moving with a pet?

readyforachangenow · Jun 9, 2014

I have moved with cats. We moved them last because one has anxiety issues and the other feeds off his energy. We kept them in a bedroom with the door closed until we were ready. It was very stressful for them. They stayed under my bed or dresser and would only come out at night to the litterbox/eat. It took a few weeks before they were comfortable moving about the space.

annie.rn · Jun 9, 2014

We've moved w/ large and small dogs as well as a geckos and hamsters. We've always driven and made reservations ahead of time at pet friendly hotels. We've had to stay at such hotels during some of our moves until our housing was available. We've only had difficulty finding pet friendly leases when we've had a large dog. Small dogs have rarely been a problem. Of course, they've always asked for hefty pet deposits.

We flew one time with a Labrador Retriever and it wasn't a problem at all but it was a short flight and it was in the winter. As long as the shots are up to date and you have an airline approved travel kennel it goes pretty smoothly. You check the dog in like you do your baggage and pick them up at the baggage pick up area. (Someone wheels them out for you) I don't know how much it costs now. When I did it, it was pre- 9-11 and it was about $75, I think. This was also before they started charging for baggage. Our dog was fine when we picked him up. I think we had gotten a light sedative from the vet prior to travel. I know you cannot fly w/ animals during certain temperatures. The airlines' website should have the specifics. If your pet is small enough they MIGHT be able to fly in the cabin w/ you.

amguzman · Jun 9, 2014

I will be moving with a cat. I just wasnt sure if it was a good idea

as fas as the cat goes, like if she will be ok during the flight and I am

still a little worried about finding an apartment. Well, wish me luck. oh, and yes

I have read that cats can go in the cabin under your seat

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Jun 9, 2014

I have moved and been a traveler with a cat.

Small pets can go in the cabin if they fit somewhat comfortably in an approved airplane carrier to be placed under the seat in front of you. The fee for most airlines is $75 each way (I have had flights that my seat was cheaper than my kitty's small space). It should be arranged ahead of time with the airline. Kitty also needs a health certificate within a set time period by a vet( usually 3-10) days. Be aware that some airlines do not accept pets at all. Also be aware that some states have restrictions on pets coming in (Hawaii), and others may have serious regulations/costs on pets in motels. (North Carolina).

May I recommend the AAA guide to hotel/motel accommodations that are pet friendly for car travel.

My cat took flights well after the first trip, despite stricter regs post 9/11. I never had to sedate. Only time she ever fussed, was on a very rough landing (we bounced about 5 times on the set down). People were shrieking and then kitty let out a loud MMEOOOW, and the cabin suddenly got quiet.

amguzman · Jun 9, 2014

thank you caroladybelle, I have been in touch with my airline. Southwest does not

require a health certificate, only pay a fee and she has to go in an airline approved carrier.

I am just worried about how she will take it on the plane as she has never traveled before. Would you

recommend sedating if its her first time?

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Jun 10, 2014

I didn't ever sedate her, but she was a very quiet kitty. Your vet can advise based on kitty's temperament, age and health . Some recommend cat specific seds or extremely small feline doses of Benadryl

Be aware that s/he will have to come out of the carrier briefly during the security check, so if s/he is the type that may bolt, sedation may be a good idea. The carrier has to go through the metal detector and kitty gets the wand check usually, while in your arms. If there are any metal implants or a microchip (always a good idea if you frequently travel with kitty ) let them know. Also, nice small soft throw to put under carrier in plane, and hold kitty with in security check that is comforting may be useful.

I withhold food the night before after dinner, and fluids for a while before flight, and let her use a mini litter box in the car right before flight. Prefer short direct flights. If a litter box can be provided in car post flight, good. She never had any "accidents" but I kept spare carrier liners and supplies for cleanup if needed. I also put a soft liner (or kitty circle bed, if kitty is small) in carrier to reduce inadvertent bumps and soft cloth under the carrier in the cabin, to reduce bounce and vibration so that kitty feels safer. I have transported two different kittens and my adult cat - they are generally quiet, initially hyper alert but relaxed down and catnapped.

Other than security, kitty stays in carrier, so keep her in quiet areas to reduce stress and talk quietly/let her sniff your hand, etc .

I also check my larger baggage so that my hands are freer to keep kitty in carrier stable, and have spare supplies in my carry on, if needed. But I have never needed the spare supplies.

Hope that helps.

amguzman · Jun 10, 2014

so, I found out today that Puerto Rico has restrictions on cats coming

in. The rabies vaccine must be at least 6 months past and she's never had a rabies

vaccine, so we can't take her with us, at least not for now. I am kind of sad about it,

I hope she will be ok my in-laws for six months. thanks all for the advice!