Moving to a new place brings with it many stresses. There’s the packing, the saying goodbye to everyone you know,turning off electricity, making sure bills are paid, but if you’re bringing a pet with you, there’s another strain for you to deal with. When planning an international move transporting your beloved pet is only part of a long, daunting list of preparations that have to be made. Many people feel forced to find new homes for their animals rather than subject them to a traumatic transportation – however there are steps that can be taken to ensure the journey is as easy as possible on your companion.

1. Contact the local consulate of the destination country: The first step in planning an international trip with a pet should be to contact the consulate of the destination country for your pet’s importation requirements. Some countries require a lengthy quarantine; others have more rigid standards and some only accept pets at certain airports within that country. The most important thing to remember is just like human travel, pets also need additional documentation in order to enter its desired country. Each country is different, as they all require their own documentation when accepting pets.

2. Find an airline that will work with you: Contact the airlines that fly to your proposed destination, select one and then check with them to confirm that they will accept your pet on the day and flight that you prefer. This will allow you to see if this date works, or how you can work around their flight times. As soon as you get on the plane, ask a flight attendant to confirm that your pet is on board. That way, if there’s been any mix-up and it has not been loaded, you have a better chance of getting something done about it. Some airlines will allow you to carry small pet carriers with you in the main cabin, but only if it will fit under the seat in front of you.

3. Visit the vet prior to the flight: Your Veterinarian must be consulted well before your departure date. They will give your pet a full check up and advise you on any potential problems and can also assist you with questions or concerns that you may have. Make sure you have all the required documentation, as noted when you contacted the consulate of your destination.

4. Limit food intake the day before travel: Although they may initially disagree, your animal’s potential for a comfortable trip can be increased by limiting their prior food intake. Prepare your pet for its journey by reducing the quantity of food the day before flying. Allow for normal water access as dehydration is a serious danger. Make sure to walk your dog before you go to the airport and before check in, which should be 1-2 hours before the flight.

5. Equip your pet’s carrier or crate with the vital necessities: The big day has arrived! While your pet is out of your sight and care, make it as easy as possible for airline staff to care for them. Your animal’s travel crate must meet the airline’s standards and be large enough for the pet to lie down comfortably turn around and stand freely in. Mark the crate with “Live Animal – This side up” and include your name, address and telephone number. At least two water bowls and dried food must be attached to the top of the carrier in case there are any flight delays. Any medication that is used for your pet must also be recorded with the name of the drug, the time and directions of administration.

Moving can be as stressful for pets as it can be for adults and children alike. Pets become very attached to their home and surroundings and any drastic change can be quite serious for them. But as most pets experience at least one relocation in their lifetime, most manage to get through it and adjust to their new homes with ease. Here are a few simple tips to help make this transition as easy as possible for your pet.

Whenever you pack for moving, do it over a period of time in a well planned manner so that your pet’s normal routine is not disturbed. Get a good- quality, sturdy pet carrier and make your pet accustomed to it by spending some time daily in it. After getting your new address, ensure that you immediately get an ID tag prepared with your new address and emergency telephone number on it. If, somehow, your pet gets lost, it can reach home safely due to the pet identification information.

On the day when you are moving, place your pet in a safe, quiet place (use your bathroom for a while and then you can shift the pet in a room that gets empty at first) so that it can not go out and get lost. Remember to make this zone a complete “No entry” zone so that your pet do not get disturbed with the sight of unknown faces of professional movers.

When planning to travel by a car, make your dog accustomed to a restraining harness. If you have a cat that is moving with you, make sure to transport it in a well-ventilated and securely placed carrier because cats are generally not comfortable when traveling in cars.Don’t leave your pets alone in a parked vehicle because high temperature can kill them. Also, they can be injured or stolen by mischievous elements. Always carry food, water, medications, bed, litter box, food and water bowls for your pets while traveling.

Don’t put your pet in the trunk of a car, the open bed of a pickup truck, or the storage area of a moving van. If your pet is not comfortable with car travel, ask the veterinarian about medication that can lessen the stress of travel.If your pet is moving by air, keep yourself informed about rules and regulations related to pet travel. The airline may give a special container for your pet in the event of your pet container not conforming to its regulations.

Consult the veterinarian about additional vaccinations, medications, and health certificates too that are required at your new destination. Obtain information about animal-friendly hotels in your new locality and keep it handy. It will be helpful in the event of unplanned overnight lodging during your move. Find a veterinarian for your pet in the new location even before you move into your new home. You might require medical assistance for your pet just after moving in.

It’s always better not to move fish with you. Give them to your friends or your pet store. If you cannot leave them behind, take the help of professional pet movers.If moving your birds in a car, carry enough food and water for them during travel. Cover the cages with cloth so that they may stay calm and quiet. After successful pet moving to a new location, you must also help them settling into your new home.