Pet Travel: Keeping your Pet Safe During Cargo Travel

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Keeping Your Pet Safe in the Cargo HoldLet?s face it, as pet owners we would all love to travel side by side with our pets during air travel. Unfortunately if your furry companion is over 22 inches in length and/or over 20 pounds, you?re probably out of luck. The only other feasible option would be cargo transport but you won?t subject your pet to that type of torture. Well, there are many misconceptions about cargo transport. Here are just a few:

Myth: I wouldn?t put my pooch in that dark hole with baggage stuffed on top of him/her.

Fact: Most people don?t realize that the pet cargo area is separate from the baggage compartment and is lighted during travel.

Myth: My pet will freeze or suffer heat exhaustion in the cargo area of an airplane.

Fact: The pet cargo compartment is temperature and pressure controlled just like the human cabin. The summer/winter extreme temperature embargo does exist but only pertains to tarmac temperatures and can be circumvented by the airlines using climate controlled vans to transport the pets to the airplane.

Myth: Airline employees don?t know how to handle my pet.

Fact: All airline employees who handle your pet must be certified to do so. Also, they are instructed never to open crates or fraternize with animals.

All of these myths couldn?t be farther from the truth. The fact is, millions of pets fly safely and happily every year in cargo without any problems and if your pet has been certified healthy to travel by your veterinarian you should have nothing to worry about. Here are some tips to keeping your pet safe while he/she is traveling in the cargo area of the plane.

Make sure your crate is IATA compliant: This means the crate must be ventilated on all four sides, have a waterproof bottom and a spring loaded locking crate door. Also, take the time to make sure the crate is the correct size. If you?re pet looks crammed in the crate or uncomfortable in any way you could be denied at the gate. Find IATA compliantpet crates

Use metal hardware! To be honest, the quality of the plastic hardware that comes with most crates is adequate at best. Do yourself (and your pet) a favor and purchase some metal hardware for your crate. Even though it?s a rare occurrence, crates with plastic hardware have been known to separate. Give yourself peace of mind that your crate will stay together and get the metal hardware.

Identification must be present and visible: This is a no-brainer. In the case of an emergency make sure you leave a picture, your emergency info and your veterinarian?s info zip-tied to the crate.

Plenty of water: You want to make sure your pet has plenty of water before, during and after air travel.

No tranquilizing: This can seriously harm your pet during air travel. Tranquilizing will affect a dog?s ability to pant and therefore regulate body temperature and/or inhibit their ability to breathe. Happy Traveler is a great healthy alternative.

Be proactive: During the reservation process ask as many questions as you need. Know the airlines pet policies because they all have different rules and regulations. Verify throughout the process that your pet will be boarded first and unloaded last. Also, when you board the plane let the captain and flight attendants know that your best bud is traveling via cargo.

More information on air cargo pet travel

Traveling With a Pet by Car or Air: Know the Basics

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Pet TravelThe pet travel season is right around the corner. The time to prepare is now. Here are some basics to travel with a pet by car or air.

Travel by Car: If this is Fido?s first car ride, don?t start with a long journey. Start off slow, particularly with an errand that doesn?t involve you leaving the car (Ex. Drive-up bank teller). Running errands with your dog in the car is also a good way to teach him/her every car ride doesn’t have to end up at the veterinarian, groomer, or boarding kennel. Always remember to keep your dog secure in the car with a pet safety harness or cargo crate. For longer journeys, plan to stop every 3-5 hours to let your dog stretch the legs and do its ?business.?

Travel by Air: Let your pooch familiarize him/herself with an airline crate or in-cabin carrier on its own. Never force them into a crate or carrier. Also, it is very important NOT to use these travel tools as ?scolding mechanisms.? Don?t give your dog the impression that this is where he/she will go for timeout.

