(NC) Moving doesn’t have to be daunting, as long as you plan ahead effectively. But of course, unexpected hurdles can occur along the way, adding to the stress. It can also be especially challenging if you have a pet. Before you start packing up your belongings, there are some important things to remember to make the transition as smooth as possible for both you and your furry friend.

Research the area you’ll be moving to and ensure it is pet-friendly. This means looking into the local laws, regulations and housing options that accommodate pets. If you’re renting, make sure your new landlord allows your type of pet and be aware of any restrictions.

Consider how you’ll be transporting your pet. If you’re flying, research airline policies and procedures for pet travel in advance. If you’re driving, plan for frequent stops with all the necessities and familiar items to keep your pet comfortable.

Also, bring your pet’s proper identification, including tags with your current contact information and a microchip that is registered with your new address.

Visit your veterinarian and make sure your pet is in good health and is up to date on all their vaccinations and other preventative treatments they may need. If you’re moving internationally, research the specific requirements for the country you’re moving to.

There are very specific requirements to bring a pet along when someone moves to Canada from another country. The exact rules that apply depend on several factors such as the type of pet, their age, and the status of certain diseases in the country the pet is coming from. These requirements must be met before moving here with the pet. If a pet doesn’t meet the requirements, they could be refused entry into Canada.

If you are planning on moving to Canada with your pet, find out the requirements on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) website. The CFIA is the federal agency that regulates the import of animals, including pets, to protect our health and animal health and prevent the spread of diseases.

Doing your homework, asking questions and getting the right documentation will go a long way to giving you and your new best friend a long, happy and healthy life together in your new home.

Find more information at inspection.gc.ca/pets.

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