Pets

How can I keep my pet safe during the move to a new apartment?

Moving day brings with it some potential dangers for pets. Many cats and dogs are lost during moves each year. There are some precautions you can take to make sure this doesn't happen to you.

If possible, leave your cat or dog with someone you trust the day of the move. It can be less stressful for your pet if they know the person. Not only will they be safe, but it will be one less thing you will have to deal with on moving day.

If this isn't a possibility, you can use a dog crate or cat carrier to insure your pet is contained for the trip. Upon arrival, consider putting them in a quiet room with the door closed until everything has been moved inside the apartment. Open doors are the main reason pets get away during a move, and it can be a while before someone notices that they are gone. Hang a large sign on the door that says "do not enter" and string a few pieces of masking tape across the entryway to help prevent people from opening the door and accidentally letting your pet out of the room. Also, take a moment to make sure that any windows in that room are closed.

When moving with pets it is crucial to be sure they have a collar on with tags that have current contact information on them. You might also want to get in touch with someone the village or town hall of the city you will be moving to and get the number to call for lost pets; just in case of an emergency.

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What do I need to know to make sure a new town is right for me and my pet?

Before moving to a new area, you'll want to look into the rules and regulations of the community to be sure that you and your pet(s) will be a good fit. Find out ahead of time if there are any limitations on the number of dogs or cats that are allowed in an apartment, and make sure to double check the information with the building you are moving to and make absolutely sure you are in compliance. Also ask about any size requirements.

Also take the time to make sure your dog is welcome in the community where your new apartment is located. Dog breed bans are becoming more widespread in various cities throughout the nation. If you own a dog such as a pit bull or Rottweiler, you might find some towns will not allow your pet to live there. Some places will require a special license with a higher fee for certain breeds, while others may require your dog to be muzzled when it's in public.

Check out the neighborhood parks in the area to make sure they allow dogs. It is also a good idea to know the leash laws in a new town before heading out for a walk. Certain communities may also have exercise areas or even dog parks.

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How can I find a good veterinarian in the area I will be moving to?

Moving to a new area often means you'll need to find a new veterinarian. Taking care of this prior to the move insures that pets will have a reliable caregiver available when they get to their new home. You can start the search for a veterinarian by asking others for recommendations, or by looking in the phone book. If you prefer to look on the Internet, take a peek at the American Animal Hospital Association, which has a great search tool.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) suggests that pet owners use the same selection process that they would use for choosing a physician when they begin looking for a veterinarian in a new area. Some questions that the AVMA recommends asking include:

• What are your hours?
• What types of payment do you accept?
• What services do you provide and what are the costs?
• How are emergencies handled?
• Is there a 24 hour facility in the area if needed?
• Do your doctors have a degree? Memberships in professional associations?

Proximity to the apartment building you live in may also be an important consideration. Make sure to stop by and check out the facility in person before the move. Look for helpful staff, cleanliness and happy pet customers in the waiting room. Don't be afraid to ask some questions and request a reference or two. Base your final decision on the ability the place has to meet the needs of your pet, and your own comfort level with the people who run the facility. Ultimately, you'll want to feel that your cat or dog is going to be well taken care of there.

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What are some common behavior issues in pets and how can I address them?

Pets and apartments aren't always a perfect match. Both cats and dogs can have issues that are problematic to a renter who wants to live in harmony with neighbors. Damage, noise and smells are some common complaints that get registered with landlords all over the world. How can you address these issues? Here are some things to try:

Damage: Cats can cause problems if they begin using their claws on things that don't belong to them. Provide a scratching post and trim your cat's claws on a regular basis. If you are handy, you may even be able to make your own scratching post. Dogs that cause damage can be crate-trained to minimize their freedom while you are away.

Noise: Behavior issues with dogs such as barking and whining can often be tied to the fact that they aren't getting enough exercise. Make sure you are taking long walks and having good play sessions every day. If this doesn't help, try it in combination with obedience school or private dog training.

Smells: Make sure litter boxes are clean and are not located near doors that open to common areas such as hallways. Give dogs a bath on a regular basis or take them to the groomer for a good session to keep them smelling fresh.

Keeping the lines of communication open with other renters can be a great way to make sure your pets are not becoming a nuisance. If you let people in your building know you will work to fix any pet-related problem, you'll be more likely to be welcomed as a good neighbor.

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