Top Travel Destination for Pets: Austin, Texas

Posted by admin on May 14th, 2010

Austin is so pet-friendly it passed an ordinance allowing local restaurants to welcome pets as guests in outdoor areas. The city’s website lists a number of participating restaurants, including Mangia Pizza, Java Dive Organic Café, and Scholz Garten, the self-proclaimed oldest business in Texas. Dogplaces.com has a much longer list, however you should check with each establishment to ensure the information is up to date.

Additionally, Austin has 12 designated leash-free areas, including Bull Creek District Park, 100 yards in length; Zilker Park, in the soccer field area; and Red Bud Isle. Several of these parks have access to water, and some are located on the hike and bike trail. There are no fees, and no temperament testing is required. Keep in mind, your dog must be on a leash outside designated areas. You could be fined up to $500 if you do not observe this rule.

You have many choices for pet-friendly hotels in Austin. For example, The Baymont Inn allows dogs up to 30 pounds for free, and The Hyatt Regency welcomes pets of all sizes for a one-time fee of $100. If you decide to spend a day pet-free, you can leave your dog PetsHotel by PetsMart. And if you’d like to give your pooch a sibling, you can stop by one of four local animal shelters.

Austin provides you with countless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors through walking tours, boat rentals, and botanical gardens. Equally important, your pet will feel welcome, too.

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How to Transport Your Pet on Commercial Flights

Posted by admin on April 28th, 2010

Flying with your pet doesn’t have to be stressful if you do a little advance planning. First, you have to know the basics: Your pet must be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned to travel by air. Depending on your destination, you may need to visit a veterinarian within ten days of traveling to obtain health and vaccination paperwork. For more information on required documentation, visit one of the following sites:

U.S. State and Territory Animal Import Regulations

Hawaii Regulations

International Regulations

There are two ways to bring your pet onboard with you in a kennel: as a carry-on item, or as checked luggage. Every airline has its own policies. We’ve summarized regulations for some of the major airlines below.

United Airlines

  • Accepts dogs, cats, and birds as checked or carry-on luggage
  • Carry-on fee for domestic travel is $100 each way
  • Checked-luggage fee for domestic travel is $100 each way for small-to-medium-sized kennels and $200 each way for medium-to-extra-large-sized kennels
  • Fees vary by destination for international flights
  • Call 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331) to make a reservation

American Airlines

  • Only accepts cats and dogs as checked or carry-on luggage
  • Limits carry-on pets to two in First Class and five in Coach
  • Carry-on fee is $100 each way; reservation is required
  • Carry-on kennels can be no larger than 23” long x 13” wide x 9” high
  • Checked-luggage fee is $150 each way; you don’t need to make a reservation
  • Checked pets can weigh no more than 100 pounds, including the kennel
  • English-speaking callers can book a reservation at 1-800-433-7300
  • Visit the reservations page for additional numbers

Delta Airlines

  • Allows carry-on and checked pets
  • Limits carry-on pets to two in First Class, two in Business Elite, and four in the Main Cabin
  • All kennels must be capable of loading upright with wheels, functional handles, a secure closure (not locked), and padding for accidents
  • Carry-on fee is $125 each way
  • Checked-pet fee is $200 each way
  • If you’re traveling to Hawaii, your pet won’t be able to go with you in the cabin, and other restrictions may apply. See Pets to Hawaii for more information.
  • Call 1-800-221-1212 for travel within the US and 1-800-241-4141 for international travel

Continental Airlines

  • Does not accept checked animals
  • Allows cats, dogs, pet rabbits, and household birds as carry-on items on most US flights
  • Limits carry-on pets to one in the front cabin and four in the Economy cabin
  • In-cabin kennels must fit completely under the seat in front of you, with maximum dimension of 22” long x 14” wide x 9” high
  • The fee is $95 each way
  • Pets can be booked online or by contacting reservations (for international flights, call 800-525-0280)

US Airways

  • Does not allow checked animals, except for nonstop shuttle flights in the Boston, DC, and New York markets
  • Allows you to carry one small dog, cat or bird
  • Carry-on pets are not allowed on transatlantic flights
  • You must use a hard-sided carrier up to 17” long x 16” wide x 8” tall, or a soft-sided carrier up to 17” long x 16” wide x 10” tall
  • The fee is $100 each way
  • Call 800-428-4322 to make arrangements

