How Pets Become Lost: Moving With My Pet

How Animals Become Lost: 

Moving With My Pet

Before the Move Planning

Eighth week: 

Find that new place

Seventh week:

Need pet carrier (plane or car)

Start adjusting to being inside

Start adjusting to riding in car

Need car harness (car only)

Start adjusting to riding in car

Sixth week:

Talk to vet

Will need copies of vaccination records

Will need health certificates

See differences for traveling across state lines or traveling internationally.

Possible medication if dog is anxious about traveling.

If you are moving to a place where quarantine is required (Hawaii, another country), confirm with vet what the requirements will be. 

Fifth week:

Plan car route

Make reservations at campgrounds, motels, hotels or friends and family (see online and books)

Plan out rest stops and eating breaks

Fourth week:

Order new ID tags

Temporary ones for trip

Permanent ones for new place

Have a current photo to carry with you on trip in case dog gets lost. 

Third week:

Confirm with airlines about your pet’s flight and requirements. (When would this occur exactly?)

Second week:

Final week:

Moving Day!

Know where your pet is at all times. They will be very anxious about all the things going on.

Place them safe and secure in a room where everything is already moved out.

Place a note on door saying the dog is inside and should not be opened

Have all their supplies ready: food, leashes, first aid kit, water, ID tags on a sturdy collar, grooming supplies, pooper scooper bags, beds, vaccination records and health certificates. 

During the Trip (Car or Plane)

Have your motel/hotel guides available

Stop frequently to allow for bathroom, water, exercise/stretching and food breaks

Never leave your dog unattended in a hot vehicle. Temperatures can soar very quickly, even in shade

Check airlines to see if you can visit with the dog while in the crate if the trip will be more than several hours

Settling into the New Place

Make sure the pet’s familiar objects like his toys, bed, food bowls and water are where he can find them. 

Locate a new veterinarian, boarding facility, pet sitter in case the need arises suddenly. 

Have your former vet send over any necessary records to your new vet