Tips for moving pets?

Question

We have 2 cats and an English bulldog and we're moving from Indiana to Rhode Island. (there are no direct flights between our airports)
We can carry on up to 1 animal (and there's 2 of us, so the cats should be ok... crossing our fingers)
However, no airlines will carry on Bulldogs because of their "delicate nature"... I really don't want my fiance to have to drive 1,000 miles by himself to bring the dog, nor do I want to have to sedate the cats for 2 days so we can all drive together. Ideally, we would all fly together, but this just isn't possible.
This might sound like a dumb question, but does anyone have any thoughts/suggestions? I'm tired of stressing about it! :)

Answer 1

I am a veterinary technician and I know so well that moving with pets can be stressful. If you do wind up driving, please discuss with your current vet the common "car sickness" and long distance traveling medications that are available. I don't know if there are any services in your state that offer professional transportation of pets for those who are looking to relocate. As much as I hate to say, driving may suck, but it will be the "best" way for all of you to make it to your destination and knowing that your pets are in good hands, your own, will be refreshing. Please be aware that bulldogs do develop allergies very easily, especially the skin and eyes, so moving to a new area may have an affect on the dog alone. Just a heads up in case you notice itching and runny eyes and stuff. I hope that I have been a bit of help to you. Please feel free to reply.

Thanks

Answer 2

I just moved from Maine to Kansas a few months ago with 3 cats, 2 dogs (big), 2 rabbits and 3 fish. I had help...there were 4 people total in 2 vehicles, but I had a lot of 'stuff' packed in too. The 3 cats each had their own carrier and were not sedated at all. There are some natural calmatives though if you want to try them...Feliway is supposed to work well. All 3 cats talked quite a bit off and on but were all just fine each night when we stopped and at the end when we got to our final destination. The dogs also were fine...they slept most of the way.

I totally understand your stress!! I was more stressed about the animals than about moving everything I own and driving 1800 miles. I worried and planned for months, but the entire move went wonderfully and all of the animals are happy and healthy in their new home!! Good luck...I'm sure all will work out...

Answer 3

Prepare an easily-accessible 'overnight kit' that has enough dog food, kitty litter, toys and grooming tools to sustain your pet and keep them comfortable during the first few days of unpacking.

If you're moving out of the area, inform your vet so you can take records and any prescription medications with you. See if they can recommend another vet in your new neighborhood.

During the move itself, the best way to reduce stress on an animal is to keep them in the quietest area possible. If you don't want to leave them with a friend or a kennel for the day (which is recommended), at least remove them from the action. This could mean emptying a bedroom on another floor and closing the door, or putting them in their carrier or kennel in the garage or car (take proper caution to ensure they'll be at a safe temperature and that they have water and food if they will be there for some time). Make sure you check in on them regularly, and try to feed or walk them at the time you usually would; having some sense of a routine in the midst of all the changes will help a lot.

Answer 4

I drove from California to Pennsylvania with my two cats. I have since then driven between Pennsylvania and North Carolina with my two cats at least 5 times. I have also made the NC to PA and PA to NC trip with a foster cat and her several week old kitten in addition to my two cats. And once with a cat I was taking to PA for my grandmother (I also had my 2 cats). So you can see I and my 2 cats are well traveled.

I have never sedated my cats or given them any medicatoin. You should of course consult your vet for any specific health issues your individual pets may have.

Here are some tips to make the drive more comfortable for all of you.

1.) Get your pets used to being in pet carriers by putting them in your home with some of there favorite toys inside. This will help them see it as a posative thing.

2.) If your pets are not going to be in carriers get them used to wearing harnesses and you can seat belt them in. Remember it is more dangerous for your pet to be in an accident, they can easily fly forward into the window. If they are not restrained in some way, even if they are not injured they could run into traffic after an accident. (I am actualy bad with this cause I let my cats lay on the seat sometimes without being buckled in)

3.) You should stop for breaks OFTEN at least once every 3 hours. The pets need to get out and stretch too.

