Cross Country Traveling - Advice please

[Zusa]

Hi!

I plan on moving cross country at the end of the year from Ohio to California. I won't be stay at hotels, but I will be staying with family between states. I was wondering...

1. What would be an appropriate carrier for long distance travel? I have a small cat carrier I use for vet trips, but I've heard I should look into something different.
2. How should I have his carrier prepared? What should I line it with, how should i monitor food/water intake so he's not sitting in a soiled carrier for the whole trip?
3. Would it be worth purchasing a "starter cage" so he has some leg room when we stop at relatives homes for the night? I'm thinking he could be more comfortable than being stuck in a carrier for the entire trip.

I know for a fact traveling doesn't stress Cooper out. Just like my guinea pigs as soon as that car is moving he's out cold. But this will be my first major move with caged pets and I want to make sure he's taken care of when we move.

Also opinions please; my aunt has been telling me when I move cross country, to look into having my things shipped on a pallet (think like UPS). It is cheaper, and I have considered it (just haven't gotten a quote yet). But I was wondering... the cage. Should I ship it, or have it strapped to the roof of my car? I have a Prevue Hendryx 485 Pet Products Feisty Ferret Home cage. Putting it together was a hassle, and I don't want to tear it down. I considered selling it but I think it would be a hassle to sell it and set up another cage :hilarious:

 

[tunes]

1. The cat carrier should be okay as long as he won't chew on the plastic. I personally use the travel carriers from Ryerson chinchillas in Ohio. They are small enough that the chin can't get hurt in them, have a handle you can put the seatbelt through, and have wire fronts so that you can hang a water bottle at night.

2. I use shavings, just like in their cage, but again, I use Ryerson carriers. In a cat carrier, you might want to consider using a fleece liner and give him some hay. Food and water I wouldn't worry about a whole lot while actually on the road. My chins just sleep the entire way. Of course, as soon as I pull over to sleep, they start barking. Offer water when you stop for the night. Hanging water bottles generally just makes a huge, wet mess.

3. https://qualitycage.com/products/chinchilla-collapsible-travel-home?variant=11073170244. Collapsible and not big enough to be a hassle for you to move.

Last question - I would ship the cage. I've done the strap it to the top thing and it sucks, especially in a windy state or at high speeds.

 

[Zusa]

Thanks! He's traveled in the carrier before, but hasn't shown an interest in chewing.

How would you advise in packaging his cage for shipment? I was thinking bubble wrap on the exterior.

 

[mercynursie]

One of our friends just made a long distance move. He actually used one of the POD systems and they moved it to his new home. He was happy with service.