Pets & Plants

TRANSPORTATION OF PETS

• Pets cannot be shipped on moving vans. Pets often become frightened and may try to run away. Keep your pet on a leash when outside.
• Your pet should wear a special identification tag, with its name, your name, and where you can be reached.
• Except for Seeing Eye Dogs, pets are not permitted on buses or trains.
• Consider sending smaller pets by air express.
• Consult with your veterinarian concerning mild sedation of your pet during the trip.

PET ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

• If your move is across state lines, call or write to the State Veterinarian, State Department of Animal Husbandry, or other appropriate authority.
• Interstate health certificates must be obtained for dogs and horses prior to entering most states.
• All but four states require an rabies vaccine for dogs, and many require it for cats. Hawaii requires that cats and dogs be quarantined for 120 days.
• Some pets must have an entry permit issued by the destination state's regulatory agency.
• A few states have border inspection of all animals being transported; others have random inspections.
• Local communities have pet control and licensing ordinances. In some cases, the number of pets is limited

• Make reservations well in advance. Follow airline instructions.
• Obtain a shipping container a week or two in advance. Familiarize your pet with it by placing the pet in it for a few minutes each day. Gradually lengthen the time until the pet seems to be at ease with it.
• Carefully schedule boarding and shipping arrangements for your pet to assure that the pet is well cared for until you are able to receive it at your new home.
• Feed the pet no less than five or six hours before flight time. Give the pet a drink of water no less than two hours before the flight.
• If your pet is accompanying you, arrive at the terminal 45 minutes before normal check-in time.
• If shipping the pet, get to the freight terminal two hours in advance of the flight.
• Be certain that names, addresses and telephone numbers of persons responsible for the pet at origin and destination are clearly marked on the container and on the pet's identification tag.
• Notify the person receiving the pet that is on the way. Give them the flight and waybill number.
• Pets can usually be picked up within 90 minutes of flight arrival.

PET CAR TRAVEL CHECKLIST

• If your dog or cat is not used to traveling by car, make short trips with the pet a week or two in advance.
• Dogs should be taught to lie quietly. Don't let your dog put its head in the wind. It can irritate eyes and cause problems.
• Cats are often frightened by car travel, but they usually adjust quickly.
• Folding kennels or crates especially designed for station wagons can be very useful.
• Accustom your pet to being on a leash and always use it when outside your vehicle or hotel.
• If you must stop overnight, check in advance for hotels that allow pets.
• Be sure that your pet is properly tagged and its rabies tag is firmly attached.
• Pet Travel Kit: food, water, and dishes; can opener (if needed); leash; a few treats; favorite toy; and some type of bedding.
• To be on the safe side, ask your veterinarian if a sedative would be appropriate.
• Don't forget the scooper and plastic bags for cleanup!

MOVING PLANTS

• SHOCK: Some house plants are susceptible to shock when moving.
• TEMPERATURE: In Fahrenheit, temps below 35 or above 95 for more than any hour can kill many plants.
• WATER: Most house plants can survive for a seven to ten days without water with little harm, but they should be moist when placed in cartons.
• DARKNESS/LIGHT: house plants can tolerate darkness for up to a week, if other conditions are favorable. When first exposing plants to light after prolonged darkness, do so gradually to avoid wilting and sun scald.
• CUTTINGS: For convenience and space saving, you can take cuttings of your favorite plant (if possible). Most cutting can survive for several days if kept in a plastic bag containing damp vermiculite, peat moss, or perlite.

PROFESSIONAL MOVING OF PLANTS

• Most professional movers will accept plants, if not more than 150 miles and/or delivery within 24 hours.
• If you are moving across state lines, check federal and state regulations for quarantines or other restrictions.
• Several states require that plants be inspected and declared "pest free".
• Some states have random vehicle checks, while others inspect all house plants at the border.
• You must arrange for inspection of your plants by an authorized state department of agriculture inspector.

DO-IT-YOURSELF PLANT MOVING

• Never carry plants in the car trunk, which can get too hot in summer, and too cold in winter.