A Moving Experience

Did You Know?

Fish are the only pets that require no certificates or permits of any sort when they are relocated from one state to another. The more exotic the pet, the more complex the regulations are surrounding its entry into a new state of residence.

Moving, whether across the street or across the world, can be an exciting experience, especially when it means a new job, a chance to be closer to family, or a new environment. But moving is also a trying experience that can cause both human and animal family members to become stressed and anxious.

Following is a list of suggestions to make the move less nerve-racking for all.

  1. When choosing your new place, be sure to ask about pet policies and check the zoning and any restrictive ordinances in your new locale. If you're renting be sure the rental unit allows pets of the species, breed and size of yours. Some apartment complexes allow cats but no dogs. Others allow dogs, but only if they're under 40 pounds. Find out if there's a deposit for pets, how much it is and whether it's per pet or per unit. Although small animals should be no problem if you own your new residence, some housing developments have homeowners' associations (HOAs) that have restrictions on the type and number of pets you can keep. Even equestrian communities generally limit the number of horses you can have based on lot size. If you're moving from a farm or ranch to an equestrian community and you own animals in addition to horses, such as goats, sheep, chickens or other livestock, but sure that they will be welcome as well. If you think you've found an ideal place but it means rehoming animals you don't want to part with, keep looking until you find the ideal place or, at least, temporary boarding for the animals you can't keep on your property.
  2. If your move is local, be sure you have secure crates, kennels, etc. for moving your pets. Atlas Moving Co. provides an outstanding guide for selecting moving containers for pets. If you have larger animals, be sure your horse or livestock trailer is in good condition, that the lights are working and the tires and brakes are good. Especially with horses, practice loading and unloading them into the trailer several days before the move. If you own fish, you'll probably need to transport them in smaller containers unless your aquarium is a five-gallon or smaller size. A good guide to moving your fish can be found online at the Pets Welcome website. With all pets, your objective is to make them as comfortable as possible in transit.
  3. Never sedate an animal with human or veterinary tranquilizers and sedatives without first consulting your veterinarian. Cats, in particular, have very sensitive central nervous systems and are easily overmedicated. If you try the do-it-yourself method of calming your pet, you may end up accidentally euthanizing it rather than relaxing it for the move.If your move is a long-distance one and you have small pets that don't tolerate car rides well, you might want to consider sending them by air. Check with your veterinarian or local breeders who ship animals to distant places for advice on making them comfortable for the flight. Check with airlines to see what their policies and prices are, and ask people who have shipped animals by air for recommendations. Air freighting large animals can be prohibitively expensive, so you may want to opt for a nationwide transport service instead. Be sure to check references and choose a service that is licensed, bonded, and insured. Inspect the truck and trailer that will be used for safety, modern conveniences, and signs of poor maintenance. Get a cell phone number and itinerary so you can check in with the driver periodically to monitor your animals.
  4. Before moving day, prepare your pets' new quarters and decorate them with familiar toys, food dishes, etc. from their old place. That will help ease the transition and get them to accept their new surroundings. Take a current photo of each pet and keep it with the pet's health certificate, vaccination records, permits (for exotic pets), etc. Be sure your pet has an ID tag attached to its collar, harness, carrier, etc. In the event your pet becomes lost in transit, it will be easier to identify the animal and guarantee that it reaches its new home.
  5. If your move includes hotel stays or camping along the way, be sure that the hotel, motel or campground allows you to have pets on the premises. Any problems can be avoided with a little advance research.

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8:30 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-1:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

8:45 am-2:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

Feedback from our clients

  • "Words can not begin to express our gratitude for the care you had given Hunter over the years. When his time came, he watched for you to come through the door and his tail showed his affection towards you. That was most comforting having you there. Thank you.""
    ~R.H
  • ""Thank you so much for taking care of Maggie over the years. Y'all are the best and Dr. Johnson, you are the best vet in the world! God bless you all.""
    ~ J.D.
  • ""Your care for my beloved Mattie these last 10n years made her life, and mine much better….God bless each of you for all you did for us and I'm sure for all your other two and four legged patients.""
    ~E.D.
  • ""Thank you for saving my life." ~T.C."
    ~T.C.
  • ""I can not express how grateful I am for you and your staff… I appreciate everything you did in Beckham's treatment. He was so lucky to have such a wonderful doctor on his side. Thank you for all you do for the benefit of all our beloved pets.""
    ~L.B.
  • ""Dr. Johnson - There are no words that can truly capture your kindness.""
    ~G.B.
  • ""Thank you for the great care you took of Taco and the rest of our family. He is doing great now! He is enjoying running and playing with all four legs again.""
    ~W.C
  • ""People who avail themselves of your services at the clinic certainly are blessed to have such a caring staff....bless you and your devoted staff.""
    ~E.D.
  • ""A sincere thank you for taking such good care of Dulce. We are so thrilled that she is back to her normal self. You gave her the support and care she needed in her darkest hours and kept us confident in her recovery.""
  • ""Just to say how much we appreciate all of you. You all are wonderful people. We feel blessed to have our beloved furry children in your care when they need it. Your professional knowledge and your acts of kindness have a beautiful act all it's own. You are a great vet, compassionate and everything good all in one. You are in our daily prayers.""
    ~T.F.
  • ""Thank you and all of your staff for the excellent care you gave to my wonderful Abbey, who was so much a part of the family. Thank you for all the advice and support you gave to me these last few months. I don't know how I would have gotten through this without your constant support. I will, and I have highly recommended you to family and friends, as I feel you are the best!""
    ~P.B.
  • ""Thank you for taking care of my kitty, Slingshot. He is feeling better and better. My Paw-Paw said that you took extra special care of him and I really appreciate it. So, thank you again for taking care of my cat.""
    ~T.B. (age 6)
  • ""Dr. Johnson, I don't know why you decided to move here from your home in New Jersey, but I absolutely believe it was so you could help me and Mickey. I know coming to someone's home is not what a typical veterinarian would do, but you are obviously an extraordinary man in a world filled with ordinary men….On top of that, your sensitive and wonderful handwritten note arrived and touched my heart…You are one of those quiet, unheralded champions who make life easier for everyone you touch.""
    ~C.W.
  • ""Thank you so much for taking care of Lola when she had her reaction, and your office was already closed. I know you took time away from yourself and your family and I really appreciate it.""
    ~R.M.
  • ""Thank you for giving me more time with my best friend. We are all so grateful.""
    ~A.M.
  • ""Thank you for all of your support for Maxine during her illness. All was very much appreciated and will always be remembered. I have related to all my friends of what a great doctor and staff at Birdneck Animal Hospital.""
    ~O.B.
  • ""Thank you for taking such good care of me over the last 4 years. I am doing well and both legs and feet feel great. You sis an awesome job on me Dr. Johnson, and I'm gonna have a great year this year and I hope to see you only for my check up. You guys are the best!""
    ~Budkus
  • "We can't thank you enough for the wonderful and loving care you gave to"Budkus" while he was in your care. He was so little and so sick and we were so scared for him. Each and every one of the staff members made us feel like we had the only dog in the world. Like nothing else mattered except getting "Budkus" well again. Our deepest gratitude to all of you for the excellent care and attention we received, for your encouragement, comfort, and understanding, and most importantly for saving his life! Thank you so much.""
    ~ J.,B.,C.