Pet Travel News

World Pet Travel News will keep you up to date on all the changes in pet transportation worldwide. By subscribing to our blog, you will have the latest information on pet travel and happenings around the world. Click on the orange button on the left so that you can stay on top of any changes coming about in the pet travel industry.

Jun 17, 2008, Fleas
The Invisible Threat

Fleas, the invisible threat. Tips on how to keep them at bay. Steps to eliminate them altogether.

Jun 17, 2008, All About Us at World Pet Travel, Who We Are and How we got Started

At World Pet Travel read more about us and how we got into the pet transportation business.

May 10, 2008, Tips to Deal With Critters

OFFICIALS OFFER TIPS TO DEAL WITH CRITTERS The interaction between humans and wildlife becomes particularly troublesome this time of year.

"It's a greater problem in springtime when children are finding baby animals," said Marty Birrell, head of wildlife rehabilitation at Stone Nature Center and Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility.

Children should be taught never to touch a wild animal, she said.

May 6, 2008, Pet Travel Specialists, how we can simplify your pets move removing the stress..

Pet Travel Specialists taking care of all of your pets' needs before during and after your relocation.

May 6, 2008, Move to United Kingdon

When you are moving from the United States to the United Kingdom there is a specific protocol to prevent quarantine in England.

First your dog/cat must be vaccinated for rabies. After a waiting period (determined by your veterinarian) you must have a blood draw done.

From the date of this blood draw, your in home quarantine will begin. You cannot enter the United Kingdom until the end of this 6 month period.

May 6, 2008, Travel agency for your pets to reduce the stress for you

Pet Travel Agency making all fo the arrangements for your pets to alleviate the stress that comes with moving.

Apr 8, 2008, Pet Travel Award Goes to....

NEW YORK—A magazine for animal-lovers is honoring New York, Continental Airlines, a hotel in Austin, Texas, and a resort in Arizona with pet travel awards.

The Big Apple was selected as the pet-friendliest destination of 2008 by Animal Fair, a lifestyle magazine for pet owners. It's one of the seven winners of this year's Cesar Five Dog Bone Awards, voted on by readers.

In the city, visitors and their pets can enjoy "pampering at the many hound-hospitable hotels" and "dining at canine-cuisine restaurants," the magazine says.

The other six winners this year were:

— Airline: Continental Airlines, whose PetSafe program allows animals too large for the passenger cabin to travel as cargo instead of baggage, ensuring their comfort and safety, the magazine says.

— Automobile: Volvo, for its large interiors, great for carrying puppy gear.

— Hotel: The Driskill Hotel, in Austin, Texas, which offers comfy pet beds, gourmet pet treats and chew toys. "There's going to be a huge stampede of vacationing pets and their owners visiting The Driskill," the magazine says.

— Product: Sherpa pet carriers, considered stylish and functional.

— Resort: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, in Scottsdale, Ariz.

— Animal shelter: Humane Society of Louisiana.

The annual Dog Bone Awards recognize the roles that pets play in people's lives and the establishments that cater to them. Winners are selectedbased upon their excellence in pet-friendly travel and product services.

Mar 24, 2008, Pouches for Pooches

FLUSHING, Mich. — Kathy Winer didn't want any run-of-the-mill pet carrier when she went looking for a convenient way to cart her pint-sized papillion around town.

So when the crates and bags sold at major retailers seemed a little too bland, she created her own customized caddy. Now she's selling it to others who want their pets to travel in style, too.

"I knew what I wasn't finding and what I wanted," said Winer, 59, who started Ki Jewells, a luxury pet product business, with her sister last summer.

The carriers are machine washable and include a pet pillow, large pockets for the owner's items and a ring sewn on the outside to attach a leash. They also have large ventilated panels and no visible seams to keep pets from chewing on the inside of the bag.

"When it comes to pets, some people don't mind spending money on them," said Jewell Eklund of Starr, S.C., Winer's sister and partner. "They're like their children."

But Winer acknowledges the totes are not for every owner or pet store.

The price of the bags can run from $175 to as high as $500 for velvet and faux fur-lined bags. Businesses can buy the bags wholesale for about $125 to $300 each.

"Our bags are pretty high-end, so it's not for every pet store," said Winer, who also owns a barber shop. She said she decided to make the bags with designer fabrics and luxury materials to avoid competition from major retailers and offer owners a stylish way to transport their pets.

The pair traveled to their first expo in November, then headed to Georgia this month to try to generate interest in the carriers. They would not disclose how many have been sold.

