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Pet Talk

Making a big move? How to take your pets with you

2/17/2017

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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.

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 Gulf Coast Humane Society, 2010 Arcadia Street, Fort Myers, FL. 33916      
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