When moving, there’s a lot to prepare for before you move especially if you own pets, whether a cat, dog, other household pets or even exotic pets like a parrot for instance.

Many people don’t prepare properly to ensure their pets are fully taken care of during a move especially overseas. Here are some tips to follow when you are locating elsewhere with your furry friend.

Laws and regulations
• Most states require special permits for certain animals such as large cats, monkeys, or any large exotic animals. You can find all animal-related laws and regulations online on your state’s Veterinary Office or Department of Agriculture websites.
• In addition, make sure to check with the City’s Clerk’s office in your new city or town regarding licensing laws, leash rules, and limits to the number of pets you can have. I would also ask about zoning laws in your new area that may prohibit certain animals as pets such as goats, pigs and chickens, in residential areas.
• If you are moving to an apartment or condo, make sure your pet is allowed before you move in. Many communities and Homeowners Associations do not permit cats, dogs, aquariums and exotic pets such as iguanas, venomous snakes, tarantulas, ferrets, etc. Call to confirm what is allowed before moving.
Documents
• Most states require a health certificate for dogs and many states require one for cats and other pets as well. The certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian and be no more than 10 days old. Up-to-date inoculation records should accompany it. Check with your veterinarian or animal-control agency for the state’s requirements.
• Also, be sure to get your pets health records as well from your current veterinarian. This information will help your new pet doctor to take the best care of your pet. You may need to purchase a permit depending upon the state or country you are moving to. Ask your vet for assistance with the application process.

Proper ID/transportation
• If your pet can wear a collar, put one on it and attach an identification tag. The tag should include the pet’s name, your name and the destination address. Most states require a rabies tag for dogs and cats, and for some exotic animals. Also, consider putting a microchip in your pet which provides a permanent ID.
• Moving can be stressful for you but also for your pet as well so it’s important to choose the right form of transportation. The least expensive and best security is moving them in a motor vehicle. If your pet isn’t used to car travel, take it on short rides before the move to get accustomed to the motion of the vehicle. Your vet can also provide pills to lessen the symptoms.
• Do not feed or water your dog or cat for a few hours before you leave. After you are on the road, feed once a day only. Make frequent stops for water and exercise, and be sure to keep your pet on a leash for its protection and yours.
• For air, some airlines will allow your pet inside the cabin, in an approved container, under the seat. A guide dog, properly harnessed, may sit at your feet. If you do not accompany your pet, or if your pet is too large to travel in the cabin, it must travel as checked baggage or cargo. Most airlines will allow dogs, cats, birds and fish. However, some may not take venomous snakes or other exotic pets.
• Most movers are not permitted to transport pets, and neither are buses or trains, with the exception of transporting guide dogs. If you can’t take your pet with you during the move, there are several professional pet service companies that will transport your pet for you. It’s a must to purchase a pet carrier of some sort whether traveling by car or airplane. It will ensure your pets’ safety and comfort.

Follow these simple tips before moving and it will be a lot easier for you and especially for your “best friend” when you hit the road and move to another location.  Rainier Overseas has worked with Animal Land Pet Movers in the past and can highly recommend their services. Let them know Rainier Overseas referred you.
Safe moving!

Summer months are the busiest time of the year for moving so it’s important that you act fast to schedule a professional move. Almost a third of all moves take place in the summer, peaking in June, according to the U.S. Census. The busiest times are often near the end of the month and on weekends.

Scheduling your move mid-month or mid-week can reduce stress and sometimes result in savings. Begin contacting moving companies at least one month to two months prior to your move. Reputable moving companies can reach capacity quickly, and procrastinating may result in missing your preferred move date.

Make sure to ask your moving company for referrals and testimonials too. Here at Rainier, we provide free in-home estimates for the move at no obligation to you. Even if you are considering handling the move yourself, you have nothing to lose by inviting us into your home so you can find out if a professional move is the best option for you (highly recommended).

If you decide to go with another moving company, be sure the mover has a federal motor carrier, or MC, number so you know your mover is legitimate. You can verify their status by contacting the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration by visiting https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/. You can also visit the Federal Maritime Commission for overseas moves at www.fmc.gov.

Safe moving!

When you decide to move, hire a professional to pack your belongings, it will save you a ton of stress and even more importantly, your time!

Packing your possessions on your own or with family assistance may save you a little pocket change but what you may not realize is you are putting your belongings at greater risk of damage during your move. Professional movers have the expertise and quality packing materials to best protect your belongings. Why add additional stress in your life and spend valuable time when you can let the pros do the packing for you!

Smart tips
Here are some important and “smart” tips when hiring a pro to pack your household goods:

• Schedule a date – Call a reputable moving company and provide at least one month notice if not more (months before summer for example) before the moving truck is scheduled to arrive. A reputable company will always send out a surveyor to review and provide a quote of all the household belongings you have to move.

• Be there – Your moving company should work with you to create an inventory of your goods, and it’s important that you know what is in which box before signing the inventory document. Make sure all copies are legible and all boxes are properly identified. Label valuable items to ensure you can claim their full value in case of damage. Some appliances may require servicing prior to the move, which your mover can schedule for you.

• Save money, purchase containers and boxes – Buying from your mover usually saves money, and the quality is better than the cardboard boxes purchased from the grocery store. The moving company will also be able to provide an estimate of the number and types of boxes you need to buy specifically for your move.

If you decide to pack some of your items yourself, it is never too soon to start. It is important that you know, though, that most moving companies will not accept liability for any damage to items packed by the owners. Use only sturdy boxes and really strong tape. Pillows, blankets and towels can be used to provide cushion support for breakable items.

It’s important to look at all of your options when you move, but you will soon realize by hiring a moving company to pack your belongings, will save you time and provide you peace-of-mind knowing that your possessions will be moved properly and insured as well.

Safe moving!
Cesar Castro is one of the owners at Rainier Overseas Movers Inc. He can be reached at cesar@rainieros.com or you can call him 800-426-9928. Please visit their website at https://www.rainieros.com/.