How to move your exotic pet long distance without breaking the law

When you have a pet, you want to keep it with you as long as possible, no matter where you go. During the move, keeping your pet safe, calm, and well cared for is a must.  Moving a pet requires lots of preparations and care in order to keep your pet healthy during the move. However, if you’re reading this, it means that your animal friend is a little exotic and needs special care. You must learn how to move your exotic pet long distance without breaking the law if you plan on keeping your buddy for a long time. Tips from Home Grown Moving, one of the best Colorado movers around, will help you transport your exotic pet with ease. Whether it is a reptile, fish, bird, or something else, you’ll both be able to enjoy a safe and stress-free long-distance move to or from Colorado.

Familiarize yourself with the local and state laws right away

Depending on where you move, laws about moving and owning exotic pets and animals can vary. Make sure to familiarize yourself with all the rules and restrictions before your move. More importantly, your pet should be up to date when it comes to vaccines and any required permits. Schedule a visit to the vet’s office before moving your pet. This way, you’ll be able to make sure they’re healthy and ask for your pet’s health record copies. On top of that, you can get prescriptions if needed, ask for vet referrals in your new city or state, and ask for advice regarding your pet’s health during the move.

exotic pet parrot on a woman's shoulder
To move an exotic pet requires that you know the rules and regulations.

Sticking to your pet’s normal feeding schedule and routine as much as possible will keep your pet calm before the big day. Since you’re moving long-distance with one of the best long distance moving companies Denver had to offer, you’ll have to find a place to stay. You can either make an arrangement to stay with friends or family or stay in an exotic-pet-friendly hotel. Some other things you should take care of before the move are:

  • gathering paperwork that proves your pet (or pets) is up to date on inspections and vaccines,
  • check with the city, county, or HOA in your new neighborhood whether there are any restrictions for exotic pets in the area, or even check for this info online,
  • ask about rules if there are any, such as how many pets are allowed, their transportation requirements, and where they can stay.

You can find more info on the AMVA website. The number of guidelines and rules you might be met with could be overwhelming, but they’re all there to ensure the safety of your exotic pets. 

What should you know and do when you move your exotic pet long distance?

As you probably know, movers in DTC can’t move pets of any kind. Because of this, animals mostly travel to their new home by air or by car. Traveling by air is expensive and requires lots of paperwork. You might want to keep your pet close to you and take it on the road with you. However, even when they’re moving with you, your exotic pet needs to have certain needs met.

girl about to move your exotic pet long distance
There are some things you should take care of before and during the move.

This goes for all pets, exotic or not: any change in routine can easily stress your pet out. Do your best to stick to the routine to avoid any problems. For all pets, you should get them accustomed to the carrier a few days before the move, especially since you’re moving long-distance. Exotic birds should be moved in an appropriately sized cage with a well-ventilated cover to ease the experience. Remember to keep them watered and fed during the trip. When moving fish, stop feeding them 1-2 days before moving to decrease mess during transport. Wait until the very last moment, so you can pack your fish. Keep your fish either in doubled plastic bags, one fish per bag, or a clean, lidded 5-gallon bucket. You should use tank water for transport but also save what water you can to refill the tank once you move in.

Amphibians and reptiles require special attention during the move. They need a carrier: make sure it’s spacious enough for them to move around, but not too big. Venomous reptiles must be double boxed and labeled during transport! Dampness and moisture are important, too. Small mammals need peace during the move. When the home movers Denver had to offer to come to your home, keep your fuzzy friend away from the action.

Once you get to your new home, your troubles will almost be over!

Our Home Grown Moving Company is a company with many moving services. When you arrive at your new home, it’s time to start unpacking and getting comfortable. Depending on what you have, make sure to set up tanks for fish, reptiles, or amphibians right away. Keep all of your feathered, scaly, or furry critters in their crates or confined until our movers finish unloading and carrying your items.

small mouse in front of a wooden box
After you successfully move your exotic pet long distance, you can resume your regular activities.

It won’t only take time for you to feel at home, but it’ll also take time for your pet to get used to everything. The best thing you can do is to give them lots of attention. You can help your pet adjust by going back to your routine and regular schedule. However, now that you know how to move your exotic pet long distance without breaking the law, the move won’t be that stressful, to begin with. Home Grown Moving Company is here to help you and your pets with the move whenever you need us. Simply give us a call or get a free moving quote: it’s that simple. You and your little companion will be comfortable in your new home in the blink of an eye. Don’t wait any longer, contact us today!

Latest Posts