Travel

Moving with your pet

Moving is not only stressful for humans, it can also be tough on your pets. Both dogs and cats are sensitive to changes in their environment and can show stress-related behaviors at moving time. Understanding what your pet is experiencing can help you help your pet to cope.

Are you ready for a new dog?

Adopting a new pet requires a daily investment of your time, energy and patience. Careful consideration should be given when selecting the new member of your family as the commitment could last ten years or more. Here are some things to consider when choosing a new dog:

Breed

What breed best fits with your lifestyle and personality? If the dog will be around children, make sure the dog will be a good match. If you are on the go a lot, size may be a consideration for you as well as how much living space and exercise the dog will require.

Dog and cat carriers

As more and more pet owners are realizing, animals can go many of the same places people do. And most pets love accompanying their beloved humans virtually anywhere. Ask your dog if he or she would like to go along with you to return a movie you rented, for example, and you will instantly see that the destination is far less important to him or her than the ride. Whether you are taking your pet with you for that quick trip to the video store or for a longer excursion to the dog park, though, the most important thing is his or her comfort and well-being.

Dog and cat car safety

You would never even think of backing out of your driveway without your two-year-old son or daughter secured safely in a car seat, right? Whether you are heading toward the bank for a quick transaction at the drive-thru or embarking on a daytrip with the whole family, safety should always be your number one priority when it comes to traveling with children. The same is true for pets.

Preparing for disasters with your cat or dog

Earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, fire... would you know what to do if a natural disaster struck in your area? When mere minutes can mean the difference between life and death, family pets often are lost in the chaos. With simple advance planning, you can ensure that your adored animal companion stays right where he belongs – safe, with you – in case of emergency. And should you need to evacuate your home, whenever possible keep your animal companion with you. Any situation that is hazardous to you is hazardous to your pet, too.

Traveling with your bird

Traveling can be highly stressful, both for you and the avian members of your family. With thoughtful preparation, however, you can ensure a safe trip for everyone in your traveling party.

Whether you are traveling by vehicle or by air, first on your to-do list is a travel cage or carrier for your bird. For car trips, your bird's travel cage should fit in the back seat of the vehicle, ideally with enough room for your pet to stretch, flap her wings and perch with ease.

Keeping your cat safe in and around cars

Tips for cat safety in vehicles

Your trusty car can get you where you need to go, but if your cat is going to be joining you, there are some important things you "auto" understand. Whether you are taking a seven-hour journey or a trip to the veterinarian, keep your cat safe and secure at all times.

Crates are available in various models:

Keeping your dog safe in and around cars

"My family's taking a day trip to visit some relatives. Can we bring our pooch along for the ride?"

"I just need to pick up a few things in the store. Is it okay if I leave Rex alone in the car for a few minutes?"

"I've heard that antifreeze can kill dogs and cats. Is this true?"

Check out the following safety tips that can help prevent your companion animals from getting hurt in and around vehicles.

Traveling by car with your dog

For many of us, trips are no fun unless the four-legged members of our families can join us. Whether you're setting out on a scenic cross-country tour or making your annual trek to the veterinarian, though, car travel with a companion animal can be a stressful experience for both you and your dog. Don't fret! With a little planning, you can make sure all of your road trips are safe and comfortable for everyone.

Carsick dogs

Does a short car trip feel more like a roller coaster ride for your dog? If the jingle of the car keys signals motion sickness for your canine and messy clean-up for you, don't despair – there are steps you can take to make your animal companion as comfortable as possible when traveling in an automobile.

Hotel manners for dogs

So you've made your reservations and are ready to embark on a long weekend with your best buddy - who just happens to have four legs and a tail. Staying in a hotel with your pet is no mere trip to the dog run! But with careful planning and the common-sense cautions discussed below, you can ensure a pleasant stay for you, your dog and your fellow hotel guests. "Bone" voyage!

Packing for two

No, your pooch probably won't need an extra change of clothes, but in addiition to his food, favorite toys and dishes, be sure to bring along the following:

Dog-friendly hotels

Pet-friendly hotels allow you to bring along your best friend

Does your dream getaway include the four-legged members of the family? You're in luck! More and more hotels and vacation accommodations, from no-fuss to all-out luxury, are accommodating people and their pets. But before you go, there are a few things you should know to ensure a pleasant stay.

Flying and plane travel with your dog

Because air travel can be stressful, both for you and the four-legged members of the family, it is recommended that pet parents think twice about flying their dogs on commercial airlines. If it is a necessity that you transport your pet by air, please follow our tips to ensure as safe and comfortable a trip as possible:

Booking your flight

If your dog is small enough to fit under your seat, she can accompany you in the cabin. Keep in mind that you will still need to make a reservation and purchase a ticket for your pet.

Flying and plane travel with your cat

Because air travel can be stressful, both for you and the four-legged members of the family, it is recommended that pet parents think twice about flying their cats on commercial airlines. If it is a necessity that you transport your pet by air, please follow our tips to ensure as safe and comfortable a trip as possible:

Booking your flight

If your cat is small enough to fit under your seat, she can accompany you in the cabin. Keep in mind that you will still need to make a reservation and purchase a ticket for your pet.