By JESSICA BRODY

If you’re facing an impending move, it can be very stressful to consider what to do about your pets. Many rental options either prohibit pets or charge pet rent, making your cost of living rise. Some neighborhoods may have rules against the number and type of pets you are allowed to have.

If you’re moving to another country, there’s a whole new mess of rules and regulations to research. Moving with pets is never easy, but if you’re not sure where to begin, here is a little information on moving and how your pets will fit into the picture.

Apartment and Other Rental Homes Can Be Tricky

It will certainly take you a little extra effort to locate a landlord or property management company that will permit pets, particularly larger dogs. Many of these facilities will place a limit on the species, quantity, and size of acceptable pets. A small dog is typically the best bet for the prospective apartment hunter. If you have an elderly dog that requires special accommodations, the hunt can be exhausting.

Though it can get frustrating, rest assured that you will be able to find a pet-friendly option. It just takes a little extra effort.

It is also important to note that you should never take advantage of the Emotional Support Animal system. An ESA has the legal right to live with their owner in any property. However, this rule exclusively applies to someone with a true disability who owns a pet that knows how to manage some of their symptoms. If you do not have a disability, do not attempt to claim your pet as an ESA. By doing so, you damage the believability of people who truly need these animals.

Can’t Take Your Pet?

Rehoming a beloved animal can be very painful for a doting owner. However, some animals are simply not able to withstand the move or will not be accepted at the new residence.

At this point, the best you can do is find your pet a new loving owner.
If you are rehoming a pet, it is important that you never offer the pet up for free. Animal abusers posing as prospective owners will not bother spending money on an animal they want to harm. Even a small rehoming fee can protect your pet.

Be transparent about any problems your pet has. If the new owner finds out that your dog is aggressive around children the hard way, they will end up at the shelter. Make sure your pet’s new family knows what they are getting into. The best possible option is giving your pet to a trusted friend or loved one. This transition will be easier on both you and your pet.

Moving a Pet Internationally

Countries and airlines have distinct animal policies. It is absolutely critical that you do your research before attempting to move a pet across a border. If your pet is missing a vaccine or piece of paperwork, they can be quarantined in a kennel, away from you, for months at a time.

To move a pet to another country with you, you will need to plan very far in advance, update your pet’s vaccines, and get any necessary medical testing. Read through the experiences of people who have made a move to your country before as well as looking up the official rules. You can never be too careful in preparing for a safe move across borders for your family, including your four-legged family members.

Preparing for the Actual Move

It is important to take your dog to the vet prior to the move to be sure that any health issues are addressed ahead of time. If you are moving to a new town, research the vets offices nearby your new home. If there is an emergency, you don’t want to be scrambling to find a veterinarian.

Be sure that your dog is secured during the time that you are moving your belongings into your new home. The move is potentially going to be scary, and all of the new sites and smells can make your dog over-excited. Consider hiring someone that provides dog boarding during the move so you will know they are secured until you are ready to introduce them to their new home.

Moving a pet to any new place can be difficult and stressful. The best thing you can do is research, plan, and prepare. Get advice from those who have done it before you and know when it is time to rehome your four-legged family member. Remember what is in your pet’s best interest and not just in yours.

By Diana Leadley
​Pushing the Envelope
  
The great question is “why not?” Adding a new member to your family is a big step, and we want to help you make the right decision when adopting. Here are our top 5 reasons to adopt a shelter pet!
 
1. Help Save a Life: All animals at our shelter have been given up by a previous owner, rescued, lost or abandoned. When you adopt, you’re given a helpless animal another chance at a safe, loving home.
 
2. Support a Local Nonprofit: Located here in Southwest Florida, we are dedicated to helping companion pets find their forever homes, no matter how long it takes. As a nonprofit organization and no-kill shelter, we are committed to caring for animals at our shelter with a veterinary clinic (including spay and neuter services). We also provide education to our surrounding community about the welfare of homeless animals.
 
3. Control Overpopulation: For the number of animals born each year, there are simply not enough homes for all of them. You are an important player in helping break this cycle. According to the ASPCA, “each year, approximately 2.7 million animals are euthanized (1.2 million dogs and 1.4 million cats.” That means that “of the cats entering shelters, approximately 37% are adopted, 41% are euthanized, and less than 5% of cats who came in as strays are returned to their owners.”
 
4. Save Money: It’s true! Adoption fees are a lot less than the cost of purebred puppies or kittens, which are simply sold for profit. Plus, the money you spend at a shelter goes toward supporting a great cause.
 
5. Choose from a Selection of Wonderful Animals: Many are reluctant to “shop” for their pet, rather than adopt simply because they want to be sure that they are bringing in an a quality pet. But rest assured that we have a large variety of animals to choose from, including specific breeds as well as friendly and affectionate mutts. According to the American Humane Association, “the most common reasons why people give away their dogs is because their place of residence does not allow pets,” and “the most common reasons for cats are that they are not allowed in the residence and allergies.” The residence animal policy especially holds true for many neighborhoods and communities right here in Southwest Florida.
  
We hope you’ll give our animals a visit when adding a member to your family. Please remember: Adopt, Don’t Shop!

By JESSICA BRODY

​Man’s Best Friend: it sounds like a match made in Heaven. But for those who have never owned a pet before, the idea of taking care of a new puppy or kitten (or bunny or turtle…) can seem overwhelming at first. Although your new fur baby didn’t come with a training manual, humans have kept domesticated animals as pets since at least 7,000 B.C. With a few time-tested tips and tricks, you’ll be on your way to being an incredible pet owner in no time.
 
Do Your Research
Being a great pet parent starts before you ever bring your pet home. In fact, you should start researching pet ownership long before you even decide what type of pet you want. Different species (and breeds) each have their own unique personalities, needs, and health conditions. Doing your homework beforehand will help guarantee you choose the right type of pet for yourself and/or your family.
 
Choose an AAHA accredited vet
If you don’t know a good veterinarian in your area, start by asking your friends for recommendations. Once you’ve compiled a list of names, see if any of them are accredited through the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Although not all vets are members, this membership does typically ensure a higher quality of care for your beloved pet.
 
Save Up
Preferably, you’ll start saving for a pet long before you ever adopt one. Let’s be honest: pets cost a lot of money. A lot of money. Even if a pet is given to you for “free,” you will discover later down the road that you’ll end up paying for food, water, bedding, toys, veterinary bills, and any unexpected expenses that pop up. Trust me, unexpected expenses will pop up. It’s best to start saving money now...
 
Dog Training
Consistent dog training should start the moment you bring your new companion home. Although the saying “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” isn’t accurate, the sooner you begin training your dog, the quicker the dog will learn proper “manners” and desired behavior expectations.
 
Cat Training
Contrary to popular belief, cats do require some training, too - although much less than dogs. You’ll still want to teach your cat where the food and water dishes are and how to use the litter box. Some ambitious cat owners take it a step further and teach their cats to use the toilet or play fetch. There’s really no limitation on the tricks you can teach your new companion if you just have fun with it!
 
Get Advice From the Pros
Remember, you’re not alone in this adventure. Many, many others have paved the way to pet ownership for millennia. Some of that advice can be learned from friends and family members, and some of it can be learned from professional trainers. If you can’t afford to hire a professional, there are countless books, websites and even YouTube videos that can help you learn more.
 
You don’t have to be a “perfect” pet owner to be a “purrfect” pet owner. If your heart is in the right place and you’re making sincere efforts, you’re already halfway there. Just follow the steps above and keep taking care of your new friend in the best possible way you know how. You’re doing grrrreat!