If you?re pet is flying in a cargo crate: If you didn?t purchase metal hardware for your crate, this would be a wise investment. More and more airlines are requiring metal hardware over plastic fasteners. A small investment will give you assurance that your pet will not break through the crate and become missing. Although it rarely happens, nobody wants to lose their pet this way. Better safe than sorry.

Start off by leaving a favorite towel, toys, etc. in the open crate for your pooch to explore. In time, close the door and take Fido on various trips in the car. This will help simulate the air travel process as much as possible. Please remember, water is extremely important for a pet traveling by air. Since you won?t be able to check mid-flight, please make sure your pooch stays hydrated with spill-proof water, a crate water bottle, or a cage crock prior to take-off.

If you?re pet is flying in an in-cabin carrier: No matter what in-cabin pet carrier you choose, make sure your pet will fit in it. Your pet must be able to stand up and turn around in the carrier. The number one reason pets get denied at the gate is improper sizing. Most airlines have an 8-9? maximum height requirement for under the seat, so consider a flexible carrier. If you?re pooch is over 11 inches and weighs over 15 pounds standing on all fours, he/she is more than likely traveling in a cargo crate. Also, however tempting it may be, do NOT remove your pet from its carrier. A loose pet in the cabin can be very unpleasant for everyone.
Following just a few common sense rules about traveling with a pet can make the trip safer and happier for you both. For more information on traveling with a pet, see our website, pettravel.com

Pet Travel: Teaching Your Dog Good Travel Manners

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Good mannered dogA dog is one of the best travel companions you can have. They never complain or become backseat drivers. However, it is important to teach your dog good manners prior to travel. The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) has declared January National Train your Dog Month and what better time to train your dog to be a good traveler? Follow these pointers to make the most out of traveling with your dog.

Basic obedience training

? Teach your dog basic commands like sit, stay, come, and heel. It is essential for any pet traveler to recognize these verbal commands from the owner. These commands will not only build mutual respect between you and your dog, they will help prevent unacceptable behavior such as excessive barking, jumping, digging, etc. Make sure to go slow and work on one command at a time.

? Leash training: if you do not walk your pet on a leash, you will need to start. Under your supervision, clip the leash to the collar and let your dog drag it around the house. This will help your dog realize the leash is nothing to be feared. Next, pick a time that is normally quiet, such as early morning, and head out the door. Start slow, the key is to have your dog walk beside you. (this is a sign of dominance) If your pooch starts to pull you, stop immediately. Do not let them pull you. This will only reinforce the habit. Also, do not yank him over to you by the leash. Instead, reward him for properly walking beside you with treats or praise.

Socializing vs. Restraining

It is important to know your dog?s temperament, especially if you plan on traveling with them. Remember even with ?friendly? pets, there are times to socialize and there are times to restrain.

Socializing – Try to socialize your dog as early as possible. Under close supervision, watch how your dog interacts with different people, pets and places. Always choose appropriate social interactions for your dog, especially in the beginning. For example, an off-leash dog park would probably not be a good starting place. Make sure to reward your furry friend for good behavior. All of these interactions will help when traveling.

Restraining your Pet – A traveling dog will run into many different circumstances where they will need to be restrained. If you run into an aggressive pet or someone who is not pet friendly, you must be able to control your dog. This is where your obedience commands will really pay off. Work on your commands when other pets are around (especially heeling). This will help your dog focus his attention on you, the leader. If you ever have doubts about a situation, restrain your pet.

Your Dog and Unfamiliar Circumstances

When your pet is traveling they will run into many unfamiliar circumstances. To prepare for these circumstances, introduce your pet to as many new environments as possible prior to travel. Here are some ideas:

? Leave them with a relative or friend for a day or two.
? Take them to a pet friendly restaurant and/or hotel.
? Let them join in for car rides.

All of these preparations will help your pet cope with the anxiousness and stress that comes with unfamiliarity. Remember; teach your dog good travel manners prior to traveling. You don?t want to battle with these issues when you?re miles from home.

For more information on pet travel go to www.PetTravel.com.

