Following are tips for moving your pets to their new home.

Cats and Dogs

Cats and dogs can be taken in your car. If so, remember to take along the following items:

• Food
• Water
• A leash for letting your pet out of the car
• Newspaper or sheets to keep your car clean

Animals can get car-sick and will require frequent stops along the way. Also, check ahead to see if the hotel where you are staying allows pets. Depending on the animal's temperament and size, it might be better to have it shipped by air. Be sure to check if your destination has any local requirements or restrictions on animals.

To have your pet shipped by air, make sure someone can meet your pet at the destination airport and take care of it until you arrive. A kennel can do this for you and keep your pet until you have completed your move, if necessary.

If you are flying to your new destination, your cat or dog can ride in the baggage compartment. You may need the following items:

• Health certificate. Obtain this from your veterinarian.
• Pet container. The airline might have a special container available or you can use your own as long as it complies with airline regulations.
• Tranquilizers. Your vet can provide tranquilizers to be given to your pet immediately before going to the airport.
• Your scent. Your pet can be comforted by having a piece of cloth with your scent on it.

Smaller Animals

Hamsters, birds and other small animals can easily be transported in your car. To help keep the animals calm and quiet, cover cages with a cloth. Also, make sure they have food and water available.

Fish

It can be very impractical and risky to move fish. Check with your local pet store for recommendations on moving your specific type of fish.

Consumer complaints against moving companies have been rising. Following are some tips that can help your move go smoothly.

• Get a binding estimate from the moving company. Make sure the amount is written in the contract.
• Inquire about their on-time record and other complaints with the local Better Business Bureau or consumer complaints department.
• Movers are limited by law regarding what they can give you for lost or damaged goods. To cover potential damage, check existing homeowner's or renter's policy.
• Ask about expected gratuities and write into contract.
• Have the contract include a guarantee of how many hours the job will take, allowing an overrun of no more than 10%.
• Be sure all charges are listed on contract.
• Inform the moving company of how many stairs are at your new home.
• Watch loading and unloading and examine all items carefully before signing a receipt.
• Document an inventory of your belongings before you pack.

Following are some general suggestions to help you protect the environment before, during and after your move

Yard

• Sweep instead of hosing down driveways.
• Use sand or kitty litter instead of salt on icy sidewalks.
• Minimize paved surfaces on property and retain as much vegetation and rural wetlands as possible.
• Use water-based products rather than solvent-based.
• Reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides - use mulch and organic fertilizers instead.
• Mow lawn frequently to increase grass shoot density.

Home

• Rinse disposable diapers before throwing them away.
• Turn off the water while brushing teeth.
• Recycle cardboard boxes.
• Use phosphate-free laundry detergent.
• Recycle whenever possible.

Automobile & Traveling

• Keep your car tuned.
• Recycle and dispose of oil safely.
• Wash your car on grass.
• Don't litter.

Garbage

• Non-hazardous and non-recyclable.
• Call the Solid Waste Division in your county for disposal instructions and transfer stations in your area.

Recyclable Material

• Aluminum cans, papers, appliances.
• Call the Solid Waste Division/Recycling in your county for instructions.

Hazardous Wastes

• Paints, oil, pesticides, dyes, coolants.
• Call the Solid Waste Division/Hazardous Wastes in your county for instructions.