The $41 Billion Pet Products Niche

By Lisa Suttora



The term "a dog's life" used to describe a pretty rustic existence for the family pet... Fido slept on the back porch, had an occasional bath in the back yard kiddy pool and for a treat, chewed on a rawhide bone.
Today however, a dog's life often means being toted around in at $400 dog carrier, sleeping in a $1000 dog house, and wearing a collar embedded with Swarovski crystals. Yes times have changed and these days dogs, cats, birds, and the like are living the high life. In 2007, Americans spent a record $41 billion dollars on their beloved pets! All across the globe, pet owners are becoming increasingly demanding when it comes to pet products and not settling for inexpensive, substandard products. These days, only the best in pet products will do and this opens up tremendous opportunity for anyone who is interested in selling in the pet products niche.

Target Market:

Fueling this growing trend in the pet product industry are empty nesters who lavish attention and money on their pets, baby boomers with disposable income and young adults who are waiting until later to have children and instead are putting their time and energy into Fido and Fluffy.

Even families of more modest means are spending money on a menagerie of pets. Families see their pets as a member of the family and are willing to spend big money on them. Additionally, the influence of popular television shows like Animal Planet, have made the family pet more revered than ever.

Product Trends:

These 5 distinct trends drive the market for pet products sales:

1. Luxury pet products. The luxury pet products industry has seen the most growth in recent years and continues to lead the pack when it comes to the sale of pet merchandise. Consumers want the best for their pets and they are willing to shell out big bucks to get the products they want. People who buy luxury pet products are generally more affluent. They also tend to buy a complete ensemble of pet accessories. The pet sweater must match the pet carrier and the very often, that must match what the owner is wearing as well. But it isn't only clothing items that are on every pet owners shopping list - There are now $430 indoor potties, $30-an-ounce perfume, climate controlled pet carriers, jeweled pet collars (with real jewels), $225 trench coats, designer pet beds, dog shoes, Halloween costumes, Zen dining tables, dog spas, even doggie nail polish!

2. Traveling pets. Have pets will travel is the mantra of many pet owners. To do this in comfort and style requires the right kind of products and accessories. Climate controlled pet carriers; pet booster seats and pet strollers enable that traveling pet to ride in style.

3. Eco-friendly pets. Eco-friendly and organic products have been a huge influence on pet products sales in the past couple years. This trend is continuing, in fact the largest growth sector in several pet product categories has been that of eco-friendly and organic products. If you sell pet products you must give your buyers some eco-friendly versions of popular pet products.

4. Exotic pets. While dogs and cats are certainly the most popular pets, we're also seeing a trend towards ownership of more exotic pets. Today there is a demand for products for birds, reptiles, fish, ferrets, mice, rats, hamsters, gerbils, pot belly pigs, rabbits, chinchillas, aquatic turtles and more.

5. Fashion pets. Today's pets are so well dressed with coordinating accessories that they could easily grace the cover of Pet Vogue magazine. Pet owner fashionistas are snapping up designer style pet products at a frenzied pace. Pink-a-holic pet? There's a slew of hot pink fashion pet products out there. More into the preppy look? Outfit your pet and his products so he looks straight out of the Ivy League. Is Bowser a rock- and-roll dog? He'll look and act the part with today's pet fashion products. Pets and fashion have merged in a big way!

Product Categories:

There are literally hundreds of categories of pet products. The following 5 umbrella categories offer a lot of opportunity to drill down and look for sub-niches and micro-niches.

1. Pet Transportation. Pets are on the go! And pet strollers, pet carriers and pet booster seats, all help your pet get there safely, soundly and in style. A recent pet lover's blog featured 16 reasons your pet needs a pet stroller! Pet ramps and stairs help older pets remain comfortable in the event of health issues. Liners and barriers for automobiles help to keep your car clean and fresh (and your pet safe) while he rides around the town.

2. Pet Housing and Home Decor. A pet's home is his castle and one of the best selling pet product categories is that of pet houses, beds, kitty condos, pet couches, chairs, pillows and the like! Blankets, bowls and feeders all round out the home décor needs of a happy and well-nested pet.

3. Pet Clothing and Accessories. The possibilities are endless in the pet accessory market! Dog toys, grooming accessories, pet shoes, pet eye ware, pet safety products, grooming products, art work, pet exercisers, pet treadmills, pet games, and pet jewelry are just a small sampling of the products that are being snapped up by today's pet owner.

4. Pet Health. Pet owners are very concerned about their pet's health and the sale of pet health products are on the rise. From pet treadmills to grooming products, lotions and potions, to shampoos and nutritional supplements, people are paying as much attention to their pet's health as they are their own.

