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P.O. Box 1015 Waldorf, MD 20604-1015
Phone: 301 645-8181

Sunday, January 7, 2001. From the American Humane Association
Are We All Moving?

If you can't move with a pet...don't adopt one!

"We're moving" is one of the most common excuses given when owners leave their pets at the shelter. You can imagine how hard it is on an animal to be left behind. A pet may live 10-15 years, and most people don't live in one place that long. Moving with your pets can be a problem, but the time to consider these problems is before you adopt a pet.

If you are a renter, it can be very difficult to find a landlord who will allow pets. If you own a pet, you'll have to restrict your choice of apartments to those where pets are allowed, and an extra damage deposit may be required. A pet that is neutered, tagged, and well behaved may help get a negative landlord in a positive mood, but if you aren't careful to see that your dog isn't annoying the neighbors with constant barking or your cat shredding the drapes, you may find yourself looking for a new home sooner than planned.

Moving with a pet can be expensive. If you don't have a place to live lined up in the new city, you'll have to board your pet at a kennel in the new area while you look around. If you move a long distance, it may not be practical to take a pet in the car. Air freight charges, the cost of a sturdy pet carrier, and the expense of a visit to the veterinarian for a health certificate all add up. If you're moving overseas, you may have lengthy quarantine periods for your pet when you arrive in the new country.

If you can't deal with the difficulties or expense of moving with a pet, don't adopt one in the first place. Save yourself the guilt and heartbreak of leaving part of the family behind, and save a dog or cat the sadness of being rejected.