Pet owners can buy the bags online at kijewells.com until the end of the year, when Winer said she plans to focus on selling them directly to pet boutiques and groomers nationwide. Winer said they plan to also start marketing pet beds and jewelry.

Kim Osterwyk, owner of a Flushing hair and nail salon, said she and others liked the fabrics and the fact that they are washable.

"They're nicely made, they're washable and the fabrics are fabulous," she said.

Feb 13, 2008, Westminster Dog Show

I PICKED THE WINNER!!!

NEW YORK - Start dancin', Snoopy. You're out of the Westminster doghouse. At long last, a beagle is America's top dog. Baying and barking to his heart's delight, Uno lived up every bit to his name Tuesday night, becoming the first of his breed to win best in show at the nation's biggest canine competition.ADVERTISEMENT

"He's a people's dog, a merry little hound," handler Aaron Wilkerson said.

A sold-out crowd at Madison Square Garden that called and chanted Uno's name stood and roared when he was picked as numero uno. He got right into the act, jumping on Wilkerson and confirming his other title: noisiest in show.

Feb 6, 2008, Two Horses

Two Horses Author - Unknown

Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it.

From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse. But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing....

Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him.

This alone is amazing.

If you stand nearby and listen, you will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field.

Attached to the horse's halter is a small bell.

It lets the blind friend know where the other horse is, so he can follow.

As you stand and watch these two friends, you'll see that the horse with the bell is always checking on the blind horse, and that the blind horse will listen for the bell and then slowly walk to where the other horse is, trusting that he will not be led astray.

When the horse with the bell returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, it stops occasionally and looks back, making sure that the blind friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.

Good friends are like that ...

Feb 5, 2008, Great Poem

I lie belly-upIn the sunshine, happier thanYou ever will be.

Today I sniffedMany dog butts — I celebrateBy kissing your face.

I sound the alarm!Paperboy — come to kill us all —Look! Look! Look! Look! Look!

I sound the alarm!Garbage man — come to kill us all —Look! Look! Look! Look! Look!

I lift my leg andWhiz on each bush. Hello, Spot —Sniff this and weep.

I Hate my choke chain —Look, world, they strangle me! AckAck Ack Ack Ack Ack!

Sleeping here, my chinOn your foot — no greater bliss — well,Maybe catching cats.

Look in my eyes andDeny it. No human couldLove you as much I do.

Anonymous

Jan 30, 2008, Birds into Costa Rica

Bringing birds into Costa Rica has become difficult to impossible. There was an embargo put on the importation of birds over a year ago due to the Avian flu. This however is not the only reason for the embargo.

There is an entity called the MAG that has made it impossible to bring your pet birds into Costa Rica. Along with a whole series of tests that have to be done to show proof that they are not bringing any diseases into Costa Rica, they have come up with a new law which is barbaric in nature.

Jan 27, 2008, Memorial for K-9 Mischka:Police Dog

Dogs have been our special companions since the end of the 18th Century. Not only as faithful friends, they serve us as guide dogs, firehouse dogs, sled dogs, military dogs, police dogs and in many other capacities.

Police officers who choose to partner with a canine develop a deep, trusting and abiding relationship with their dogs. Not just a partner, these canines are considered family members and best friends by their handlers.

Russ Hess, Director of the United States Police Canine Association summarized this special relationship, "If you allow, the career of a K-9 handler will teach you many things about life, about yourself and most of all, about people. You will come away changed forever, for having a dog for a partner cannot leave you without leaving its mark."

Jan 16, 2008, When Pets Get Old

STIFF joints, not hearing or seeing quite as well, gray hair developing around the muzzle and eyes, and the beginnings of a paunch can only mean one thing: Our furry family member is getting old.

Old age brings those inevitable physical and mental changes to our pets, just as it inevitably will to each of us. And as with human medicine, veterinary medicine makes it possible for our pets to live longer and healthier lives than ever before.

Larger dogs tend to age more rapidly than smaller dogs, and a recent study classified a "senior" as older than 8 for a medium- sized dog, 5 for a large dog and 8 for an indoor cat. The speed of the aging process depends on the breed of the individual pet, its general health and the care it has received throughout its life.

Jan 3, 2008, Cats able to leap tall buildings?

In skyscraper cities like New York, cats fall from tall buildings so frequently that researchers have termed the phenomenon "high rise syndrome".

Pet Health News reported on a cat which fell from its owner's 32 story apartment. "After a two-day stay at the veterinarian, the animal returned home with only miild chest injuries and a chipped tooth."