5. Pet Products for humans. A consistent trait of pet owners is that they not only like to purchase products for their pets, they also like to purchase products for themselves that represent their pets. Consider the 38 year old Chicago executive who owns two Golden Retrievers. Her home is filled with pieces of artwork, figurines, t-shirts, books and jewelry all representing the Golden Retriever breed. Pet lovers who can't own pets due to allergies or logistical reasons but still want to feel connected with a pet are also buying these types of pet products in droves.

Founder and CEO of What Do Sell®, Lisa Suttora is a noted eBay authority. An internationally known product sourcing and trending expert, Lisa has coached thousands of eBay entrepreneurs in building a successful eBay business. Lisa is the co-author of the best-selling product sourcing book "What to Sell on eBay and Where to Get It" from McGraw-Hill publishers and the Product Trending Editor for the Product Sourcing Radio Show. WhatDoISell.com, the oldest online private membership community for eBay Sellers has been serving eBay sellers since 2004. An eBay Certified Provider and a member of the Better Business Bureau, whatdoisell.com is your all-in-one solution for starting or expanding your eBay business.

http://www.whatdoisell.com To receive your free Product Trends 2008 report, please go to [http://www.producttrends2008.com]
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How to Buy a Dog Food Bowl? Stupid Question Right?

By Neha Huft

Buying dog food bowls online may seem like a very easy task, but is actually quite a difficult one. Just like you need to measure your dog's neck before buying a collar, you have to consider a few important things before buying a food bowl.

Breed of your dog

If you have a small dog, for example, a Chihuahua or a Lhasa Apso, you would need to buy a small bowl. If you have a dog with long ears, for example a Basset Hound or a Cocker Spaniel, then you would need to buy bowls with high stands so that they don't dirty their ears while they eat! Other than buying food bowls for your home, you also need to buy travel bowls for your pet.

Age of your pup

Other than the breed of your dog, you also need to consider his or her age while buying a food bowl. If your dog has become old, then you would need to buy a bowl with a shallow end. This will make it easier for your dog to approach the bowl and to eat from it. If your dog has recently been through a surgery then you would need to buy a bowl with a stand. On the other hand, if you have a very active young dog or a puppy, you would need to buy stainless dog bowls with rubber bands under them, to avoid food from spilling all over the floor.

Other than all these, you also need to consider the type of pattern you would like on the bowl, the colour, the size and the quantity.

Buying dog travel bowls is a different story altogether. You need to make sure that they are portable, are anti-skid, anti-leak, anti-spillage and if possible, foldable or collapsible. Like regular dog food bowls, these too come in different sizes and colours. They are meant for serving both food and water and can be carried anywhere. Some travel bowls come with a heater so that the food inside never gets cold. These usually cost much more than regular travel bowls but they make sure that your dog gets to eat warm and nutritious food. Heated travel bowls for serving water are available as well. Some travel bowls can contain both food and water together and are divided into compartments for this purpose. These are ideal for long journeys, outdoor picnics or camping. They also make for great gifts!

Never buy plastic dog food bowls as most of them are made of very cheap quality material and get damaged very easily. Buying dog bowls made of stainless steel is the best idea. Buying the latter is the best way to avoid spilling and wasting of food. Nobody likes a kitchen with dog kibbles strewn all over.
The bowl you buy for your pet should have a wide opening so that your dog is forced to eat slowly. If you a buy a bowl with a deep end and a narrow opening, then this will only encourage him or her to eat as fast as possible. Serving food in a bowl which has a wide opening and is heavy at the bottom encourages your pet to eat slowly.

If you are in India, Visit Headsupfortails.com, an online dog store for all your pet needs like dog food bowls, dog treats, designer dog clothes etc.
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Pets: Taking Care of Your Pets

Now that you've brought your new friend home, it's time for the fun part -- and the hard part! This is your chance to really prove to your parents, yourself, and your pet that you're a responsible guardian.

It's a lot to live up to, but don't worry-you can do it! All you need to know is what your pet's needs are, then meet them. Basically, most pets rely on us for:

Food

• Be sure you know the diet and feeding schedule of your new pet. Get information from your veterinarian or the pet store.
• Most animals need to be fed once or twice a day. Sometimes baby animals need to be fed more.
• Don't ever give your pet table scraps -- people food (especially chocolate!) can make most animals sick.
• Introduce changes to food or feeding time gradually -- food changes can be stressful for an animal.
• Feed your pets in a quiet, protected place, so they feel safe and comfortable when they eat.

Water

• Make sure your pet has plenty of clean, fresh water.
• Water should be changed at least twice a day.
• If your pet is a fish or turtle and lives in water, be sure to clean the tank at least once a week.

