Planning a big move to another state with pets ... advice, anyone?

We're in the early planning stages of packing up all our belongings, hiring a moving company, renting an RV (one that allows our dog and cat to come along) and moving 700 miles to a new home. I'm concerned about keeping our pets comfortable during the trip (and after) and making this trip and transition as stress free as possible for them. Advice welcome.

Planning a big move to another state with pets ... advice, anyone?-Myspace pets www.myspace.com

First, update their tags/I.D.

They could get confused, disoriented and lost. You want to be able to get them back if that happens. Also, animals have been known to pull a "Homeward Bound" and return to their old homes, no matter how far away.

If there's time, practice.

Especially with the cat. (Dogs LIKE car rides, and he should be a "happy camper" in the RV) Cats don't tend to travel well, but if you get them used to it over, say 2-3 weeks, it will be easier.

Have a quiet spot for the cat.

Get the dog on a schedule if he isn't already. That way you don't have to guess and stop 500 times a day for him to use the bathroom.

Get him to go on command if you can, no guessing, no waiting.

Keep the leash handy. Even the most reliable dogs can freak and bolt, you don't want any tradgeties.

Good luck

Planning a big move to another state with pets ... advice, anyone?

-(Myspace.com)

Last year we moved with our yellow lab. She got depressed and confused when we started packing. We moved from Alaska to Colorado and we had to fly. Be sure to bring your dogs bed and dont wash it. When at your new house the scent will comfort your dog.

Planning a big move to another state with pets ... advice, anyone?

-(Myspace code myspace.com)

ask the vet for some sedatives.

Good luck with the move!
I hate moving. We never really had any problems with our pets during the actual moving process. It was really getting them to adjust to the new home and their new surroundings. Frequent walks helped with that. Make sure you have their ID tags updated for when you arrive, in case they get lost. I don't know anything about moving with a cat, as I don't own one, but I do know about the dogs.