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Daily Real Estate News
Moving to a
new home can be stressful on pets, but
there are many things your clients can
do to make the process as painless as
possible.
Experts at
The Pet
Realty Network
in Naples, Fla., offer these helpful
tips for easing the transition and
keeping pets safe during the move. Share
these tips with buyers and sellers, and
they'll thank you for looking out for
their furry friends.
-
Update
your pet’s tag.
The most
important rule is to make sure your
pet is wearing an identification
tag, with your current contact
information, and a sturdy collar.
Your pet’s tag should include your
destination location, telephone
number, and cell phone number so
that you can be reached immediately
during the move.
-
Ask for
veterinary records.
If you’re moving far enough away
that you’ll need a new vet, you
should ask your current vet for a
current copy of your pet’s
vaccinations. Your also can ask for
copy of your pet’s medical history
to give to your new vet, although
that can normally be faxed directly
to the new vet upon request.
-
Keep
medications and food on hand.
Keep
at least one week’s worth of food
and medication with you in case of
emergency. Vets can’t write a
prescription without a prior
doctor/patient relationship, which
can cause delays if you need
medication right away.
-
Seclude
your pet from chaos.
Pets can feel vulnerable on moving
day. Keep your pet in a safe, quiet,
well ventilated place, such as the
bathroom on moving day with a “Do
Not Disturb! Pets Inside!” sign
posted on the door to keep
off-limits to friends and movers.
-
Prepare
a first aid kit.
A few recommended supplies for a
basic first aid kit include: Your
vet's phone number, gauze to wrap
wounds or to muzzle your pet,
adhesive tape for bandages,
non-stick bandages, towels, and
hydrogen peroxide (3 percent). You
can use a door, board, blanket or
floor mat as an emergency Stretcher
and a soft cloth, rope, necktie,
leash or nylon stocking for an
emergency muzzle.
-
Play it
safe in the car.
It’s best to travel with your dog in
a crate, second-best is to use a
restraining harness. When it comes
to cats, it’s always best for their
safety and yours to use a
well-ventilated carrier in the car.
Secure the crate or carrier with a
seat belt and provide your pet with
familiar toys. Never keep your pet
in the open bed of a truck or the
storage area of a moving van. In any
season, a pet left alone in a parked
vehicle is vulnerable to injury and
theft.
-
Get
ready for takeoff.
When
traveling by air,
check
with the airline about any pet
requirements or restrictions to be
sure you’ve prepared your pet for a
safe trip. Some airlines will allow
pets in the cabin, depending on the
animal’s size, but you’ll need to
purchase a special airline crate
that fits under the seat in front of
you.
-
Find a
new veterinary clinic and emergency
hospital.
Before
you move, ask your veterinarian to
recommend a doctor in your new
locale. Talk to other pet owners
when visiting the new community, and
call the state veterinary medical
association for vets in your city.
When choosing a new veterinary
hospital, make a visit and ask
yourself: Are the receptionists,
doctors, technicians, assistants
friendly, professional and
knowledgeable? Are the office hours
and location convenient? Does the
clinic offer emergency or specialty
services? If the hospital doesn’t
meet your criteria, keep looking.
-
Prep
your new home for pets.
Pets may be frightened and confused
in new surroundings. To reduce the
chance of escaping due to fear, or
pure excitement of exploring a new
territory, immediately set out all
the familiar and necessary things
your pet will need: food, water,
medications, bed, litter box, etc.
If your new home is nearby, your pet
may be confused and find a way back
to your old home. To be safe, give
the new home owners your phone
number and a photo of your pet, and
ask them to contact you if your pet
is found nearby.
-
Learn
more about your new area.
Once you find a new veterinarian,
ask if there are any local health
concerns such as heartworm or Lyme
disease, or any vaccinations or
medications your pet may require.
Also, be aware of any unique laws.
For example, there are restrictive
breed laws in some cities. Home
owner associations also may have
restrictions – perhaps requiring
that all dogs are kept on leashes.
—
REALTOR® Magazine Online
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