Sam's Travel Tips

There's nothing more exciting than knowing that you're going on a vacation. Even a weekend away brings a big smile, that is, until you have to break it to your pet that you're going away -- without him.

These days travelers are saying no to the guilt, the droopy eyes, and the crying and bringing their pets with them.

Here are some pet-friendly travel tips that are sure to make traveling with your pet a good experience for the whole family.

Testing the Waters
 -- Try out day trips and overnighters before taking your pet on a full vacation or a long road trip.
-- Get your pet used to his carrier as early as possible by putting him in it at night; that way he won't associate the carrier solely with trips to the vet.

Traveling by CarDogs love road trips! This is by far the most popular way of traveling with your pet. Here are some rules to live by:
--  Fido can't call shot gun! The air-bag deployment could be dangerous for your dog; don't let her ride in the front seat.
-- There are seatbelts for dogs: keeping your dog loose in the car is a danger to the driver because loose objects can become projectiles in the event of an accident. Just like people, dogs need to wear seat belts.
--  Purchase a harness at your local pet store that attaches to the actual seat belts in your car.
--  Cats should always be in a carrier. Restrain the carrier by pulling a seatbelt over the length of the carrier so it doesn't bounce around.
-- For the well-being of the animal, stop every 2 hours for a bathroom break and a run. It's good to bring a Frisbee or a ball, as well as toys, treats and water.

Air travel

 -- The Humane Society recommends that you do not use air travel unless absolutely necessary.
-- Every airline has different rules about traveling with pets. If your dog is small enough to stand in a carrier that can go under the seat in front of you, you may be able to carry the dog on board, but there are no guarantees.
-- Always call the airline first to make sure they will allow pets on your flight. Since the airline has a very limited number of animals, don't assume there will be enough space.
-- There's a fee to fly your pet, even though they're not taking a seat. Costs are, on average, around $500 round-trip in the cabin.

An Even Better Option
-- There's an airline JUST FOR PETS. Pet Airways! It's the only airline that flies pets exclusively -- or as they call them, pawsengers.
-- They fly out of smaller, regional airports in a few US cities (NY, Chicago, LA).
-- First Class Experience: You check them in at the Pet Lounge, they board in carriers, and ride in the cabin where they are checked on every 15 minutes
-- Pricing examples: NY to Ft. Lauderdale is $250 each way, NY to Chicago is $99 each way.
-- Frequent Flyer Miles: Pets can earn them on JetBlue, Virgin and Continental.

Airline Tips--  Cargo Hold: the least-recommended.
--  Take direct flights. Minimize the wear and tear on your pet.
-- Travel on the same flight as your animal.
--  Be aware of temperature extremes. In the fall and winter, travel in the afternoon when temps are at their highest. In summer months, travel in the morning or at night when it's no so hot.

Hotels-- "Pet-friendly" has a very broad definition in the hotel world. Call them directly and ask.
--  What is the charge for bringing a pet?
--  Will there be a cleaning fee that may or may not be refundable?
--  Are there weight restrictions, breed restrictions?
--  May I leave them unattended in the room while I'm gone for the day?

General Travel Tips--  Make sure pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations.
-- Have 2 ID tags on your pet's collar: the normal ID tag plus a tag with the information of where you are staying (hotel, friend's address, etc.).
-- Keep an updated photo of your pet in case you do get separated, so you can locate him more easily.
--  Imbedded microchips with all your pet's information are extremely popular with owners that travel consistently with their pet.

 

For more info and events, visit Pet Friendly North America!

Making your vehicle the best for your dog

According to AAA 80% of dog lovers take their dogs on the road with them frequently. A dog sticking his head out the window and letting his tongue flap in the air is an iconic American image that stands alongside baseball and apple pie. Dogs love to travel, and we love to travel with them. However, if you are going to take your dog for a ride, you should do so in a vehicle that is comfortable for him and convenient for you.
Dog lovers have made their desire for dog-friendly vehicles known to car manufacturers. Vehicles designed with dogs in mind will have features that a typical car cannot match. Features of a dog-friendly by design car can include a built-in kennel, spill-proof water bowl, stowable ramp and even a cooling system designed with your dog in mind. This type of vehicle is certainly one way to go…
Unfortunately, buying a new dog-friendly vehicle is often too expensive. A simpler solution may be to find a vehicle that suits your dog’s unique needs. Here are some key factors to consider when searching for, or driving, your dogmobile:

The Fur Problem

While some car seat materials resist dog hair better than others, the best way to keep dog hair off of your seats is to groom your dog. Brush your dog’s coat well before you take her for a ride, and brush her hair very well if you are about to take her on a lengthy road trip. Use a vacuum or lint roller to remove dog hair that does find its way onto your seats. You may also buy a dog seat cover to help protect your seats.

Potty Problems

Your dog may forget his potty training on the open road, especially if he is not used to riding in a car. Dog seat covers can help protect your seats from an “accident,” and most are machine-washable. If he does go on the seat, then standard cleaning products can handle the mess, and you should try to always have some in your car. Walking your dog before a car trip (and frequently during longer road trips) can be an extremely helpful preventative measure as well.

Doggy is not Happy…

Although most dogs are calm during car rides, this may not be the case with yours. She may not stop barking, may attempt to jump into your lap while you’re driving, or move wildly around the car interior. You should attempt to correct this behavior through training if possible. If all else fails, consider using a dog carrier, but only as a last resort.

Avoid the Dog Clown Car

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and luckily so do vehicles. Make sure that your chosen vehicle is large enough to comfortably accommodate both your dog and a dog carrier. You will be thankful that you can fit a dog carrier in your car when you need to get your sick dog to the vet immediately. Don’t forget that you can manipulate the seats of your vehicle to create extra space.
Cars designed to be dog-friendly are excellent conveniences for dog lovers, but they are not the only path to a satisfying driving experience with your dog. Take steps that are within your budget to acquire a vehicle that suits your dog, or to modify a vehicle that you already own. It may not have that new car smell, but when your dog sticks her head out the window you will still turn plenty of heads.

From Cesar's website

For more info and events, visit Pet Friendly North America!

 

Pet Friendly Vail Colorado is up! : www.petfriendlyvail.com - check it out for great places to stay and things to do with your pet... One thing you might want to take a look at is the article on safety with your pet when hiking in the mount...ains - it was a real eye-opener... researched it a lot: http://www.petfriendlyvail.com/travel-info.html .
 

Want to see the big map and check out all the cities online? it's www.petfriendlynorthamerica.com!

 

For more info and events, visit Pet Friendly North America!

 

Pet Friendly Vail Colorado is up! : www.petfriendlyvail.com - check it out for great places to stay and things to do with your pet... One thing you might want to take a look at is the article on safety with your pet when hiking in the mountains - it was a real eye-opener... researched it alot.
Want to see the big map and check out all the cities online? it's www.petfriendlynorthamerica.com

Check out this article "Know the Signs Your Cat May Be Sick" from the Catalyst Council!

http://www.catalystcouncil.org/newsroom/?Id=121

We all know we've seen our animals look like this when it's time to go for a car ride . . . . So be sure to make it worth their while (and yours) by visiting

to our webpages about fun activities, restaurants, and hotels for you and your furry animals!

Pet Friendly Phoenix is up!

Pet friendly phoenix is up! : www.petfriendlyphoenix.com - check it out for great places to stay and things to do with your pet... HOWEVER you can also use the site if you are NOT bringing a pet - check out the Things To Do page.... and have fun when you are not working in phoenix!
Want to see the big map and check out all the cities online? it's www.petfriendlynorthamerica.com