Moving with Pets to the SW12 Area

Posted on 29/08/2014

The area with postcode SW12 in London is where the areas of Clapham South, Balham and Hyde Farm are. If you are planning an upcoming house move to this area of London and taking your pets with you, there are some things you need to take care of in advance to ensure safe and smooth relocation.

The first thing to understand is that your pet will be affected by the change of location just like your whole family will. Changing the house and the familiar area is stressful for the pet that is used to familiar surroundings and a certain routine. You need to make sure that the relocation is planned to the last possible detail so the shift has as little impact on the pet as possible.

Every pet is like another member of the family and it’s normal to worry for it.

Pet Travel Warnings

• If your pet is sick, forget about moving it as the relocation may aggravate the symptoms and endanger its life.
• If your kitten or puppy is less than 8 weeks old, some airlines won’t allow you to move it by air.
• A pet cannot be moved along with your moving boxes inside the van, so forget about this idea instantly.
• If you are flying to London, make sure you book a direct fliht and buy a pet carrier.

Air Transport

• The pet can either accompany you or be transported as air freight. Some airlines even offer counter-to-counter service which means the pet is being carried by an airline employee on and off the plane. Some airlines have strict restrictions regarding pets and others don’t allow them at all. Make sure you book your flights as early as possible and check about insurance and other charges. Follow the airline’s guidelines and gather all important veterinary records and certificates. Some airlines put the pets in special crates which means that you have to be at the airport several hours earlier. There should be some absorbing padding for the bottom of the crate and make sure that your pet hasn’t eaten for a few hours before the flight (about 5 hours before). The pet should have a name tag at all times, along with your details, address and telephone.

By Car

Unless the trip will be a short one, make sure you don’t feed or water the pet for a few hours before departure. You can put the pet in a crate but there should be adequate ventilation throughout the journey. Use some newspaper to pad the bottom of the crate and make short stops along the road to take the pet out of the crate or the car. If you are moving in summer, don’t leave the pet inside the hot car and don’t park in the sun. Don’t leave your pet out of sight during the move.

Travel Bag

The things to pack for the travel bag of your pet include: food and water dishes, can opener, treats, medication, leash, toys, plastic bag to clean after the pet, newspapers, paper towels and cleaner. When travelling make sure you have the following things: ID tag for the pet, health records and certificates.

These are the basic rules of travelling with pets that will help you stay organized and ensure and easy transition for your beloved animal.