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Moving with Pets
You are in for trouble if you do not plan properly when moving your pets. Here are some tips to consider when moving your pets.
1. Cats and Dogs:
Moving by vehicle: Remember to bring the required food and water, any cleaning materials like newspapers etc, and a leash for letting your pet out of the car.
Check for any car-sick symptoms, like vomiting or frequent release of body fluids. Unfortunately if you notice any of these symptoms you will need to stop frequently for the safety and health of your pets. If you are stopping at hotels make sure that they allow pets.
Transportation by air: Check with the airlines for any restrictions or specific instructions like getting the pet vaccinated. When traveling with your pets by air make sure they have all the necessary health certificates and be sure to carry them with you. Be aware that it may be mandatory that your pet be tranquilized before departure.
If you are not flying with your pet and or unable to meet them at the destination airport, make sure that there will be someone there to meet them. If you don’t know anyone at the destination you can hire a kennel for this purpose.
To help you pet feel more comfortable you can leave a cloth with your scent with them in their cage or kennel.
2. Fish:
Contact your moving company first to check if they will move your fish in the tanks as they are. If they will not; find out what options you have and make sure those options are compatible with the well being of your fish. There are two ways to safely transport fish.
Short Distance Transportation
If you are transporting fish for a short distance (reaching the destination in under two hours) you can put them in a water filled bag. Simply put a medium sized clear freezer bag in a container and wrap the edges of the bag over the sides of the container so that the mouth of the bag stays open, tape may be needed to hold the bag to the edges of the container.
Fill the bag 3/4 full of water and keep it near the aquarium. The water should be from the same source that is being used in the current aquarium. Using a small fish net, gently scoop up one fish at a time. Flip the net upside down over the open bag and turn the net inside out; be careful not to squish the fish. Try to keep the different breeds of fish separate when moving them in a bag. DO NOT OVERCROWD THE FISH. This makes them more aggressive and you could end up with no fish at all.
After you have put the desired amount of fish into the bag, carefully pull the bag edges off the container. Twist the bag about an inch from the top. Make sure there is a large pocket of air between the water and the twist. This helps give the fish oxygen. Twist the bag shut for the length of an inch, after the twisted inch, fold it in half and tie with a rubber band. It is very important to make sure that the bag(s) of fish is/are placed securely so it does not roll around and crash into things.
Long Distance Transportation
If you are transporting fish for a long distance (reaching destination will take over two hours) you can keep the fish in the aquarium. This is probably the safest way to transport fish but is also more awkward. Carefully drain most of the water out of the aquarium, keeping in mind not to crowd the fish. There should be enough water in the aquarium for the largest fish to swim freely around. Approximately 2 inches above the fish when resting on the bottom.
Take out all ornaments and plants and put them in separate containers. All filters and lights should also be removed and put in boxes. If the plants are living put them in a water filled bag following the directions for transporting fish in a bag (see above). Removing all large objects from the aquarium will help keep the fish safe and uncrushed. If there is a lid on the aquarium it may stay on unless it is loose and has a chance of falling into the aquarium.
Put the aquarium into the vehicle where it will be secure. A good place to put it is on the floor. Do not put anything on it or in it and make sure nothing will fall into it during the transport.
When you reach the destination, fill the aquarium by following the steps you would when changing your aquariums water.
3. Other Smaller Animals:
You can easily transport other small animals in your car. (Hamsters, birds, etc). It is helpful if you cover the cage with a cloth especially if the animals make much noise. Remember to make sure that they have adequate food and water available.
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