Shelter

• Your pet needs a place to call home -- whether that's a tank, cage, or doghouse.
• If your dog or cat spends a lot of time outdoors, make sure shelter is available at all times. Shelter keeps pets protected from cold, wind, and rain in the winter and from the harsh hot sun in the summer.
• Even if your pet spends most of the day outdoors, he should sleep indoors at night. This will protect him from cars, bad weather, and animals such as coyotes that will attack pets.
• When it comes to shelter, remember that animals who are treated like part of the family are better-adjusted and will be more closely bonded to you. And after all, your pet IS part of your family, right?

Potty

• All animals need a place where they can go to the bathroom. Unless you're able to train them to use the toilet, cats need a litter box, gerbils need a cage, and dogs need to go outside or in a special lined area.
• Make sure you create a safe place for your pet's bathroom needs and -- this is REALLY important -- clean it regularly! After all, think about how gross it is to use a toilet that doesn't flush.
• If you have a dog and live in an apartment with no yard, you need to make sure your dog is walked often. If he goes in a public place, be sure to pick it up and dump it in a trashcan.

Exercise

• Dogs need plenty of exercise. Physical activity keeps them healthy, happy, and fit. Make sure you walk, run, hike, or play fetch with your dog every day. Not only is exercise good for your pup, but it's good for you, too!
• Cats, especially if they live indoors, also love some quality playtime with you. This is a chance to have fun and get creative with cool cat toys.
• Rodents like hamsters and gerbils will thank you for putting an exercise wheel in their cage to make life a little more interesting.

Grooming

• It's a good idea to brush and comb your pets every day to get rid of loose or shedding hair.
• Poke around to check for fleas, ticks, leaves, and other things that might be tangled in your pet's fur.
• If you can, bathe dogs once a month and cats every few months. But don't overdo it! Too many baths take away the natural oils from a pet's skin and can cause itching or rashes.
• Cats will have fewer hairballs and shed less if they're combed on a regular basis.
• If your pooch has killer doggie breath, try brushing his teeth when you bathe him.

Training, if you have a dog

• Yes, Bowzer is your buddy, but you need to be his boss! If you don't set up rules for him to follow, he may act aggressively and out of control. You don't want your dog dashing into oncoming traffic, jumping on little kids, or growling at your neighbors, right? So you need to set up rules for him to follow and help him follow them.
• You can do this in a very gentle manner without raising your voice or becoming mean. Work with your parents to determine the rules of the house. If there's a "no dogs on the sofa" policy, don't let Spot on the couch the minute your parents leave the room. It's best when all of you work together to teach your new family member how to behave.
• An obedience class is a great way to learn how to speak a dog's language and teach her the rules of your household. But don't expect her to be perfect -- there will be accidents! Just be patient and loving, and eventually the hard work will pay off.

Health care

• Just like we need annual checkups with our doctor and dentist, most pets need regular checkups, too.
• Veterinarians, or animal doctors, check your pet's general health, can answer any questions you might have, and make sure your pet's vaccinations are up-to-date.
• If you bring home a new dog or cat, you should take him to the vet right away to get checked out.

Love & affection

• Just like people, pets thrive on attention! The more love you give, the more you'll get back.
• Give your pet plenty of hugs, kisses, gentle pats, and love. Okay, so maybe you can't pet a fish, but you can still show you care by talking to it, watching it, and feeding it special treats.

Get your house ready for a new pet
Before you bring a new animal into your home, make sure your house is pet-ready. Take a tour around your home and yard with your parents, using this as a checklist:

• Are there any holes, broken concrete, drains, or swimming pools that your pet could fall into or get stuck in? They need to be fixed before your pet arrives.
• Are there any gaps in the fence, or a broken gate, that might allow your new pet to get out of your yard?
• Are there any poisons, like snail bait, antifreeze, or other toxic chemicals just sitting out? These things are super-poisonous to animals. Make sure containers are stored away in locked cupboards far out of reach.
• Check for dangling electrical cords in the house or outside. Puppies, kittens, and rodents love to chew them, thinking they're toys. Cover cords or tape them down with industrial tape.
• How about your toys? Do you have any Legos or other small pieces lying around that an animal could choke on? Keep your things out of reach of little paws.
• What about stuff that breaks? If you don't want something to get knocked over or stepped on -- maybe your mom's valuable vase or your favorite model airplane -- put it up high or away for a little while.

