Sunday 18 September 2011

Relocating with pets


Whether you are moving overseas or moving interstate, if you are intending to take your pet with you, you will need to make sure that you have considered all aspects of the move. Depending on the kind of pet it is, you may not be able to bring it into a new country. Australia , for example, does not allow you to import pet rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, caged birds and reptiles yet some of the types of animals which are prohibited may be purchased at an Australian pet shop. It is certainly worth checking this out before you tell your children you are moving as it is good to have a good solution for Thumper’s future if he is not going to be able to join in your  antipodean adventure!
Assuming then that you can bring your pet, the first thing to decide on is transportation. If you are going to travel interstate you may decide that you can drive but if you are going to put your cat or dog on a plane then this should be arranged early.  There are a number of excellent pet moving companies which your relocation consultant can recommend and any of these will be able to explain what the process is. If you are travelling to a new country there will certaibly be quarantine restrictions. For Australia, your pet will need an import permit, microchip, annual vaccinations (omitting leptospirosis), 3 blood tests (dogs only), spray and worm prior to departure along with a health certificate. Your vet will be able to assist with all of these but again the earlier you address the requirements the better it is. In Australia pets will need to stay in quarantine for around 30 days.
The cost of transporting a pet can be quite considerable so it is worth checking these costs early to avoid late surprises. Transportation is often based on the weight of the animal so a St Bernard will be more expensive than a poodle. Anyone feeding a St Bernard will be used to higher pet costs!
Animals are very sensitive to change happening within the home and will have more idea than you think that things are about to change.  One thing that is really helpful is to keep familiar blankets and toys with your pet in an area where you can keep your pet while any household moving or change is happening. In this way you can be sure that your pet is not hurt or escapes onto a road through an open door or gate. It is also best, if your pet is going to be travelling separately to you, that he or she is collected early before the main packing starts. Make sure that your pet gets lots of attention before the move as they will need plenty of reassurance.
So when you arrive at your destination if you have not already secured a property your relocation consultant will be able to assist in finding pet friendly accommodation. The consultants will have already established whether a potential landlord will accept a pet but there are some ways in which you can assist your cause. Make sure that you have references from your previous landlord if you were renting or from your neighbours if you owned a home. Have any documentation to show that your dog has had obedience training or to show that your pet is well cared for. Be prepared to offer a greater security deposit as some landlords may still be nervous about having an animal on the premises. Also be prepared to clean and fumigate the rental property on leaving.
When you  move in, try to make sure that you have the toys and blankets that belong to your pet  as early as possible in the area where he or she will sleep. Make sure that you spend a little time with your pet in this area and also introduce the pet to the new home. Also be careful for the first few weeks to reassure your pet. Cats, especially, will often try to return to their old home so do everything you can to make sure they identify the new home with you and pleasant times. A few treats when they first come into the new home will help them to associate this new place with something pleasant.
Your relocation consultant will be able to advise on council regulations for pets, off leash areas for dogs , vets, animal hospitals and kennels and boarding kennels. Having pets is often a great way to meet new friends and having owners is a great way for them to meet new friends as well!

6 comments:

  1. "Really great tips for moving with pets.
    If travelling to your new home by car, make sure to get your pet comfortable with car travel by taking it on short trips around the area."
    removals London

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  2. Hi i am just wondering if there is any company that have a supply or stock of relocated houses for sale that i can choose from i’d like an older style of house not a new one and if i then decide to buy land i can then buy a house to put on it?

    Packers and Movers Bangalore

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  3. As relocation is a tiresome task, often people become anxious while shifting their home or office to somewhere else. In case of personal relocation, shifting is not that annoying as entire family carry out the relocation task together and makes it a fun filled activity.

    Packers and Movers Chandigarh

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  4. Actually today worlds are moving very fast so we need to spend time with our family member; so we want to go for vacation by the time we can’t kept our pet at home alone. So we can’t depend on our neighbour or relative even friends also. The best option we should take them with our where we go for vacation; the pet travel services really help us.
    pet reloction

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  5. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  6. We should never depend on the neighbor if we go for trips or our business but we can’t keep our dog along at our home. So the best option is to pet relocation where we go there. Thanks for sharing benefit information to us.
    pet relocation

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