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
http://EzineArticles.com/?Traveling-With-Your-Pet&id=201165

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
http://EzineArticles.com/?Free-Pet-Sitting:-Caution!-Whats-A-Value-Worth-for-Your-Pets-Care?&id=7607954