General Thoughts
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Keep your animal - They are a lifelong commitment!
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Be prepared to pay extra during travel and at your new location due to a pet.
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Plan your move in advance (over plan).
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Make sure collar and tags are updated and secure.
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Be flexible!
Pre-dream Sheet Considerations
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Look into regulations/restrictions for the state/country you are looking into.
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OCONUS is extremely expensive out-of-pocket for pets, i.e. ferries, airline restrictions, etc.
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New locations may require months of advanced planning.
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Links to OCONUS pet information:
Once You Know Your New Location
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Start planning your travel early!
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Learn local requirements.
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Inquire about any pet license requirements in the state, county, or city.
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Look for pet-friendly housing.
Veterinarian, Medicine, and Paperwork
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Visit the veterinarian early!
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Make sure all shots (rabies, etc) are up to date.
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Discuss sedation medicine (if needed).
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Make sure to have enough medicine (flea/tick/heartworm, anti-anxiety, etc.) for the move.
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Get copies of all vet medical and shot records and carry hard copies with you.
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Talk to the vet about planned travel and get any advice on ferry, car, airplane, etc. travel.
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Get a new vet appointment quickly after arrival.
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During the move, use flea meds to prevent your pet from picking up some new friends along the way.
Preparing Your Pet
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Keep routine as much as possible.
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Crate train dogs.
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Acclimate pet to crate/car/travel.
Packing for Your Pet
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Have all items put aside before movers arrive.
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Bring medical records (hardcopy).
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Bring creature comforts (favorite toy, bed, blankets), food, treats, toys, bowls, litter boxes, medication, carrier/crate/kennel, cleaning supplies, and puppy pads (even for potty-trained dogs).
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Ensure tags are up to date.
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Make sure critical items are easily accessible (leash, water bowl, food, etc.).
Dealing with Movers/Move Day
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Have pets out of the house while movers are present - kennel, doggie daycare, board, friend, pet sitter.
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If your pet must be in the house - keep it in a safe space, off-limit room, or cage, such as a bathroom (label there is a pet) with the door shut.
During the Move/Transit
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Take lots of walks.
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Eat in the car with your pet along the way, don’t leave them alone.
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Never leave a pet in a hot car. Be careful of hot pavement, check before you let your pet out of the car.
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Find local dog parks when possible.
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Be patient, things might not go as expected.
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Realize a pet may be stressed out.
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Be flexible. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Driving
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Check out your routes and plan stops ahead of time.
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Include how often bathroom stops will be needed.
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Plan to eat in your car, at rest stops, or at pet-friendly establishments.
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Research pet-friendly restaurants, hotels, activities, and areas along your travel route before departing.
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Review pet regulations for planned activities and stops. (National parks)
Flying and Ferry
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Check regulations early!
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Check pet carrier requirements.
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Airline & Ferry Info:
Alaska Air American Airlines United Delta Frontier
Hawaiian Airlines Southwest Alaska Marine Highway
Hotel
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Determine and book ahead of time.
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Read the fine print of the pet policy.
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Be prepared to pay extra.
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Check out BringFido, TripswithPets, and Petswelcome.
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Recommended places:
