Fleeing the cold, snowy weather for sunshine down south this winter? Is your furry friend tagging along for the ride? If so, there are some things you should know to keep them safe and
healthy before exposing them to such drastic changes in temperature. In fact, it can take 10-20
days to partially acclimate and up to 2 months to fully acclimate your pet, so being
knowledgeable about your approach can ensure your pet feels comfortable in their new city as
best as possible.Before you hop on that plane, train or automobile, here are our recommendations for
transitioning your pet from cold to warm weather.

Acclimate and exercise with care.                                                                                                                                                               As mentioned, it can take some time for your pet to get used to the change in weather. As a
result, be cognizant of when you choose to take them out for walks or play time and for how
long. For example, if you’ve moved to a much hotter city than your current one, it’s best to walk
your dog (or cat) in the early morning or evening when temperatures are cooler. Adjust the
intensity and duration based on the temperature outside, and remember to walk them on the
grass instead of asphalt. Even if you’re not a morning person, it’s a small sacrifice to pay to
ensure your pet doesn’t experience heat exhaustion or any other medical emergency due to
hotter weather.

Keep your pet hydrated and cooled
Another important thing to remember when moving to a warmer climate is to make sure your
pup has plenty of water to stay hydrated. Ensure your pet constantly has fresh water at their
disposal, and add ice to keep it cold throughout the day. As well, we recommend ensuring their
home environment is suited to their needs; this may involve keeping your home air conditioned,
having plenty of fans to go around, or even having a cooling bed available for your pet to rest
on. You can also use curtains to help keep temperatures down in your home by blocking out
the sun. Another way to keep your pet cool is to groom them accordingly. Speak with your
groomer to learn the best options for your pet’s specific needs.

Consider your travel options
Before even moving to your new city, you need to consider the best route and method of
transportation for getting there. This will be highly dependent on your pet’s breed. For
example, it’s preferable for snub-nosed breeds to travel using alternative methods such as car
or train, although air travel is possible under the right circumstances. We recommend speaking
with your vet to discuss the best travel plan for your pet. You can also be confident in knowing
that we work with pet-friendly airlines to ensure all safety precautions are being taken
throughout your pet’s travel, and we will do our best to book your pet on a route that makes the
most sense.

Relocating to a new city should be a fun and exciting time. Let us take some of the stress away
by helping you coordinate your pet’s relocation. Contact Worldwide Animal Travel today to
receive a free quote!