Pet "Don'ts"

• Don't use insect sprays and weed killers around your pets or allow antifreeze to spill in any area where pets hang out. If animals get poisons on their fur or paws, then lick themselves, they can get very sick or even die.
• Never leave a pet alone in a car on a hot day-even with the windows cracked open. Temperatures can go up quickly and cause an animal to overheat, which is sometimes fatal.
• Don't ever feed your pet chocolate, no matter how much they might beg. Dogs can't digest chocolate and can die from eating too much.
• Don't let your dog wander the neighborhood without you. She could get lost, hurt, or catch a disease from another animal. Always keep her on a leash when in public areas, like a park or busy street.
• Never give pets human medicine. Keep all medicines -- human or pet -- out of your pet's reach.

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Pet Insurance Vpi - Insuring Your Pet – Why Is It Important?

Pet lovers know that their pets are an integral part of their lives and their families. Holidays and family outings are made more memorable when we take our pets along for company. It therefore becomes very painful if our pet falls ill, breaks any of its bones or needs constant medical supervision due to an illness like cancer. As the pet owner, the responsibility falls on us to get the best veterinary care and bear the costs associated with the treatments.

Advancements in veterinary science have made all kinds of treatments possible to cure your pets. At the same time this technology demands compensation in the form of thousands of dollars. In such a situation what you need is pet insurance. Pet insurance guarantees that the medical expenses incurred on your pets is met by the insurance company partly or in whole. Some pet insurance policies also cover annual pet checkups and immunizations. It all depends on the type of policy you select. Insurance costs can begin as low as $10 with incident costs being in the range of around $40.

The top reasons to go in for pet insurance are:

• Bears the cost of medical expenses – Needless to say, that this is the primary objective of pet insurance. You have insurance to fall back on when you take your pet to the vet. All pet insurance policies can be used at any registered vet's clinic. So you need not compromise by taking your pet to any clinic. You can visit your own vet and be at peace.

• Insuring multiple pets – Most pet insurance companies give you a discount if you have more than one pet and give you a package insurance deal. This not only brings down the cost of maintaining and taking care of your pets but also saves you thousands of dollars in pet medical expenses

• Taking care of tomorrow – As time passes, your pet becomes older and prone to more illnesses. Pet insurance comes handy in such a situation. Getting your pet insured when it is very young ensures coverage for accidents and diseases which may occur at a later stage.

• Inflation shield – Pet insurance acts as a shield due to rising prices in the economy. Medical expenses which may seem affordable now will look enormous after a couple of years. The years gone by will also bring your pet closer to you and you would not want to lose it when it is ill and old just because you cannot meet its medical expenses.

• Peace of mind – Pet insurance gives you the peace you always sought when you bought your first pet and wondered how you will deal with any medical emergencies that may arise when your pet needs medical care or taking care of the vaccinations and checkups. Pet insurance makes having a pet more affordable and truly keeps your pet protected for a rainy day.

So if you are one of those pet owners who really love your pet and want to take care of them till the very end, pet insurance is an attractive and affordable solution.

Pet Insurance Vpi - Insuring Your Pet – Why Is It Important?