Pet Safety: Keeping Your Pet Safe During New Years Celebrations

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Pet safety at New Years CelebrationsNew Years Eve – A time to celebrate all of the great times you had the past 12 months and to anticipate all of your life?s journeys for the upcoming year. What better way to ring in the New Year than with your pet? However, with pet safety in mind, there are precautions a pet owner must take to insure that a dog or cat stays out of danger or does not get lost while the ball drops. When making your resolutions, resolve not to start the New Year looking for a lost pet.

This Friday, will be one of the nosiest days of the year, guaranteed. Keep in mind that most animals are very sensitive to noise. Although there probably will be no way to shut out the noise entirely, there are certainly ways to help. First, make sure to secure anxious pets, ideally inside with you. Also, make sure they have a ?safe? place to go if they get stressed and never scold a nervous pet. This will make the stress worse. If you won’t be home, confine your pet to a small room or enclosed area with music or television playing.

It is strongly recommended to bring outdoor pets inside for the night. Even the most street-smart pets can get frantic during loud celebrations like New Years. Too frequently we take our furry friends for granted. It is not worth taking the risk even if your pet is used to loud noises or commotions.

In no way should your pet be mixed in with firework celebrations. This is an ingredient for disaster. This will almost always lead to a lost and/or injured pet. If you plan on a light show, don?t take the risk. Keep your pets inside where they will be safe and sound.

Prior to celebrating would be a good time to make sure all identification tags and microchip information is accurate. If your pet isn?t micro chipped, having one inserted before New Years might not be a bad idea. Remember to update your microchip registration if you’ve moved or changed phone number.

If your pet is scared of their shadow, you might be in for a long night. Light sedatives might help reduce the stress during peak periods, but stay away from tranquilizers. Consult your veterinarian for options for your frightened furry friend.

With a little ?puparation?, you and your pet can look forward to a happy 2011 together. Everyone at PetTravel.com wishes both you and your pet a very happy and healthy 2011.

Giving a Pet as a Holiday Gift

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Giving a pet as a holiday giftGiving a pet as a gift can be a thrilling moment, but you should think twice before getting carried away during the holidays. A very sad fact is that, each year, thousands of animals given as holiday presents end up in shelters, abandoned, given away or worse. Here is a list of do’s and don’ts, so the pet and the person it’s been “gifted” to have the best chance of success.

Do: Is the recipient a “pet person?” As hard as it may seem for a pet lover, there are individuals who do not feel comfortable around animals. Animals can sense this, and the chances for bonding are affected. Maybe they are more of a cat person than a dog person. Note the recipient’s behavior around your pet. Are they welcoming your pet’s advances to meet them? Do they speak to your pet when greeting them? These are all good clues to measure the level of comfort that the recipient will have for a pet.

Do: Make sure the person is able to care for a pet: Giving a pet as an ?unexpected? gift is NEVER a good idea. This is a major reason why ?Christmas? gifts end up at a shelter. Consider these questions before purchasing a pet as a gift:

  • Is the recipient ready to participate in managing all aspects of the responsibilities of a pet owner, each and every day?
  • Is the recipient willing to provide opportunities for the pet to run, walk, and play every single day?
  • Does the recipient understand that a dog will need consistent training to learn to become a good canine or feline citizen?

Don?t: Give a pet as a gift to children without parental consent: This is a big no-no on many different levels. Sooner or later, the parent will be the primary caretaker of the pet so it is important that they are aware of your intention. Also, a pet is not a toy. It is a living, breathing creature that needs a responsible, caring and loving owner. Make sure these necessities can be met before even considering a pet as a gift.

Do: Make preparations for the new pet: This involves preparing the recipient’s house by hiding harsh chemicals, electric cords, anything breakable, etc. Establishing an area for your pet to relax and sleep is recommended. Also, make sure you locate the nearest vet and emergency centers just in case of an accident and include that information in your gift card.

