Remember that moving can be just as stressful for your pets as it is on the rest of the family. Animals sense and react to stress just like people. Here are ten helpful suggestions from top veterinarians, animal experts and experienced pet owners on how to reduce the stress of moving with pets.

• Keep your pets' routines as regular as possible, stick with normal feed, exercise or play times as much as possible. You may find it works best to keep your pet either at a friend's house or a kennel, during the last few days prior to your move, thus reducing the chances of your pet getting lost, hiding or running away.
  
  
• Keep some form of identification on your pets at all times. It's also good to have current pictures and a written description available, just in case.
  
  
• If travel time requires the animal have food and water during transporation, be sure the food is bland and easily digested and that the water comes from your home supply. Changing diet or water sources are common causes of diarrhea and vomiting - just as with people, animals also often get upset stomachs from stress. If in doubt, check with your veterinarian for recommendations.
  
  
• Before you move, be sure to schedule a visit with your veterinarian for a thorough physical exam, and to make sure all vaccinations are current, especially the rabies vaccination. While there, be sure to get copies of your pets' records. Also discuss with your veterinarian whether your pet should be tranquilized during the move. If so, get enough to try it out prior to the move to be sure the dosage works properly. You might also ask for the name of veterinarian at your new location.
  
  
• If your pet requires regular medication, be sure to have enough with you so you won't run out before you get settled in your new home.
  
  
• Each state has different laws and regulations regarding the importation of animals and some counties and municipalities have their own ordinances as well. Check with a veterinarian or local government agencies in your new area to be sure your pet meets all requirements. It's important to do this several weeks before your move to allow time for all paper work and/or required tests to be completed.
  
  
• Never leave a pet in a hot car during the summer time or a cold car in the winter. If you're driving with your pet, there are many hotel chains which will allow your pet to stay in your room with you. Planning stops ahead of time can easily solve the problem of what to do with Fido when staying over night.
  
  
• If you are transporting the pet by plane, try to book a direct flight to minimize the animals' stress. Airline regulations regarding pet transportation are contantly changing. Be sure to make travel inquiries for your pet in advance. Don't forget to ask WHERE your pet will be stowed for the trip and HOW they will be handled! They are living things, not luggage...
  
  
• If you plan to transport your pet in an animal carrier, either with you in your vehicle or by plane, be sure to take the time to acclimate your pet to the carrier they will travel in WELL in advance of moving day!
  
  
• Specific kinds of pets require special handling during a move, be sure to check with your veterinarian about your pets' specific needs.

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