The Role Leadership Plays In Your Dog's Training

The Role Leadership Plays In Your Dog's Training
By George Faulkner
For a very long time pet dog owners and trainers thought that you ought to instruct your pet dog by using alpha theory strategies and overall obedience training and that this simulated the Alpha's duty in wolf packs and that is the best ways to train a dog.
Fortunately times have improved and lots of research have been done with wolves and their functions within the pack and since then the training has actually moved to a more teach by leadership style technique which is much better for the dog and you.
Years ago your pet dog was trained so that you needed to stroll through doorways first or your pet dog should always stroll behind you on walks due to the fact that it was testing your alpha leadership from the dog, or they weren't allowed on furnishings or beds full stop as just the alpha did that and had these possessions.
Well luckily nowadays things have actually taken a turn for the better and we have a better understanding of how pet dogs work and training is more based upon leadership skills instead of supremacy or alpha positioning. In the house it is perfectly appropriate for your pet dog to lay on the sofa or chair so long as it understands that when you want to sit down there and ask it to move then it moves.
Walking through entrances is only relevant for the front door and only for security factors as you do not want your pet dog going out into the road and causing an accident, I do not stand up from my chair each time my pet dog gets up and moves to the door to go into the kitchen or hallway it is absurd to do that each time since you believe you need to.
Everything boils down to leadership from within, if you are consistent and firm as well as reasonable too in addition to being positive in what you do then your pet dog will respect you as the leader and follow your guidance all the time, it is a match made in heaven if you can achieve this function. In the wolf pack a strong leader is always calm and peaceful and will certainly command authority by using a soft growl or a glance and from body movement not by battling with or barking at the other wolves.
It is difficult when you take your pet dog to dog training classes for the instructor to deal with all of these concerns with your dog when there are 8-10 other dogs in the exact same place too attempting to obtain the leadership they desire from the owner. This is why dog training is so difficult as various types of pet dog were developed for different duties in life such as herding or securing and even recovering animals so to attempt to instruct them all the same in one group is going to be impossible with their differing needs.
Also another huge stumbling block with training pet dogs is that commonly it is not the dog that needs training it is the owners and this is much more difficult to achieve than training a dog, so to totally understand the dog and what it needs from training you have to understand the owners too, no mean feat either.
The hereditary difference between pet dogs and wolves is simply 0.04 % which appears very little difference but it is enough to guarantee that the pet dog and wolf continue to be poles apart simply as we do from apes, nevertheless dogs can still do wolf like behavior much as we "monkey around" often it does not make them wolves or us monkeys, that is a big difference. Another distinction is in bite power of a wolf which is in the area of a tremendous 1500lb per square inch or 680kg where as a dog can vary from 250kg up to 500+ kg for a mastiff type of dog. In any case it injures you if you get clamped by the jaws of a dog and would quickly break bones in your hand too however the wolf has a far more powerful bite due to the make up of the head and teeth compared with domesticated pet dogs.
One part of the alpha concept of training was that if your dog licks your mouth region it wants you to regurgitate food for them when in fact it has been revealed that this action in domesticated pet dogs is purely a greeting or communication from them.
Other areas of training that have actually changed over the years is the use of different types of collars such as the shock collar or pronged collar which are barely made use of or even mentioned in today's training world as they do nothing to positively gain respect or trust from a pet dog, simply injure it if it doesn't do that which you require of it. The term positive reinforcement is made use of today to get dogs to do exactly what is required of them and negative reinforcement backs this up too, the requirement for hitting or scolding dogs is not made use of in training and if it is where you are then avoid these training sessions.
Likewise the length of training has changed too as we now understand that pet dogs just have a short attention span just like children therefore training lessons are nowadays kept to around 20 or so minutes at a time or the pet dog just loses interest in it.
It is often like teaching our children when training a dog as kids get all stressed out and toss things around and what do we do? We sit and wait up until they calm down then start once again and it is precisely the exact same in the dog world too merely wait for them to cool down and start once more which is a lot easier than losing your patience with them and getting nowhere.
Nowadays trainers are more ready to adopt the holistic all over technique to training as well as coping with their pet dogs which is including an understanding of the pet dog and its habits and we are more easily acceptable to a few of the dog's behaviour problems than we were even 10 years ago. A lot of dogs nowadays don't want to be the alpha dog in the home they simply desire leadership and direction and they are pleased, yes they might try the limits every now and then however don't your children do that too? Most of the unwanted behavioural concerns we see today are from a misconception of pet dogs and aggravation at them.
Another part of the old alpha theory for training that has changed is food time. The old methods used to say you needed to eat first as alpha and appear like you are eating out of the dogs food bowl otherwise they may attempt to take over as alpha if you don't do this.
Well my pet dogs do not bother with my food or my kids' food either, they are fed when they come back from their walks, not instantly but about 30-40 minutes afterwards as this is hassle-free for us as a family, now we have actually had our dogs for 2 years or more so if they were going to make a play for the alpha role they would have done it before now as well as attempted to eat of our plates which they do not do either.
They do not do this due to the fact that I am not the alpha, there is no such thing in this house, I am the leader who directs them, all of them when they need it and I like to make use of the very same sort of strategies I made use of with our 5 kids growing up and testing each other sometimes or pressing boundaries, The term "Super Nannying" is used a lot for youngsters and I take a look at this phrase to be what I and the rest of the household do with our 3 dogs, we nanny them. Keep in mind that youngsters don't challenge you when growing up they test you which is what your pet dog is doing too, testing you and how you deal with these tests is going to define your relationship with your pet dog simply as with your children.
There are 16 Parts that make up being a good leader for your dog and these are

• Never ever raise your voice
• Keep calm in all scenarios
• Evaluate each situation and adjust accordingly
• Question exactly what you, not the dog is doing wrong and exactly what you need to do to alter it
• Never ever use physical violence
• Never make use of harsh devices or equipment or punishment
• Be open to new approaches and alter strategies
• Be patient
• Want to resolve your shortcomings and constraints
• Be positive and definitive
• Use body and facial language wherever possible
• Never subject your dog to situations that are too much for it to manage (stress)
• Recognise your dogs natural instinct and allow some natural habits from the breed.
• Be proactive and an issue solver.
• Be considerate to our dog- they will offer you respect back.
• Be flexible.

