Since the early 2000s, there’s been a huge “spike” in guests who travel with pets. About 40% of AHI Corporate Housing tenants bring a pet. Most of our properties are pet friendly with policies that are pretty straightforward.
Traveling or moving with your pet can be stress free. All it takes is a little bit of planning and a little bit of patience. We put together a few tips that may help you get the ball rolling.
In route:
Plan ahead. Make sure that your pet(s) has been micro chipped and their vet certification is up to date. It’s always helpful to have this documentation on hand just in case.
According to the Humane Society of the United States:
Dogs shouldn’t roam in the car. The safest way for your dog to travel in the car is in a crate that has been anchored to the vehicle using a seatbelt or other secure means.
Cats belong in carriers. Most cats aren’t comfortable traveling in cars; so for their safety as well as yours, keep them in a carrier.
Leave the front seat for humans. Keep your pet in the back seat of the car. If an airbag deploys while your pet is in the passenger seat (even in a crate), it might injure them.
At home:
According to the ASPCA:
Packing up. Cats aren’t big fans of change. You can help your cats (and skittish dogs) adjust to the moving process by bringing in moving boxes early, and by keeping your furry friends in a familiar room you plan to pack up last. On moving day, keep your pets in a quiet room with the door shut, or at a friend’s house. This will ensure that your cat or dog won’t get scared and try to make a quick getaway while the movers load up the truck. During the moving process, try to keep your pet’s routine as normal as possible.
Pet-Proofing Your New Home. It is a good idea to pet-proof your new place. Tuck away electrical cords, plug up nooks where your pet could get stuck, make sure that all windows have secure screens and confirm that no pest-control poison traps have been left anywhere in the house.
We hope you can use some of these tips during the course of your travels. We all want you and your furry friend to arrive safely and stay a while.