Keep your pets free of stress

Keep your pets free of stress

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Like adults and children, pets also experience the emotional
stress of moving. But with a little planning, you can spare pets
any anxiety.

If you are planning to move by air, the first thing to do
before making any reservations is to ask the airline if it allows
pets as animal passengers. Pets may be brought on board with
their owners as "carry-on baggage", or placed in the cargo hold
of the plane.

Don't forget to keep some form of identification on your at
all times, and be sure you have current pictures and a written
description of the animal. This will help you avoid any stress
should your pet manage an escape.

If the length of the move requires the animal be provided with
food and water, be sure the food is bland and easily digested and
that the water comes from your home supply. Prior to moving, it
is also advised that you bring your pet to a veterinarian for a
thorough physical exam, making sure all vaccinations are current,
especially for rabies. Besides such general guidelines, different
animals also require special care when moving. Below are
important tips provided by the United States Postal Service on
its website:

* Cats: Cats are notorious for getting into trouble during the
moving process since they are particularly sensitive to stress.
For that reason it is particularly important to maintain your
cat's normal routine. While you're packing, keep your cat
confined to one room with food, water, a litter pan, some
favorite toys and the carrier you plan to use so your cat can get
used to it. The door should be locked or have a large, "Do Not
Open" sign on it, so the movers won't inadvertently let the "cat
out of the bag".

Transport your cat in a well constructed cat carrier large
enough for food, water and a small litter box. Upon arrival at
your destination, place the cat and carrier in one secure room
with at least two doors between the cat and the outside.

Dogs: Dogs are generally easier to move than cats since they
aren't as affected by the stress. A few special considerations to
keep in mind include being prepared to clean up after your dog at
rest stops.

If you have a small dog and plan on flying to your new home,
s/he may be able to fly with you in the passenger compartment if
s/he is small enough to fit into a carry-on bag that will fit
under the seat. Check with the airlines for details. If you are
transporting a larger dog by plane, try to book a direct flight
to prevent your pet from having to spend long periods in a
distant airport, and have someone scheduled to pick up your dog
at the other end.

Birds: Birds need a health certificate to enter most states
and depending on the species may be required to get tested for
certain diseases. Since these regulations can change, it is
important that your veterinarian verify these requirements well
in advance of your move.

If you will be taking your bird in the car, maintain a warm,
constant temperature since birds are particularly sensitive to
temperature changes. It is possible to carry the bird in its cage
as long as you have a cover for it to prevent drafts and keep the
bird in a darkened setting to reduce the bird's anxiety.

Fish: If you have a small number of fish and are moving only a
short distance, you can move them to their new location by using
plastic bags half filled with water. Place the bags in an
insulated container such as an ice chest or Styrofoam container
to help maintain a steady temperature.

For a larger number of fish or for transporting over a greater
distance, five to 10-gallon plastic containers can be used.
First, fill them with water (either salt or fresh water,
depending on the type of fish) and change the water often to
remove any toxins that might leach from the plastic. On moving
day fill the containers half full with water and place the fish
in the water, about one to two fish per gallon.

If your trip is going to take more than a couple of days, it's
best to invest in some portable aerators to keep the water well
oxygenated. Do not keep the containers in the car overnight since
the drop in temperature is likely to be too severe.

Reptiles: If you are going to ship a venomous snake, it must
be placed inside two sturdy boxes or a box inside a wooden crate.
With non-venomous ones only one box is needed. Be sure the
containers are well insulated and contain air holes for
ventilation and are clearly marked with both the common and
scientific name of the species.

If you are transporting your snake in your car, be sure not to
leave it in the car overnight. Take it into the hotel room (be
sure they allow pets), and let it soak for about an hour in the
tub. (You will have to take turns.)

The easiest pet to move is a turtle, which can be shipped
overnight in a well cushioned, insulated box with air holes.

Small mammals: The best way to move small mammals such as
mice, gerbils, guinea pigs and hamsters is to keep them in the
car with you in their normal container. Take their water bottle
out so it doesn't leak. At rest stops, check the animal and place
the bottle back in the cage so it can drink.

Be sure to maintain a comfortable, steady temperature even if
it means parking your car away from the rest rooms to get it
under the shade of a tree. These little critters are comfortable
at about the same temperatures people are, so if you are cold or
hot, they are too.

Pet rocks: Probably the only pet easier to move than a turtle.
Be careful not to let your pet rock out of its box while you are
driving the car. It's simply too easy for them to cause an
accident by slipping under your gas or brake pedal.