If you can follow these as much as possible you will be well on your journey to being an excellent leader for not just your pet dog but in your very own life too.
If you want to find out more on The Role of Alpha and Leadership Skills then check out http://codyscorner.club or download our free app on http://tinyurl.com/kx4bcnc
Cody's Corner is a website dedicated to bringing you knowledge about all facets of dogs and their wellbeing, care and habits along with training. Using articles and videos to get the material to you.
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Traveling With Your Pet

Traveling With Your Pet
By Ian White
You've decided to take your pet along on vacation. It will be more fun, and you won't have to worry about leaving a member of your family behind in an unfamiliar kennel. With some extra planning and forethought, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip with your pet.
Taking a Road Trip
If you're driving with your pet, you'll need to find a comfortable and safe way for your pet to travel. You can place your pet in a carrier and secure it in the car. Alternatively, you can purchase a seatbelt-like harness for your pet that will allow him to be out of the carrier but still safely restrained. It isn't safe to allow your pet to roam freely in the car. He can be seriously hurt in the event of even a minor accident, and he is much more likely to escape and become lost when you make stops.
Don't leave your pet alone in the car, especially in hot weather. The heat can quickly become life-threatening. If your pet becomes carsick easily, you may want to ask your veterinarian for motion-sickness medicine before the trip.
Carry some of your pet's food along with you, and feed your pet only small amounts of food at a time. If your trip is short, you may want to have your pet wait and eat when you arrive to avoid carsickness. You should also carry some of your pet's water along, or purchase bottled water. Local tap water may contain different minerals or sulphur, which might upset your pet's stomach.
Flying with your pet
Many pet owners do not like to fly with their pets because it can be traumatic for them, but sometimes it's unavoidable. Unless your pet is very small, he will fly as cargo and not in the cabin with you. Check with your airline to determine what type of carrier is acceptable and what rules apply to flying with a pet. Also ask what safety precautions are in place, what conditions the pet will fly in, etc. Ask your veterinarian if your pet is well enough to fly or if there are any special precautions you should take.
International Travel
Taking your pet out of the country requires careful planning. Check the regulations for the country you are traveling to and verify that your pet has the required vaccinations. In some cases, you'll need to have the vaccines administred weeks before your departure date.
Most countries will require a Rabies Vaccination Certificate and a Health Certificate. Your veterinarian can help you obtain both of these. The country you are traveling to may require that you complete paperwork gaining permission to bring your pet into the country. Also, some countries have quarantine regulations that may require your pet to remain in a kennel for up to several months.
Pet Friendly Hotels
A quick search on the Internet can help you find hotels that are receptive to pets. Many travel sites also allow you to specify only pet-frienly accommodations. Check with the hotel to find their specific rules regarding staying with a pet.
If your pet requires walks, ask for a room that opens on the outside. This will be more convenient for those late night trips outdoors.
Many alternative lodging sites, such as resorts, cabins and bed and breakfasts are also open to receiving pets. Check ahead of time for availability where you're traveling. Since many of these vacation spots offer outdoor activities, they can be great options for pet owners.
What Will your Pet do All day?
You know how you'll travel, and you've found a hotel that will welcome your pet, so now what? What will your pet do all day when you're out having fun?
An outdoor vacation is an ideal choice if you're traveling with pets. Consider renting an RV and taking a camping vacation. Many RV rental agencies allow pets with an extra deposit. A trip to the beach is another good choice for pet owners. However, keep in mind that sand can be irritating to some pets, especially dogs with deep skin folds. Some animals are bothered by long sun exposure as well.
If you're spending a lot of time outdoors, keep plenty of cold water on hand and watch your pet for signs of heat exhaustion.
Some restaurants now provide outdoor seating that is also pet friendly. Check ahead of time if any are available near where you are staying. If you'd like to spend mealtime with your pet and no pet-friendly restaurants are close by, you might consider takeout or even picnicing outdoors.
What if you're taking a more traditional vacation? Many tourist attractions will not welcome your pet, and it isn't a good idea to leave your pet alone in a strange hotel room all day. You may be able to place your pet in his carrier for shorter excursions, but for all day trips, consider researching pet daycare centers or kennels available in the area. You can leave your pet for a few hours in a safe environment but still enjoy his company on your trip.
What to Take Along
Bring your pet's food along or plan to buy it as needed. This is not a good time to change your pet's diet, and you should certainly avoid giving your pet any table scraps. Traveling can be stressful regardless of how careful you are, and you don't need the added complication of stomach upset for your pet.
Don't give your dog the local water, especially if you're traveling internationally. It's safer to give your pet only bottled water to avoid possible stomach upset.
Bring along any medicines your pet takes, including vitamins, flea medicines, heart worm prescriptions, etc. You should also bring some basic first-aid supplies in case of injury. Ask your veterinarian what should be included in your pet's first aid kit. These might include medicines for stomach upset and a mild tranquilizer in case your pet becomes extremely agitated. You can purchase pre-stocked pet first aid kits at many pet supply stores.
To make your pet more comfortable, bring along a few items from home. Bring some of your pet's bedding and a few of his favorite toys. Bring only treats your pet has eaten in the past with no stomach upset. Again, this isn't the time to try any new foods. The carrier you bring should be large enough for your pet to remain comfortably inside for a few hours. He should be able to stand, lie down and turn around easily within it. Also, be sure your pet has fresh water available within the carrier.
A Pre-Trip Checklist
Make an appointment with your veterinarian. Have your pet examined and any vaccinations done that are needed. Ask if your pet is healthy enough to travel, and ask for advice concerning any of your pet's health conditions. Remember that if you are traveling outside the country, you may need to plan weeks in advance.
Make sure your pet has current identification attached to his collar, and that it fits well and isn't likely to slip off. You might want to consider having an identification chip implanted before your trip, but you'll need to discuss with your veterinarian how soon your pet can travel after the procedure.
Gather phone numbers for veterinarians, pet emergency care facilities, kennels, etc. before you leave for each place where you'll be staying. If an accident or illness does occur, you'll be grateful that you don't have to take the time to find someone to care for your pet.
Make a packing list for your pet based on his needs and what your veterinarian recommends. Double-check it as you pack his things. Take your veterinarian's phone number along with you in case you need to call and ask a last minute question or have your pet's records sent to another clinic.
Take time to get your pet used to his carrier, especially if it's new. If you're driving, take your pet in the car for practice trips before the big day so it won't be so traumatic. Another benefit to this approach is that you'll learn if your pet become motion sick easily.
If you're traveling with your cat, bring a litterbox and litter along with you. It's easier to purchase cheap plastic litterboxes and throw them away rather than try to clean and transport them. If traveling with a dog, be sure to bring baggies to clean up after your pet's walks.
Embarrassing and Alarming Moments
Pets get stressed when traveling, so accidents can and will happen. Bring some disposable wipes and plastic baggies to clean up after your pet. Another good idea is bringing a small bottle of enzyme based cleaner. If your pet selects the hotel carpet as the perfect spot for his accident, this can remove the odor and stain before it has a change to set.
Never open your pet's carrier unless you're in an enclosed room. Pets can move much more quickly than you can, and nothing will ruin your vacation faster than losing your traveling companion.
Traveling with your pet can be challenging, but with some planning ahead, it can also be a fun and rewarding experience. Trying a short weekend trip before a longer vacation can also help your pet acclimate to travel, and you will learn how well your pet travels.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_White
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Free Pet Sitting: Caution! What's A Value Worth for Your Pets Care?

