Moving dogs interstate is not as traumatic as you may think, as long as a few simple things are done in advance and after they arrive in their new home.

Following are some suggestions to make this move easier on your dog and you.

BOARDING and VACCINATIONS:
If your dog is being placed into board at any stage through transit, he must be up to date with vaccinations for distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and kennel cough.

This means that vaccinations must have been given well within the past twelve months.

If they are nearly due then have them done prior to travel.

If your dog is not vaccinated, then we suggest vaccination at least 14 days prior to going into board, as it takes this long for the vaccination to take effect. We must sight the vaccination certificates when we collect your dog, or alternatively, your vet can fax us the vaccination certificates in advance.

BEFORE TRAVEL:
Do not feed your dog on the day of collection, as he will travel better on an empty stomach.

We do not recommend tranquillising, as this can sometimes do more harm than good. We have found that when dogs have been tranquillised, they can become very disoriented and take longer to settle into their new environment.

In hot weather, tranquillisation also raises the risk of dehydration. If you do decide that you want your dog sedated, then take it to your vet to be examined and weighed for the correct dosage - then try this BEFORE he travels to see how it affects him, and if there are any side effects. This way, on the day of travel you will know it is safe for him to have the sedation.

Always inform us if your dog has any medical problems, or strange behaviour, and which vet has treated him. This is most important, as we will then know what will be an appropriate course of action, if necessary.

ON ARRIVAL:
After your dog arrives in its new home, have your dog registered with the local Council as soon as possible.

It is important to check all fences and gates to make sure that they are secure and that there is no escape route, as your dog will try this at the first opportunity.

As soon as possible after arrival, take your dog for a walk around the block. This will enable him to get the general feel of the place. If the dog did happen to escape, this will help him find his way home again.

It may be worth considering having your dog micro-chipped by a vet at the next visit. The microchip is placed under the skin behind the neck and the details are registered Australia-wide. This enables a vet or pet shelter to trace you if your dog strays after you move home. Remember to notify the registrar every time you move so that your contact details remain correct and up to date.

Check where there is a good vet in your area, and keep contact details handy, as this information will be useful in an emergency.

If you have moved to a warmer climate, check to see if there is a tick problem in your area. Ask a vet or a good pet shop for the best prevention methods.

If you have moved to an area that has a heartworm problem and your dog is not already on a treatment program, then he will have to be tested by your vet before being placed on a heartworm preventative. This treatment can be either daily or monthly and must be kept up for the whole time that the dog is in a heartworm area - ask your vet for information.

It may be a good idea to worm your dog after it has settled in, if it has been in board. This doesn't mean that kennels will give your dog worms, but he will have been in an environment with other dogs and it doesn't hurt to be on the safe side.