When it comes to relocating pets, Aliza Bodzin knows the challenges firsthand.
She has helped transport dogs and cats across North America and Europe, and from Japan to Bermuda, but says that even moving from Warwick to Paget can be stressful for furry friends.
Careful planning and attention to detail are necessary for animals to stay safe, comfortable and as calm as possible, no matter what distance is involved.
Keeping pets away from the chaos of moving furniture, introducing them to their new home before leaving the old one, and maintaining their routine can all help achieve that. High up on the list, also, is to let the moving team know well in advance that there are pets in the home.
That way, everyone is prepared.
“If you can, schedule the pets to be out of the home when the movers are there or when you’re moving big pieces of furniture,” said Ms Bodzin, a pet travel and relocation advisor and the owner of Bodzin Pet Travel Solutions.
“If you can’t do that, try putting the animals into a gated area or in a separate room with the door closed. Make sure that they’re secure and they’re not able to run out when doors are open.”
For animals that suffer from anxiety, calming supplements may be the answer.
Ms Bodzin recommends talking it over with your pet’s veterinarian first, however, as not every tablet delivers on its promises or is suitable for every pet. Prescriptions aren’t always required; over-the-counter options are sometimes suitable.
“But always talk with the vet about that,” she added. “And then try it before the moving day to see how it works.”
Go the extra yard
For peace of mind, the pet expert also advises listing microchipped pets in the free registry offered through PadsPass, a local company that is making it easier for people to travel with their four-legged friends.
This greatly increases the chances of a swift reunion if a pet goes missing. For those already listed, it’s important to update their information with their new address and veterinarian, if they have changed clinics. She also suggests outfitting your pet with a collar and an ID tag displaying your phone number.
Should your new home have a fenced yard, inspect it thoroughly before letting your dog out to play.
“You need to check it to see if there are any holes so that you’re not caught off guard. Maybe leash your pets for a bit,” Ms Bodzin said. “With cats, keep them inside, keep them contained. And when you eventually do let them out, put a collar on them so that way people know that its someone’s cat.”
Once settled into your new neighbourhood, Ms Bodzin recommends taking the time to introduce yourself and your pet to your neighbours. Should they go missing, it helps if people already know what they look like.
Travel safely
Moving abroad brings additional challenges, but none are insurmountable, she added.
Whenever possible, book a non-stop flight. If a direct route isn’t available, consider driving the remainder of the journey. Keep the season in mind when making travel arrangements. Many airlines restrict pet travel in cargo during the summer due to high temperatures and in winter months most airlines won’t transport pets.
If you are headed to the east coast of the United States or Canada or Atlantic Canada, the best time to travel is between March and May or from September to early November.
Check with your veterinarian to confirm the health requirements for your specific trip. If the process feels overwhelming, PadsPass can help. The digital pet passport stores essential health records and simplifies government regulations, making them easy to understand — so pets and their owners can travel stress-free.
It’s important to familiarise your dog or cat with the crate they will be in if travelling in cargo and the carrier they will stay in if they are able to fly in-cabin. Make sure the carrier meets the airline requirements.
Plan ahead
Ms Bodzin suggests that people start training their pet for the journey months ahead, beginning with as little as ten minutes in their carrier or crate – and lots of treats and familiar items so they feel at ease.
On the day of the flight, limit food and water intake in the two hours before you travel. If they are to fly in cargo especially, make sure their nails are trimmed.
“If you’re getting on a plane you can’t take the pet into the home beforehand. When you arrive, set up a space for the pet right away with their bed, a few toys, food and water,” she said.
It’s a luxury not afforded to most people, but it helps if you can have your furniture delivered and arranged before you arrive.
If that’s not possible, make sure your pet’s items are in a clearly marked box that travels with you. That way, you can set them up right away “so your pet understands that they’re in a safe space”.
“If you’re renting, see if you can overlap leases; if you’re purchasing, take the animal into the new home beforehand, so it’s not a completely new place,” she said.
While Ms Bodzin specialises in managing the logistics of transporting animals worldwide, she understands that, for many pet owners, navigating multiple countries on the way to their destination can be overwhelming.
“They can reach out to me,” she said. “For the US, for example, I help with suggesting routes that will most directly get the pet to their new homes, ideally staying with or on the same plane as the pet parent.
“You can fly to Boston, but if you’re moving to New Hampshire, you have to drive. So I recommend rental cars and everything you need for every step of the way.
“As someone who moves every couple of years, I understand how frustrating it can be trying to research requirements when you’re trying to pack everything up at the same time.”
Contact Aliza Bodzin on social media @Aliza Bodzin or visit bodzinpettravelsolutions.com