Don?t: Make an impulsive purchase: Adopting a pet should be a conscious decision. You can find puppies for sale at many different places such as over the internet (watch for scams), at the mall, or from a local breeder, and making an impulse choice to buy a pet almost always ends in disaster. Did you know many shelters ban pet adoptions during the holiday season for this very reason?

Do: Consider a Shelter or Rescue Pet: In no way are pets from breeders superior to pets from shelters. Not only are you saving a pet?s life, your companion will be forever loyal knowing that you saved their life. If you are looking for a purebred exclusively, check out breed specific local rescues. Additionally, oftentimes older pets are less work than puppies and are already trained. Remember, the purchase price does not reflect the quality of the animal. It is all about second chances.

Don?t: Just buy any dog for anybody: As an example, a pitbull puppy most likely won?t be the best option for an 80 year old grandmother. Be sure to take account breed type, physical attributes and other variables in the pet’s personality. Remember, adding a puppy to your life is, on average, a 15-year responsibility.

When the glamour of the holidays wears off, there is a little soul, that will be looking to its owner for support and love. Make sure that the love will be there for them in carefully selecting their new owner.

Pet Health: Enjoy Thanksgiving Holidays with Your Pet

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Dog at ThanksgivingThe holiday season is in full swing and the next stop is Thanksgiving. There are so many things to be thankful for: family, friends, food, and of course our pets! With all the commotion of Thanksgiving sure to be upon us in the next few weeks it is important remember our furry friends and how we can provide a safe, fun and memorable holiday for everyone. Below is a list of ?Turkey Tips? to make sure your Thanksgiving goes as pleasant as possible.

Stuff the Turkey, NOT your Pet: Most of us are guilty (at one time or another) of feeding our pets at the table. This is a bad idea on a few levels. Not only does it send the wrong message to your pet, it could be harmful to their digestive system. Extra precautions must be taken on turkey day. Rich fatty foods such as turkey, gravy, etc. can cause pancreatitis. This is caused by an inflammation of the digestive gland and can be very serious. If your pet is used to getting a few table scraps that is OK, as long as it is in moderation. Also remember with it being a holiday, many animals clinics will be closed. This is an easy way to avoid disaster this holiday.

Discarding the Turkey Strings that Tied the Legs: Believe it or not, this is a major cause for pet emergencies on Thanksgiving. This includes aluminum foil, turkey pop ups, skewers, string, oven bags, whole lead seasonings plastic wrap, and wax paper. Most of these cooking materials are probably drizzling with turkey juice and a major target for your pet. One trick is to put them in a sheet of unused foil as you prepare your dishes then wrap them up and place in the garbage that has a tight fitting lid. The foil will minimize the smell.

Make No Bones About It: Bird Bones (geese, turkey, duck and other birds) can present a huge health risk for your pet. They are hollow and break/splinter very easily. Also, because they are so easily breakable, dogs usually won’t chew them thoroughly. The results are sharp pieces that can choke the dog or block or tear the intestines.

Secure the Garbage Can: If you haven?t noticed already, pets can be scavengers and will wolf down anything that resembles edible eye candy, especially if it smells good. Dogs are especially infamous for ?dumpster diving? and very sneaky about their approach. Keep one eye on your pet after the food has been cleaned up and thrown away.

Minimize Stress With the Same Routine: Even though you are frantically planning for the holidays it is important not to change your pet?s food or exercise schedule. These daily activities become a routine for your pet and neglecting this might cause him/her to become insecure. Add this to the crowds and commotion of Thanksgiving, and you could be unintentionally increasing your pets stress level.

If you will be traveling with your pet, preparation is the key. Getting your pet ready for travel is essential to a comfortable trip. Whether by car or air, your pet will need to be restrained in a carrier, booster seat, harness or crate. Get all your supplies together including your pet’s food and toys. Familiar things will make it easier for your pet when they are removed from their familiar surrounds. Many more hints on how to travel successfully with a pet can be found in our pet travel articles section.