Free Pet Sitting: Caution! What's A Value Worth for Your Pets Care?
By Shannon K Cole
This holiday season pet owners are in a scramble to find somebody to care for their pets. The first concern that often comes to mind is cost. People want a good VALUE for their dollar but do they take into consideration the VALUE they hold of their pets?

Example: I received a call from an older pet owner in November who lived a very wealthy neighborhood. She was referred by my veterinarian. She normally used one of the technicians at our veterinary clinic to care for her dog overnight but they were unavailable for the Holiday season. She asked me how much I charge & I replied $65/night. She literally gasped on the phone & said she'd get back to me. Obviously she is spoiled having the technician care for her dogs for a lower cost. When her daughter convinced her to call back to book it because she had no other choice I was already booked. She was referred to my affiliate who normally charges $75/night! However since she was referred by me she'd get the care for my rate of $65/night. This was explained to her. So why the price differences?

The technician who normally cares for the owners dog does it as a hobby for some extra money on the side. Their main source of income is working at the veterinary clinic. They are NOT bonded & insured or have a business license. They don't have a legitimate business they operate on a professional level & pay taxes on etc.

Example: I received a call from a lady on a Monday evening that she needed care for her dogs starting Wednesday through Sunday night. Apparently she had asked a friend to do it & they cancelled on her 2 days prior to her departure. Now she is a panicked search to find a sitter for her dogs before she leaves. I was already booked & could not do it on 2 days notice so again she got referred to my affiliate.

The pet owner in an attempt to save money asked a friend or relative to care for her dogs. That person has no obligation to her or contract so it is easy for them to cancel on her or possible not even show up! A professional pet sitter will have a contract or service agreement that you sign. This bonds both of you into the care for your pets. You get the guarantee they will care for your pet & you promise to pay them for that care.

