a family member or relatives, to avoid any stress and be able to move more serenely.

Spend time with them, and reassure them by showing them your affection. If you have the opportunity to go to your new home, do not hesitate to take your pet with you and show him around the premises and let him get acquainted with it. It should be noted important differences between dogs and cats when it comes to the possibility of a move.

Good to know: It can be difficult to get your pet into a carrier or basket. Decorate it so that he finds his toys, and a little food to persuade him to settle there and stay quiet.

Moving and dogs

How to prepare a dog for the move?

Dogs are known to be the most loyal companions. You are the center of the world. If they consider themselves separate members of the family, they have a certain degree of awareness that they remain animals. Even if they don't necessarily agree, they know that your human family is still the priority. Because, yes, indeed if at the time of the big holiday departures, people dare to abandon their dog, some also do it when they move. The dog is wary of change and has an innate fear of abandonment. Here are some tips for them to make the most of their change of place of residence:

• Let your dog discover the new place of residence before the move.
• Entrust your dog to people he knows well on moving day (family, friends).
• On a moving day, make sure you keep your favorite toy accessible.
• The first few hours limit him to a room containing his belongings and toys.
• The first days take time with him to make him discover each space of your home and garden.
• The first few weeks do a lot of leash outings in your new neighborhood. He must find his bearings.
• Expect more disobedience than usual, reframe it gradually – it tests you!

Moving and cats

How to prepare a cat for the move?

Unlike dogs, cats are much more independent pets. As we know, cats make their lives. But don't think that a move has no impact on them – quite the opposite! For this you must understand, if the dog sees himself as a member of your family, the cat sees himself as your roommate. And it is you who live in his house! Cats are attached to their owners, obviously, but they are also extremely attached to their place of residence. A move can be traumatic for our feline friends. They are very sensitive beings and their emotions are to be taken into account as part of your change of address. Here are some tips:

• Do you pack the boxes and dismantle the furniture? Put your cat away in a room with his food and belongings. He will feel that something is happening, but it will be less stressful than seeing everything move.
• Avoid exposing it to the comings and goings of movers.
• Only carry it in its transport crate – stress can change its behavior in your car.
• Take him to your new home on the last round trip. He should not be left alone at the new address at first.

Upon arrival, isolate your cat in a room for the time you have done the biggest (1 day or 2).

If you have a large home, let your cat discover the spaces little by little. First the floor, then the ground floor, then the garage, then the garden, etc.

Good to know: Be aware that the transport of your pet is to be expected in your personal vehicle. If you have an aquarium and/or vivarium, do not clean it. Some bacteria found inside are good for better acclimatization.

Your veterinarian, an essential opinion for your move

Veterinary advice for my pet

For individuals, taking care of a move involving a pet alone is not necessarily easy to do. Do not hesitate to contact a professional to anticipate the behavior of your pet during the trip. To advise you, a veterinarian will be in the best position. He will guide you on the arrangements to adopt for a serene move with a pet. He will be able to tell you what to do if this or that problem occurs. The visit to the veterinarian is also an opportunity to check if your pet's vaccinations are up to date. If apart from a health aspect, this is of little importance during a national movement, it is very important if you leave and return from abroad.

Moving abroad and pets

The steps to move with your pet

Before moving, it is important to prepare for your companion's trip. So prepare all the necessary documents for his trip. Find out what steps are needed by the country in order to prepare well in advance. As a general rule, especially in Europe, the following documents and procedures are requested:

• Animal passport: It is carried out by a licensed veterinarian and must be rigorously completed.
• Electronic chip: The animal must wear one (or at least be tattooed in some countries). Be sure to carry the certificates.
• Rabies vaccine: Mandatory in all countries, it must be done within 21 days before departure. So keep the care sheet of your pet.
• Treatment against internal parasites: This treatment only concerns dogs and must be done between 1 and 5 days before departure. It must be annotated on the passport
• A certificate of good health: made by a veterinarian and dated a maximum of 3 months
• Up-to-date vaccinations: check mandatory vaccinations and certify them on the passport
• Minimum age of your pet: 3 months (in case they are babies of your pet, there are exceptions depending on the country)
• Again, these documents are the ones requested in most cases. However, there are exceptions for countries such as Australia, or the United States where other documents and procedures are required.

How to transport your pet?

The most common means of transport for animals is by plane. Indeed, this solution is the fastest and saves your pet a too-long and stressful journey. A move is already stressful for you so imagine what it is like for your little companion. Here are the mandatory conditions regarding the transport of your pet:

• Animal passport
• Flea or tattoo
• Minimum age: 3 months
• Certificate / Up-to-date vaccinations
• Cage to IATA standards
• Maximum size of the cage: 55x40x30 cm
• No toys or objects may be transported in the cage

Cabin transport

It is possible to carry your pet by plane as hand luggage. The conditions are the same as hand luggage, i.e. in a cage with a maximum size and a maximum weight of 10 Kg.  However, you will have to pay an extra cost generally between 40 and 60 €.

Cargo transport

Placing in the hold is the most common option when it comes to moving with your pet. Plan ahead of time since most companies have a limited number of animals in the hold per plane. Here's who you can go to transport your pets:

• Air Transport Animal
• Air France
• British Airways

Tips for moving with your pet

It is very difficult for an animal to travel by means of transport. This event will be very stressful for your animal and it must therefore be taken care of. Here are some tips:

Do not hesitate to put your hand in the wallet: your pet needs calm and serenity so do not balk at the purchase of a cage (standards) of quality. Turn to specialized services that will treat your pet with the utmost care.

Food is not allowed in the cage. So remember to feed it well before. Water is allowed so do not hesitate to send it to your pet.

Make your pet's name, a destination address, and contact information appear on the crate.