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	Moving With Pets
	By Ramona Creel

Feel free to use this tip sheet / checklist as you tackle your own ""do-it-yourself"" organizing projects. If you would like to REPRINT or DISTRIBUTE this information, please click here for reprinting instructions.

ASK YOUR VET

• have your pet examined by your veterinarian
• collect pet health certificate and vaccination records
• ask your vet for a reference for a doctor in the new city
• discuss sedation for your pet during the trip
• have your pet vaccinated 30 days prior to overseas moves
• get current rabies tag if you don't already have one

GET YOUR RECORDS STRAIGHT

• name of pet
• species and gender
• license number
• description including color and markings
• owner's name, telephone number, address
• veterinarian's name, telephone number, address
• emergency information
• vaccination and appointment dates
• conditions and illnesses
• treatments and medication

LEGALITIES AND REGULATIONS

• air transport of cats and dogs less than 8 weeks old prohibited
• know that some states have border inspection of all animals
• find out destination state's pet entry regulations
• apply for an entry permit if needed
• check local pet control and licensing ordinances
• secure a form of identification to your pet's collar

MAKING TRAVEL PLANS

• have one person in family take responsibility for pets during move
• book air 4 weeks before domestic moves, 6-8 weeks before international
• talk to travel agent for suggestions and help planning shipping
• begin acclimating pet to shipping container several weeks ahead
• make plans for pick-up and boarding of pet arrives before you
• take your pets to visit to familiarize them with their new habitat
• when booking a hotel, make sure the management allows pets

MOVING SMALL ANIMALS

• birds and rodents may be moved in their own cages
• remove water from cages to prevent spilling
• keep bird cage covered to protect from drafts and stress
• feed small animals regularly and water at rest stops
• have tropical fish packed by a professional at your fish store
• other fish may be packed in a half-full plastic bag
• carry as much of the aquarium water with you as you can
• tanks smaller than 5 gallons can be moved in-tact in the car
• generally not necessary to feed fish during the trip

ON MOVING DAY

• feed pet no less than 5-6 hours before move
• give water and any medications 1-2 hours before leaving
• exercise pet before confining to shipping container
• limit feeding of your pets to once a day during the move
• kennel should allow pet room to stand, lie down, and turn around
• plan regular stops for water and exercise if possible
• make sure you or consignee have Air Waybill for picking up pet

TRAVEL CONCERNS

• animals may not travel on moving van
• only seeing eye dogs may travel on trains or buses
• pets may travel on airlines if crated in proper container
• some airlines allow pets in cabin if crate will fit under seat
• larger pets must be stored in the cargo area as "air freight"
• pets traveling in car should be properly restrained for safety
• may ship your pet by air even if you are not traveling with it
• shipping container must be legibly marked with contact info
• must provide appropriate health documentation
• generally must pay for shipping charges in advance

TRAVEL NECESSITIES

• veterinarian papers and medical records
• pet's bed or blankets
• leash or harness
• paper towels or rags for cleaning up messes
• scooper and plastic bags or litter box and litter
• portable kennel
• favorite toy and treats
• brush and comb
• food, dish, and water (plus can opener if canned food)

WHEN YOU ARRIVE

• keep animal confined for a few weeks until settled in
• put dish, litter box, and other supplies in familiar locations
• allow your pet to explore home to get comfortable
• take pet to visit new veterinarian to get acquainted

Copyright 2000-2009 Ramona Creel -- you are welcome to reprint any article, but you MUST include this resource box.

"Ramona Creel is a modern Renaissance woman and guru of simplicity -- traveling the country as a full-time RVer, sharing her story of radically downsizing, and inspiring others to regain control of their own lives. As a Professional Organizer and Accountability Coach, Ramona will help you create the time and space to focus on your true priorities -- clearing away the clutter other obstacles and standing in the way of that life you've always wanted to be living. As a Professional Photographer, Ramona captures powerful images of places and people as she travels. And as a travel writer, social commentator, and blogger, she shares her experiences and insights about the world as we know it. You can see all these sides of Ramona -- read her articles, browse through her photographs, and even hire her to help get your life in order -- at www.RamonaCreel.com. And be sure to follow her on Twitter and on Facebook."

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