Northwest Airlines

  • Allows small dogs, cats, and birds as carry-on items and a large variety of pets as checked luggage
  • The maximum kennel size for carry-on pets is 17” long x 12” wide x 8” tall
  • Limits carry-on pets to two kennels in First Class and two in WorldBusiness Class
  • Fee is $80 each way
  • Checked pets prices vary based on the animal’s size, ranging from $139–359 each way
  • You can make your arrangements online by visiting Manage My Reservations
  • For international travel, call 1-800-225-2525

Southwest Airlines

  • Only allows fully-trained assistance animals accompanying a person with a disability
  • Allows cats, dogs, and ferrets in the cargo area only
  • Pets can only travel on flights between the following cities: Barbados, Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York-JKF, New York-Newark, Orlando, San Francisco, and Washington
  • Offers a Pet Rewards Program for frequent-flying pets

Although we’ve summarized the basics, you should visit your airline’s website for full details.

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What You Need to Know About Pet Transport Companies

Posted by admin on April 6th, 2010

When you’re relocating to a new home, particularly if it’s far from your current residence, you may want to utilize a pet transport company to get your little guy from A to B. We know; it’s not easy handing your pet over to a new third party. If they’re driving cross-country they could feasibly have your pet for a number of days. What if he gets homesick? What if they don’t feed him enough or give him medication at the right time? What if a larger dog attacks? All great questions—and you should get the answers before you make the choice.

To make a smart animal transportation plan for your relocation, first check out Pets on the Go for links to pet moving specialists. When you start making calls to narrow down your options, verify that the organization:

  • Is licensed by the USDA
  • Is well-established and can provide references
  • Employs a driver with experience handling multiple animals in this fashion
  • Is properly insured and prepared for emergencies on the road
  • Uses spacious kennels and does not over-pack them in the vehicle
  • Controls the climate in the vehicle—very important in the heat!
  • Provides ample opportunities for exercise, potty breaks, and attention during the trip
  • Is prepared for medical emergencies (in case your dog gets sick en route)
  • Will administer medications (if your pet requires them)
  • Cleans the crates throughout the trip
  • Protects pets from larger animals that may not play well with others
  • Allows you to be in contact as often as you deem necessary during the trip

When it comes to cost, you may be tempted to save a few dollars. Resist the urge! Cheaper isn’t always better if it means sacrificing care or comfort. The good news is pet transportation may be tax deductible.  According to IRS publication 521, you can deduct your pet moving expenses if you’re moving to change jobs.

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Dog Friendly City: Portland, Oregon

Posted by admin on March 17th, 2010

Your pet will definitely put a sticker on his doggie bag that reads, “Portland or bust” because this spot is ideal for animals. The city has 20 off-leash dog parks—that’s right…twenty! You can also bring your dog to a number of local attractions, including the Hoyt Arboretum and Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. On Saturday, you and your pet can attend the largest outdoor arts and crafts market in continuous operation in the United States, Portland Saturday Market. You’ll enjoy art from over 350 artisans, entertainment, and a variety of food choices—and your pet will love the treats, accessories, and toys at the many pet-related booths.

As for hotels, the options are endless. Days Inn, LaQuinta, Staybridge Suites, Sheraton, Marriott—and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. If you visit in October, you may want to choose a spot near LuckyDog Labrador Brew Pub on Hawthorne Blvd., where Dogtoberfest takes place. Dove Lewis Emergency and ICU Hospital sponsor this event to benefit the Dove Lewis Blood Bank. For a minimum donation of $5 your pet will be washed and towel-dried while you kick back with a Dogtoberfest brew.

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Pet Airlines: the Latest in Pet-Friendly Travel

Posted by admin on February 19th, 2010

If you want to bring a large pet on a flight, you have to be comfortable leaving him in the plane’s cargo area where the luggage goes. That can be a little risky. For starters, the temperature might fluctuate creating a less than comfortable environment. Secondly, turbulence may shift the crate around, which could be frightening for your pet. Pet Airways—the world’s first airline dedicated to the safe and comfortable transportation of pets—provides an interesting alternative: an airline just for dogs and cats that flies them in the main cabin—not in the cargo.

Most airlines charge a fee close to $100 to transport your pet under your seat or as luggage. Pet Airways charges $149 and up—relatively close in cost—and provides many benefits unavailable on regular flights. “Pawsengers” fly in fully-lit, climate-controlled airplanes that have the seats and overhead bins removed. A special system designed by Pet Airways secures the private pet carriers in place. Pet attendants don’t serve refreshments, solely to ensure a sickness-free experience; but they will give your little buddy a treat of some water if it seems necessary. And if your pet requires medication that’s not a problem either. Specify when you make the reservation and the attendant will take care of it. You can even track your pet’s flight on the website to be sure the trip is going smoothly.