Be truly thankful this Turkey Day by keeping your pets safe and healthy. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at PetTravel.com!

Pet Travel: Air Canada clarifies policy on emotional support and psychiatric service animals

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Air CanadaAir Canada has issued a clarification on their definition of emotional support (ESA) and psychiatric service animals. This is the first airline to address this classification of animal. Here is their policy:

Dogs as emotional support or psychiatric service animals
If you wish to travel with a dog* as an emotional support or psychiatric service animal, you will need to ensure that your animal is harnessed. More than 48 hours prior to departure, you must also provide supporting documentation in the form of an original letter on the letterhead of a licensed mental health professional (e.g. a psychologist, psychiatrist or licensed clinical social worker), dated within one year of your departure date.

The letter must confirm that:

    • You have a mental or emotional disability recognized by the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)
    • You need your dog for emotional or psychiatric support during travel and/or at destination
    • The person who prepared the document is a licensed mental health professional

You are currently under the care of the licensed mental health professional who prepared the document

The letter must also provide information on the mental health professional?s license (i.e. type of licence, date issued, and issuing authority).
*NOTE: Air Canada does not accept animals other than dogs as emotional support or psychiatric service animals. ESAs are accepted only on flights to or from the United States or?flights with an Air-Canada operated flight through a US-based airline.

More information on Air Canada pet policies.

Protecting Your Pet from Rabies and Other Diseases This Fall

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Protect your dog against rabiesThe fall season is in full swing, and we will soon notice cooler temperatures and perfect weather to go outside and be active. Beware that fall not only brings climate change but also wildlife change. Yes, this is the season to watch out for wild animals. It could be too easy for your dog or cat to get close to wildlife and contract a disease like rabies. Many pet owners are not aware of rabies and what it can do to our pets. Below is important information for pet owners about rabies.

What is rabies? Rabies is a disease that can be easily passed on to pets, humans, wildlife, and even livestock. The disease attacks the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and is most commonly transmitted through saliva. More than 55,000 people die each year from the disease.

What wildlife animals are known to have rabies? Raccoons, skunks, foxes, bats, jackals, mongooses, feral cats, and wild dogs are the most common carriers of rabies.

Will I know when a wild animal has rabies? Sometimes yes and sometimes no. It is very important to remember that wild infected animals may not always show symptoms of rabies like aggressive behavior, confusion, or excessive anxiety. The disease can be asymptomatic.

Can I get rabies? Yes. The disease can be transmitted to humans. Almost every case of rabies has come from a bite by a rabid animal.
Can I vaccinate my pet? Yes. There are several different vaccines for your dog or cat. All pets should be vaccinated between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks old. If you plan on traveling internationally, all rabies free countries and countries with low incidence of rabies require a rabies vaccination. Many countries with high risk of rabies require this vaccine as well.

Rabies isn’t the only disease to watch out for this fall. Many people don’t know that just one bite from a mosquito could transmit heartworm, a serious and often deadly parasite, to your dog or cat. Also, flea and tick populations often increase around this time of year. This season brings all sorts of opportunities for infection, sickness, and disease, which every pet owner should be aware of. If you suspect your pet has been exposed to a disease, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian right away.

For more information about your pet’s health and traveling with a pet, visit PetTravel.com

Sasha’s Story – Her first glance at the world

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Pet Travel Sasha's First TripI found Sasha in a cage at the Humane Society. She was crouched in the far corner of the cage, trembling and very afraid. She looked around nervously at the people walking by, and I can’t imagine what she was thinking. I stopped and sat down by the front of the cage and beckoned her. She focused on me briefly, then her gaze returned to the traffic shuffling by her cage. After a while, when the people were gone, she ventured forward and smelled my hand then retreated to the far corner of the cage. Within an hour, all I got was a lick on the hand.