Example: A couple is planning several trip to Russia to go adopt a baby. The wife works at home and is with their 3 cats most of the time. They are very concerned about their cats being left alone while they travel. They have to go away for 4 days to a seminar as a preliminary to their adoption. A co-worker of the husband volunteers to come care for the cats. At the walk through she doesn't want to walk down to the basement on a winding stair case to see the litter box area. The couple at the bottom of the stairs have to coax her down & show her an alternative stair case downstairs. While they are away its been several days & they haven't heard form the cat sitter. No text emails or calls. They finally decide to call her & she answers the phone. Tells them she is at the house right now & everything is fine. When they return home & walk in the front door the odor overwhelms them. The litter boxes obviously had not been cleaned in a few days. When confronted about the litter boxes the person states that she had cleaned them every day & even asks/offers to care for the cats on their next trip.

The pet owners had a friend/co-worker do it to save some money & not knowing of any other option. Obviously the person did not know how to properly care for cats. They had no idea if the person was actually there & showed up to care for them while they were away. The person left evidence that the cat were not properly cared for, denied it & then offered to care for the cats again. The pet owners saw a Shannon's Pet Sitting sign near their home & realized this would be a better option to look into.
Even if it is a friend, family member or kid next door looking to make some extra money, do you value your pets life & care to save a dollar? Do you want to hope they show up? Or hope they care for your pets correctly? People forget, Accidents happen & Things come up. Most likely your pet is not going to be their first priority.
To a Professional Pet Sitter - Your Pet IS the priority!
A REAL PROFESSIONAL Pet sitter is:
1) Bonded
2) Insured
3) Licensed
4) Has PET CPR, First Aid or some ANIMAL medical care training
5) Uses a service contract, and pet information forms
6) Has a website
7) Has references
8) Has a Secure Key or Lock Box system
9) Has experience & knowledge in working with animals
10) Does a consultation to meet with you & run though your pets care routine
11) Text, calls or emails regular updates with pictures of your pet while you are away
12) Books up in advance - a good pet sitter is in high demand!
Now look at that list, and consider how much more VALUE those items have and hold when it comes to the VALUE of your pets life & care while you are away.
The less items on the list mean less you will pay & the less your chances are of your pet receiving good care while you are away. The horror stories I have heard & seen over the years speak for themselves. The stories above are just a small handful of recent examples within a one month period I have heard!
When you look at Websites such as Care.com and Sittercity.com there are literally HUNDREDS of people posted on there who want to care for pets. They are college kids, retired, unemployed, men, women, teenagers & they ALL LOVE PETS, HAVE HAD PETS & WOULD LOVE TO CARE FOR YOUR PET! What I have seen as result of theses sites - people are looking for the cheapest pet care possible. I could send them the best resume possible in terms of being a professional pet care provider! Then the minute they hear my rates the emails & contact stop.
Pet sitters seem to be a dime a dozen. It's a quick, easy way for a person who likes animals to make some extra money in today's economy. The quick easy cheap way could put your pets life in danger. Is it worth their life to save a few bucks? As a client of mine repeatedly tells me: "Peace of mind is priceless!"
Shannon Cole owns, Shannon's Pet Sitting in Chicago, IL NW Suburbs. A bonded insured pet care service specializing in pets w/ behavioral problems, medical needs & senior pets. Over the years Shannon has built a strong reputation as an expert in the pet care industry. She specializes in areas of pet sitting that include pets with behavioral problems, medical needs, and senior pets. Recognizing the "Special Needs" of these pets, Shannon uses techniques, tools, intuition, patience and compassion to deliver professional loving care. Shannon strives to ensure Shannon's Pet Sitting is Chicago's Northwest Suburbs Ultimate in Compassionate & Professional Pet Care! http://www.shannonspetsitting.net
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shannon_K_Cole
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Spay and Neuter your animals - It's actually healthier for them

Spaying your female cat or dog:

	1. Helps prevent serious medical conditions, such as ovarian/uterine cancer, uterine infections, and breast cancer.
	2. Cost Effective: Less than the cost of having an emergency c-section, treating an infection, raising a litter of puppies or kittens, or treating cancer

Neutering your male cat or dog:

	1. Has a positive effect on your pet’s behavior and helps prevent serious medical conditions, such as testicular cancer.
	2. Makes pet less likely to spray urine throughout the house and mark his territory.
	3. Tends to make pet less likely to roam and less aggressive.

Spaying your pet prior to her first heat cycle (both at 4-6 months old) and neutering your pet before maturity, offers the best protection against negative behaviors and serious health issues

If you live in the phoenix area, there is a free spay and neuter clinic in phoenix az, that will spay and neuter your animals for free. There's no excuse why your pet shouldn't get the treatment they deserve. Be a great pet owner and keep your pets up to date on all their shots and make sure and keep their nails trimmed. 

http://www.emptybowlsarizona.org/spay-neuter-clinic.html