Ask anyone who has a pet--their animals are definitely part of the family. When a family relocates to a new home, their pets can become confused, lost, sick or frightened. To avoid an unfortunate incident, relocation arrangements need to include pet planning. Begin by scheduling a thorough health examination, update all vaccinations (particularly rabies) and order a new identification tag. Also plan ahead by creating a file for your pet. Here are suggested details to document: * name of pet, species, license number, color/markings; * owner's name, old and new telephone and address; * veterinarian contact information; * vaccinations and shots; * illnesses or injuries; * treatments and medications. When moving activity begins, keep animals safe by placing them in a confined area, such as a small room or a portable kennel, or on a leash. A traveling crate, or kennel, should be large enough for a pet to be able to stand up, turn around and lie down. Animals that are easily excitable can also be boarded or left with a friend. However, be sure your friend is willing to take on this responsibility and has the proper accommodations to do so. The last few days before traveling, pets should be fed as usual, minus treats that might cause digestive upset. Any regularly scheduled meals during the last twelve hours should be very small. Water should be available until just before travel, but no food and water should be placed in the kennel. Veterinarians can also recommend a suitable diet for your pets before and during travel.

AUTOMOBILE TRAVEL 

Stop as frequently as possible to allow pets to roam a bit (always on a leash). While driving, it is best to confine animals to a small portable kennel to avoid distractions. Don't leave pets alone in a car for extended periods. Even on cloudy days, a car's temperature can quickly reach lethal levels. It is best to keep the pets confined in a kennel, the windows open and the car shielded from direct sunlight. Items to take along on road trips include a bed or article of clothing for pets to lie on, favorite toy, leash or harness, and dish for food and water. Note: No matter the age of the pets' old bed, don't be tempted to replace it until the pets are used to their new home.

AIRPLANE TRAVEL 

International age requirements for incoming pets vary from eight weeks to over six months. Pets must be in good health and have all of their shots and vaccinations; rabies shots in particular must be administered at least 30 days prior to departure. Before requesting tranquilizers for your pets, please become educated about the potentially serious effects of this medication. Overseas moves require researching quarantine and medical restrictions in the foreign country. The airlines, the international moving company and veterinarians are sources to learn about food and water restrictions plus required licenses, certificates and vaccinations. A few other details to check are: * costs, which usually include duty and quarantine; * available facilities and veterinarian services; * regulations of the destination country for pets. Book your family's and pets' flight reservations at the same time (pets will be classified as excess baggage or freight). Arrange for convenient non-stop flights if possible and confirm all reservations within the last 24 hours of departure (delays due to weather embargoes or other problems will be known at that time). If pets must be transferred from one airline to another, know the procedure and responsible parties. Prior to leaving the house for the airport, secure a baggie of dry food on top of the kennel; in case of a lengthy layover or other emergency, the airline employees can feed the pets. Also be sure to mark the kennel with the family name, destination address and telephone number.

A FEW TIPS TO SETTLE IN 

Keep pets confined during the moving process, and then gradually introduce them to their new surroundings (inside and outside). Caring for family pets is a good job for children who are old enough to assume the responsibility. Avoid accidents by frequently taking dogs outside (always on a leash) and by repeatedly showing cats the location of the litter box. Pets may need time to adjust to a new home and it is not unusual for them to sleep more during the transition. Most important is to be consistent with the pets' care, house rules and routines. A personal referral from a pet owner in the new location is good way to find a new veterinarian. Other suggestions to locate pet doctors are boarding kennels and/or pet stores in the new city and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) at (800) 883-6301. Additional advice and checklists for pets are in both our domestic and international books featured at www.branchor.com/publications.htm Provided courtesy of BR Anchor Publishing