I spoke to the volunteers about Sasha and they told me that she had been there for a nearly a week. They were working on training her to walk but her fear was causing her not to trust her handler. I brought Sasha home that day and we started to get to know eachother. We spent a lot of time together, but my times away proved to be a disaster. Her separation anxiety caused me to have to crate her which actually turned out to be a very good thing. Happily, she is over that fear now and knows that, when I leave, I will be returning.

I have been working with Sasha for a year now and she has finally given her trust to me. She is a very loyal dog and quite loving but still distrustful of most all people. A few weeks ago, I decided it was time for our first trip together. After introducing her to the car and a few trips to a local dog park, we set off from Florida to North Carolina. Despite the long trip, Sasha did wonderfully in the car and enjoyed the closeness that we had. Rest stops were difficult. New people and places spooked her, but she knew why she was out of the car and afterwards, welcomed the opportunity to hop back in.

After a long day of driving we arrived at our destination in the mountains. Sasha paused at the end of the car looking around in wonder. She finally hopped out and walked around looking at the trees and hills. Then, in a moment, she took off, running up and down hills and through the woods, keeping me in her vision but taking her new environment in. After a few minutes, she came dashing up to me, tail wagging, and jumped in glee. A brand new world never before seen. A dog’s paradise.

After a few minutes, we went in the house to unpack which was another opportunity to explore. After checking out the house, Sasha was out on the deck looking at the world around her with such fascination. Tail always wagging and eyes open wide.

As it was late, a quick sandwich was made and as I sat eating it, I felt a nose push on my leg. It was Sasha looking up at me, eyes full of love and smiling large. She did not break her gaze as she sat down. I knew what she was trying to say; thank you for bringing me here with you. She understood that she was included in this journey and, for that, she was extremely grateful.

We had a wonderful vacation, full of long walks and adventures. Much time was spent on that deck watching fireflies, birds, and leaves blowing in the wind. For me, it was a better time because she was there. Now that we are home, I see that excitment in her eyes everytime we get in the car. Although it will not happen tomorrow, one thing I know for sure; Sasha will travel again.

Pet Travel – Traveling with an Older Dog or Cat

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Older dog and catWhether you are planning a short trip across town or a long trip around the world with your pet, there are certain precautions that need to be taken first, especially if your traveling companion is older. Unlike a puppy or kitten who have an endless supply of energy, older dogs and cats tend to slow down and need extra care and health check-ups. If you are planning to travel with an older pet in the near future, here are some tips to help you along the way.

Talk to your veterinarian about your older pet?s health: Talking to your vet, getting all the proper vaccinations and making sure your pet is fit for travel is not only recommended but required on many major airlines. In some instances, it might be best that your pet stay with a relative or pet sitter.

Acclimate older dogs and cats to crates: Whether you travel by car or by air, your pet will be safer and more comfortable in a crate. This particular part of pet travel may be harder for an older pet than a younger one, so it is crucial to start as soon as possible if your pet is not accustomed to being crated. Older dogs become very territorial of their surroundings. Older cats are accustomed to having their freedom. Both will need time to adjust to the crate. This preparation will significantly reduce travel and separation anxiety.

Feed your pet only lightly 2 hours prior to travel: It takes a dog approximately 3 hours to process food. That means they may need to eliminate starting from 3 hours after you feed them. Better to feed your pet very lightly or not at all. This will also help should your pet have any motion sickness. Remember that if you?re traveling by air, the airline does not let your dog or cat out of the crate under any circumstances. If you are traveling by car, be sure and give your pet time to stretch their legs along the way.

Keep familiar items with your pet during travel: This will help give your pet a sense of familiarity in an unfamiliar place. These specific toys and blankets will help ease the transition once you arrive at your final destination as well.

Older dogs and cats are susceptible to health issues such as joint and bone problems, metabolism reduction, and liver and kidney dysfunctions. These health conditions could make traveling with your pet risky. It is important to be familiar with your pet?s condition before you travel. If your pet is healthy, your trip together will be well worth the effort you take to prepare.