4.) You can bring a litterbox for your cats and they should use it when needed. (Do not be alarmed if they do not use it, They can hold it and often times will) Mine are used to driving so they let me know when they want to go. For convienience you can use a plastic storage box with a lid, that way you can close it and only open it when needed, no reason to smell it the whole time.

5.) Make sure you bring your pets normal food and water bowls, they may be hesitant to eat or drink out of something new. Your pet DOES NOT need to eat while driving. When you stop to rest at night they can eat then. Too much food could make them sick. They will probably not eat much anyway cause of the stress. Your dog should be ok with some treats along the way.

6.) If you have the time start driving your pets in the car so they get used to it. Progressively getting to longer and longer trips. Drive them to one of your friends homes or just drive around and come back home.

7.) When you stop along the way there are plenty of hotels who allow pets. www.petswelcome.com has a list of hotels in each city who will accomodate you. And all Motel 6 allow pets, (only 1 but you can sneak the cats in)

www.petswelcome.com also has some other usefull information when traveling with pets.

Good Luck with the move and your pets.

Answer 5

Could you carry on the bull dog.. I have no idea what the size limitations are.... If so, you could put the cats in a carrier and check them through.. OR you used to be able to do that. Considering today's flying climate, you might be better walking!!!! I drove 1700 miles with two cats and it was no problem. Kept them in a carrier and they slept most of the way.

Answer 6

I brought a dog to the US all the way from Italy. We put him in the compartment under the plane. They have a special section for dogs (presserized, temperature controlled). If you go on your airline's website or call them you can fine information. You have to buy them a ticket. Your dog will be fine going from Indiana to Rhode Island. Mine was fine from Italy. A bulldog is too big to fit under the seat. My dog is 8lb and he couldnt fit under the seat. I think only toy dogs like chiwaowas can fit under the seat. Good luck and don't worry about the flight.

Answer 7

It seems as though your dilemma is not one that has any easy answer. I suggest that you and your fiance make a road trip out of the situation. Not only will it enable the two of you to become better acquainted, it may very well produce fantastic stories for the both of you tell for years to come. For you I must tell of a personal experience when as a 11year old boy moved with my family of 5 from central Idaho to central California. We did so with the company of not only two dogs (Fox Terrier, Cocker Spaniel) but also with a sum of 20 Parakeets, 2 Cocktails, one Orange Wing Amazon parrot and a mated pair of parrots of which I can not recall their breed. This is my advice and I can only say that if you love your animals enough it should be a practical solution. Good luck. (oh yeah on our trip we wound up stuck in Reno NV. for two days on account of bad weather.)

Answer 8

put the bulldog in cargo, have him/her sedated to ease the stress, or ask your vet for a natural nerve calmer for him/her. you will have him/her there with you. Other wise drive and as earlier cover the cages to cut down the racket. I'm moving by the end of the week too with my baby cat.

Answer 9

Honestly I would just drive. I don't see why you would have to sedate the cats. (You might have to sedate yourself to stand the yowling from the cats though, LOL).

I personally would never trust an airline with my animals.

I have a horse and if I ever move cross country I'll HAVE to drive!

Answer 10

I would drive with my fiance & all the pets...it would be memorable...just prepare to stop at parks, or city churches away from traffic...to allow your pets a rest...(room). get the picture?
also, take enough empty shopping bags,a roll of tissue, or paper towles & a sented spray pump in case of accidents, take dog & cat food, & water...& set up a nice area for bedding....they will get used to the traveling movement, noise etc....they will sleep most of the way....I've always traveled with my pets, for years....& I will always travel with them...I would rather drive & know they are safe, & with me, than to trust someone else .....I'd never leave it to someone else..especially the airlines...& I would not give up my dog....never!!!! If it were the other way around...the pets would not give you up or put you through any bad experiance, they would take you with them...remember....they love you unconditionally....If they are going to go through a bad experiance...they may as well go through it with you & your fiance they will at least hear your voice & feel your reassurance ...the cats may freak out at the beginning, but they will calm down after a while...you'll see. Oh !!!by the way, there are plenty of pet friendly hotels......God Bless.....