Planning tips for traveling with your dog or cat
Planning tips for traveling with your dog or cat
With so many pet families relocating to different parts of Castle Rock, our vets have created this three-part series about moving with pets.
We want to make it easy for you and your furry friend with the transition.
After all, moving can be stressful for a pet – just as it can be stressful for you!
If you’re getting ready to move, let’s start planning tips for moving with your dog or cat
Reduce your pet’s stress
Tip #1: Talk to your vet proactively about ways you can reduce your pet’s stress.
When dogs and cats (especially kittens!) start to notice changes, they can get nervous.
Only boxes, suitcases, travel companies and general disturbances can be causative factors.
- In dogs stress can cause diarrhea. Your pup may become clingy and moody. You may notice that your dog is not sleeping either.
- In cats , stress can manifest itself in different ways. Your cat may have urinary problems and may be hiding more than usual.
If you know that your dog or cat tends to get nervous when you go on trips or when you spend time in the car, talk to your current vet about proactive steps you can take.
You may be able to:
- Put your pet on a special diet for stress-related digestive or urinary problems . Begin introducing the diet a month before you move in, if possible.
- Get a prescription for an anti-anxiety drug, a sedative, or a car sickness medicine if your movement will involve a long car trip. (These medications can help your cat or dog relax.)
- Discuss other ways to relax your dog or cat.
The key is to have these conversations before moving on, especially if you have a pet with a chronic health condition.
Tip #2: Ask your vet what symptoms to watch for if your pet has a chronic condition.
Stress can exacerbate some chronic diseases in dogs and cats – such as diabetes, kidney disease, Addison’s disease, and Cushing’s disease.
If your pet has a chronic condition, speak with your current vet to find out:
- What types of symptom files should you watch
- What steps should be taken if these symptoms occur ?
Tip #3: Spend as much time as possible with your dog or cat.
We know how difficult this is with so much going on!
But the more time you spend with your furry friend, the more you can help him cope with his stress.
Not to mention that this time together can help reduce stress, too.
So, try to get into that height you’ve been craving! It will benefit both of you.
Tip #4: Make reservations for your pet on commute days, if you’re moving locally.
If you’re commuting locally, you might want to consider taking your dog or cat (or taking your furry friend to daycare) for the big relocation days.
It will keep your pet safe and out of trouble.
And for dogs in particular, doggie day care can be a great way to exercise and escape distractions at home.
Reserve your spot in advance, so you know your pet has a safe place to go.
It’s one less thing you have to worry about.
Visit the boarding facility or daycare at least once before the day of the move, so your pet can really rest with the surroundings.
Tip #5: If you are moving locally and do not want to use a nursery, ask a friend to take care of your dog or cat on the day of the move.
Apply in advance, and you won’t have to scramble before move-in day.
It’s always a good idea to take your dog or cat for some “play dates” in advance.
This way, your pet can get to know their surroundings and will feel more comfortable on the day of the move.
pet medicine
Tip #6: If your dog or cat is taking medication, make sure they have a good supply.
For example, let’s imagine your dog takes a monthly heartworm medication. Or, your cat is taking kidney medication.
If you are moving away from your current vet and realize you don’t have the right supply, you may need to reach out to a new vet.
A reputable veterinary clinic will want to check up on your pet before prescribing new medications.
And as much as the vets are happy to help you, if you prepare in advance, that’s one less thing you’ll have to deal with when you go!
Another tip for medication…
If your pet’s medication is available at a human pharmacy, ask your current veterinarian for a prescription.
This can save you time, money, and hassle if your pet’s medication gets lost while on the go.
Tip #7: Keep a month or two of your pet’s medication handy while on the go.
Don’t pack your pet’s medication in boxes that are likely to get lost or arrive late.
If you packed it in a box, clearly mark the outside of the box.
Move with confidence!
Pet Vaccines, Health History, and Microchips
Tip #8: Get a copy of your pet’s health records from your current vet.
Have you ever noticed that medical emergencies related to your dog or cat often happen at night or on the weekends?
It is helpful to have a complete copy of your pet’s medical records on hand, especially if your dog or cat has a chronic condition.
If you have to visit a new vet or emergency clinic during the transition and cannot access your pet’s medical records, the veterinary clinic may want to run more extensive testing.
Having your records on hand can:
- Reduce the number of tests required
- Keep your bills low and
- Help your pet get the right treatment faster
Not to mention, having your pet’s vaccination history is useful if you have to make sudden plans for boarding or daycare.
Tip #9: Make sure your dog or cat’s vaccinations are up to date.
This step will help protect your dog or cat in your new home and new environment.
Additionally, this step is important if your furry friend will be spending any time in an indoor facility or pet nursery around the day of the move.
Keep in mind that some vaccines take five days to take effect.
And some kennels require you to get your shots at least seven days before your visit.
Tip #10: Consider using a microchip for your pet.
Didn’t you charge your dog or cat with an electronic chip?
You might want to think about it a bit.
If your pet is lost and found, the chip proves it is your pet and gives people a way to contact you.
(Get the inside scoop on microchips.)
Tip #11: Check your pet’s microchip registration to make sure it has your current phone number and email address.
Your pet already has a microchip? amazing!
Check to make sure your contact information is up to date.
If your pet goes missing during or after you move and it ends up in a shelter, you want to make sure there is an easy way for people to reach you.
Tip #12: If your dog or cat is going to fly to your new home, find out if you need a travel health certificate.
Most airlines require them. Find out how to obtain a travel health certificate for your pet.
