Keep your pets free of stress<\/p>\n
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Like adults and children, pets also experience the emotional
\nstress of moving. But with a little planning, you can spare pets
\nany anxiety.<\/p>\n
If you are planning to move by air, the first thing to do
\nbefore making any reservations is to ask the airline if it allows
\npets as animal passengers. Pets may be brought on board with
\ntheir owners as \"carry-on baggage\", or placed in the cargo hold
\nof the plane.<\/p>\n
Don't forget to keep some form of identification on your at
\nall times, and be sure you have current pictures and a written
\ndescription of the animal. This will help you avoid any stress
\nshould your pet manage an escape.<\/p>\n
If the length of the move requires the animal be provided with
\nfood and water, be sure the food is bland and easily digested and
\nthat the water comes from your home supply. Prior to moving, it
\nis also advised that you bring your pet to a veterinarian for a
\nthorough physical exam, making sure all vaccinations are current,
\nespecially for rabies. Besides such general guidelines, different
\nanimals also require special care when moving. Below are
\nimportant tips provided by the United States Postal Service on
\nits website:<\/p>\n
* Cats: Cats are notorious for getting into trouble during the
\nmoving process since they are particularly sensitive to stress.
\nFor that reason it is particularly important to maintain your
\ncat's normal routine. While you're packing, keep your cat
\nconfined to one room with food, water, a litter pan, some
\nfavorite toys and the carrier you plan to use so your cat can get
\nused to it. The door should be locked or have a large, \"Do Not
\nOpen\" sign on it, so the movers won't inadvertently let the \"cat
\nout of the bag\".<\/p>\n
Transport your cat in a well constructed cat carrier large
\nenough for food, water and a small litter box. Upon arrival at
\nyour destination, place the cat and carrier in one secure room
\nwith at least two doors between the cat and the outside.<\/p>\n
Dogs: Dogs are generally easier to move than cats since they
\naren't as affected by the stress. A few special considerations to
\nkeep in mind include being prepared to clean up after your dog at
\nrest stops.<\/p>\n
If you have a small dog and plan on flying to your new home,
\ns\/he may be able to fly with you in the passenger compartment if
\ns\/he is small enough to fit into a carry-on bag that will fit
\nunder the seat. Check with the airlines for details. If you are
\ntransporting a larger dog by plane, try to book a direct flight
\nto prevent your pet from having to spend long periods in a
\ndistant airport, and have someone scheduled to pick up your dog
\nat the other end.<\/p>\n
Birds: Birds need a health certificate to enter most states
\nand depending on the species may be required to get tested for
\ncertain diseases. Since these regulations can change, it is
\nimportant that your veterinarian verify these requirements well
\nin advance of your move.<\/p>\n
If you will be taking your bird in the car, maintain a warm,
\nconstant temperature since birds are particularly sensitive to
\ntemperature changes. It is possible to carry the bird in its cage
\nas long as you have a cover for it to prevent drafts and keep the
\nbird in a darkened setting to reduce the bird's anxiety.<\/p>\n
Fish: If you have a small number of fish and are moving only a
\nshort distance, you can move them to their new location by using
\nplastic bags half filled with water. Place the bags in an
\ninsulated container such as an ice chest or Styrofoam container
\nto help maintain a steady temperature.<\/p>\n
For a larger number of fish or for transporting over a greater
\ndistance, five to 10-gallon plastic containers can be used.
\nFirst, fill them with water (either salt or fresh water,
\ndepending on the type of fish) and change the water often to
\nremove any toxins that might leach from the plastic. On moving
\nday fill the containers half full with water and place the fish
\nin the water, about one to two fish per gallon.<\/p>\n
If your trip is going to take more than a couple of days, it's
\nbest to invest in some portable aerators to keep the water well
\noxygenated. Do not keep the containers in the car overnight since
\nthe drop in temperature is likely to be too severe.<\/p>\n
Reptiles: If you are going to ship a venomous snake, it must
\nbe placed inside two sturdy boxes or a box inside a wooden crate.
\nWith non-venomous ones only one box is needed. Be sure the
\ncontainers are well insulated and contain air holes for
\nventilation and are clearly marked with both the common and
\nscientific name of the species.<\/p>\n
If you are transporting your snake in your car, be sure not to
\nleave it in the car overnight. Take it into the hotel room (be
\nsure they allow pets), and let it soak for about an hour in the
\ntub. (You will have to take turns.)<\/p>\n
The easiest pet to move is a turtle, which can be shipped
\novernight in a well cushioned, insulated box with air holes.<\/p>\n
Small mammals: The best way to move small mammals such as
\nmice, gerbils, guinea pigs and hamsters is to keep them in the
\ncar with you in their normal container. Take their water bottle
\nout so it doesn't leak. At rest stops, check the animal and place
\nthe bottle back in the cage so it can drink.<\/p>\n
Be sure to maintain a comfortable, steady temperature even if
\nit means parking your car away from the rest rooms to get it
\nunder the shade of a tree. These little critters are comfortable
\nat about the same temperatures people are, so if you are cold or
\nhot, they are too.<\/p>\n
Pet rocks: Probably the only pet easier to move than a turtle.
\nBe careful not to let your pet rock out of its box while you are
\ndriving the car. It's simply too easy for them to cause an
\naccident by slipping under your gas or brake pedal.<\/p>",
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