Prepare to Move

Pets require special attention and consideration when moving, and the essential ingredient to your pet's stress-free move is pre-planning.

Contact the State Veterinarian's Office or State Department of Agriculture requesting the pet laws and regulations of your destination state. (see below)

"Leash Laws" are common, licensing may be necessary, and the number of pets per household may be limited. Make sure your lease allows your pets on the premises before you move in.

Before departure, make sure you have a recent photograph of your pet (in case the animal is lost), and the proper pet documents, such as:
A Health Certificate less than 10 days old. Most states require one for dogs. Many states require one for cats, birds, and certain exotic animals as well. Check with your veterinarian or one of the state animal-control agencies listed in the back to determine if your pet requires a Health Certificate. The certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian, and current inoculation records must accompany it.

A Permit. You may need to purchase a permit allowing your exotic pet to enter the destination state. Your veterinarian may assist you in applying for one.

Identification. Whether you are traveling by air or car, any pet that can wear a collar should have one on, with an ID tag secured to it. The ID tag should include the pet's name, your name, and the destination address. In addition to ID, most states require dogs, cats and some exotic animals to have a rabies tag on their collars. Check with your veterinarian.

Now that you and your pet are ready to move, you must decide how to do it. You can hire a professional pet-moving service to transport your four-legged family member or do it yourself.

The importance of a sturdy, comfortable carrier for your pet cannot be overemphasized. A carrier should be large enough for the pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down.

Get your pet accustomed to the carrier several days before a flight or car ride by using it as a bed. Placing a favorite toy or blanket inside will make your pet feel more secure.

For your pet's welfare and comfort on any flight, accompanied or not, be sure to:
Feed your pet a light meal five to six hours before flight time; but, do not give it water two hours before take-off, except on very hot days.

Exercise your pet (on a leash) at the airport and administer any required medications. After placing your pet in the carrier, secure the closing mechanism and fasten the leash to the outside of the container.

State Pet Information Directories:

Alabama Dept. of Agriculture (334) 240-7255
Alaska State Veterinarian (907) 375-8215
Arizona Dept. of Agriculture (602) 542-4293
Arkansas Livestock & Poultry Commission (501) 907-2400
California Dept. of Food & Agriculture (916) 654-0881
Colorado Dept. of Agriculture (303) 239-4161
Connecticut Bureau of Regulation and Inspection (860) 713-2505
Delaware Dept. of Agriculture (302) 739-4811
Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services Division of Animal Industry (850) 410-0910
Georgia Dept. of Agriculture (404) 656-3671
Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture Division of Animal Industry (808) 483-7111
Idaho Dept. of Agriculture (208) 332-8540
Illinois Dept. of Agriculture Division of Animal Industry (217) 782-4944
Indiana Indiana State Board of Animal Health (317) 227-0300
Iowa Dept. of Agriculture (515) 281-5305
Kansas Animal Health Department (785) 296-2326
Kentucky Dept. of Agriculture Division of Animal Health (502) 564-3956
Louisiana Dept. of Agriculture Office of Animal Health Services (225) 925-3980
Maine Dept. of Agriculture Division of Animal Health & Industry (207) 287-3701
Maryland Dept. of Agriculture (410) 841-5810
Massachusetts Bureau of Animal Health (617) 626-1790
Michigan Dept. of Agriculture Animal Division (517) 373-1077
Minnesota Board of Animal Health (651) 296-2942
Mississippi Board of Animal Health (601) 359-1170
Missouri Dept. of Agriculture (573) 751-3377
Montana Dept. of Livestock (406) 444-2043
Nebraska Dept. of Agriculture (402) 471-2351
Nevada Dept. of Agriculture Bureau of Animal Industry (775) 688-1180
New Hampshire Dept. of Agriculture, Markets & Food Division of Animal Industry (603) 271-2404
New Jersey Dept. of Agriculture Division of Animal Health (609) 292-3965
New Mexico Livestock Board (505) 841-6161
New York Dept. of Agriculture and Markets Division of Animal Industry (518) 457-3502
North Carolina State Veterinarian (919) 733-7601
North Dakota Board of Animal Health Dept. of Agriculture (701) 328-2655
Ohio Dept. of Agriculture Division of Animal Industry (614) 728-6220
Oklahoma Dept. of Agriculture Animal Industry Services (580) 522-6131
Oregon Dept. of Agriculture Animal Health & Identification Division (503) 986-4680
Pennsylvania Dept. of Agriculture (717) 772-2852
Rhode Island Division of Agriculture Dept. of Environmental Management, Animal Health (401) 222-2781
South Carolina Clemson University Livestock-Poultry Health Division (803) 788-2260
South Dakota Animal Industry Board (605) 773-3321
Tennessee Dept. of Agriculture Ellington Agriculture Center (615) 837-5120
Texas Animal Health Commission (512) 719-0700
Utah Dept. of Agriculture (801) 538-7160
Vermont Dept. of Agriculture, Food & Markets (802) 828-2421
Virginia Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Animal and Food Industry Services (804) 786-2483
Washington Dept. of Agriculture Food Safety/Animal Health Division (360) 902-1878
West Virginia Dept. of Agriculture (304) 558-2214
Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection (608) 224-4872
Wyoming Livestock Board (307) 777-6443