It’s a whole new era in pet-friendly travel. Finding a hotel that welcomes pets with luxury amenities is easier than ever before—and transporting your pet is just as pain-free. Visit Pet Airways online to browse destinations, find answers to frequently asked questions, and make a reservation.

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Pet Shipping Scams

Posted by admin on January 12th, 2010

Email scams are pretty ubiquitous nowadays. Either an African Prince wants to pay you to move money from his homeland to an American bank, or someone tries to get you to pay the taxes on the millions of dollars you supposedly won. The puppy adoption email has become just as prevalent. Here’s an example: you receive an email from someone abroad (or see an ad online). She fears for her puppy’s health and wants to get him back to the US as soon as possible. All you need to do is send the $100 custom’s fee through Western Union or MoneyGram to the head of the Pet Healthcare and Customs Department.  Once the pet is supposedly en route, they will try to get more money from you as an airline insurance fee. Of course the puppy never arrives.

Now that websites have begun sounding the alarm, scammers are revising their tactics—using fake Pet transport companies instead of referring to actual pet shipping companies. As long as people have good intentions, scam artists will find new ways to manipulate them.

You may not be the type to fall victim to this type of scam, but sadly people do. Spread the word to all the animal lovers in your life. If you see a pet adoption email or ad, it is most likely a scam. Whether they ask you to save a sick puppy or promise a pure-bred animal at no cost beyond shipping, they are criminal, and they will rip you off.

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Pet Travel Scheme-Avoid Quarantine When Bringing Your Pet to the UK

Posted by admin on December 18th, 2009

So you’re planning a trip to the UK and considering bringing your dog. Are you prepared to quarantine Fido for six months when you arrive at the HM Customs and Excise pound to ensure he doesn’t bring Rabies into the country? Don’t worry! There’s a way around it.

The Pet Travel Scheme—or PETS—is a program that allows dogs, cats, and ferrets from qualified countries to enter the UK without undergoing quarantine. You’ll need about eight months to meet all the requirements so be sure to plan well in advance. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Get your pet microchipped. A microchip is an electronic chip used for identification.
  • Get him a rabies vaccination. Even if your pet’s already gotten the rabies vaccination, you need to do this again after getting him microchipped.
  • Get your pet a blood test (roughly a month later) to ensure the vaccination worked.
  • Complete the proper documents, available on the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). If you’re traveling from a country in Europe, you’ll need to get an EU PETS Passport.
  • Wait six calendar months from the date your vet took the blood sample. After this waiting period, your paperwork is valid for entry into the country.
  • Get your pet treated against ticks and tapeworms. You have a very specific window of time—no less than 24 hours and no more than 48 hours. You must do this every time you enter the UK with your pet.
  • Arrange transportation for your pet with an approved company on an authorized route.

And that’s all there is to it! If you need more information, call +44 (0) 870 241 1710, Monday through Friday, 8:00AM to 6:00 PM UK time, or email quarantine@animalhealth.gsi.gov.uk.

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Cat Travel Supplies for a Road trip

Posted by admin on November 6th, 2009

Going on a road trip? Fantastic! If you’re going to bring your cat along for the ride, you’ll need to assemble an arsenal of supplies to ensure her comfort, health, and safety. This checklist covers all the bases:

  • Medications/Back Flower Essence “Rescue Remedy.” If your cat is scared of traveling or leaving home, you can reduce her stress by placing a few drop of Rescue Remedy in her water.
  • Carrier/bedding. This will come in handy both when traveling and when you arrive at your destination. Many hotels require you to crate your pet when you leave the room.
  • Travel litter box and scoop. You likely won’t want to lug your big home litter box along for the trip. You can get a small travel litter box at your local pet store or online for around $10.
  • Litter. This one is kind of a no-brainer!
  • Hand-held vacuum for litter spills. Whether in the car or in your room you’ll want an easy way to clean spills.
  • Collar, harness, and two leashes (in case you lose one). This way she can stretch her legs when you make pit stops along the way. If you haven’t walked your cat on a leash before, you’ll probably want to leash-train her in advance.
  • Bowls. You may want to get a bowl with a rubber grip so it doesn’t move around in your car while you’re driving.
  • Food. It’s never easy to switch your pet food. If you prefer your car vomit-free, now is probably not the time to make the change!
  • Toys/scratching post. She’ll be more comfortable in a new environment if she has some of the comforts of home. Also, if you bring a scratching post she’ll be less likely to damage hotel property by scratching.
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