In a five month period, Animal Medical Center in New York recorded 132 cases of cats falling from high-rise buildings. The cats fell an average of 5-1/2 stories, and most fell directly onto concrete.

"Amazingly enough though, 90 percent of the cats survive the fall!"

Jan 2, 2008, Pets and Fireworks- Not a good combination!

Firework displays and celebrations bring confusion, anxiety and fear into the lives of animals, causing many to run away from their homes in an effort to escape the frightening detonations.

Fireworks are not animal-friendly. Invariably when communities celebrate with fireworks, the local animal shelter (TTSPCA) and other animal aid organizations are overwhelmed by the "fallout", which manifests in an increased number of stray animals and reports of injuries and trauma to those animals. Dogs are brought to the shelter with paws bloody from running or torn skin from tearing through a backyard fence, or worse, crippled from being hit by a car. Animals who are re-united with their families are indeed fortunate.

Dec 21, 2007, Presents for Pets

Don't forgot to get something for your favorite feline or Fido. You still have an opportunity to indulge your precious pet in a healthy gift this year.

Consider, for instance, the organic cotton play and chew toys from Harry Barker, maker of haute canine accessories. "Cotton is one of the worst offenders when it comes to the use of pesticides and herbicides," owner Carol Perkins says. "We know it's better for the environment, and we figure it's better for the dogs, too."

Nancy Sheets, owner of Tails of the City in Snider Plaza, stocks one-of-a-kind finds, including leashes that beg pet owners to get moving with their dogs.

Dec 19, 2007,
Top 10 Holiday Gift Ideas for Pets

Here is our top 10 list of gift ideas for pets:

1. A toy or chew toy that keeps dogs and cats busy during gift opening time and keeps them from chewing on ribbons and wrapping paper.

2. Healthy treats that help avoid the temptation of feeding pets from the holiday table. Just be careful not to overdo it.

3. A new leash and collar or a gift certificate for training will help remind owners and pets to exercise. A leather or nylon collar or a Gentle Leader or Easy Walker will be necessary if the owners plan to take the pet to obedience class. Find out what works best for the dog and get an appropriate sized collar, possibly with a retractable leash.

4. Your veterinarian can give your pet permanent identification by injecting a microchip the size of a kernel of rice just under the skin at the base of the neck. All veterinarians and humane societies have scanners that can read the number on the chip, which is tied to a registry. A one-time investment with a small registration fee means that if the pet is lost or is involved in a disaster, the owner's name and address is on file. Other companies offer lost pet insurance with registration of your pet.

Dec 18, 2007, Taking your pet to a hotel - 8 tips

I once worked at a hotel that was so pet-friendly that other employees and I often brought our own dogs to work with us. We loved playing with the guests' pets behind the front desk, and our lobby often resembled a small zoo. Most hotels, however, don't make traveling with your pet such a pleasure. If you plan on bringing your pet to a hotel, I've got a few tips that can make your stay comfortable for you, the hotel staff, your fellow guests and most importantly, your pet.

Dec 12, 2007, Pet Detective Lost Pets

A pug went missing the other day.

Not just any pug, Leslie and John's pug, Maisy. A 13-pound package of buggy eyes, snarfly face and wiggly tail; an outgoing, loud-snoring, lovey-dovey 1-year-old puppy dog that worked her canine magic on her owners.

Leslie Harlan, John Buchanan and their daughter Eleanor are besotted with the little creature. They take Maisy to pug meet-ups in Boston, near their house. They dress her in miniature T-shirts with sayings on them. They take her on almost all their vacations. She has her own seatbelt.

Dec 12, 2007, How to exercise your dog in the winter

When it is icy outside, it is difficult to condition your dog and make sure that he gets plenty of exercise. Here is a cheap alternative to a "treadmill"and a safer alternative than going for a walk on the ice: "Doggy Situps". Whether your dog is a Show dog or a pet, keeping him physically active helps to contribute to his overall well being and also keeps him from becoming so bored in the winter when it is impossible to get out and take him walking.

Dec 11, 2007, Diabetes in Pets

Typical signs that your pet may have developed diabetes include increased water consumption, increased appetite, increased urination, and/or weight loss. Your veterinarian should examine your pet if any of these signs are present because diabetes is a progressive disease that can cause blindness and be life threatening if left untreated. Your veterinarian will most likely order a full chemistry profile as well as a urinalysis. The chemistry profile will look at the level of glucose in the blood. The urinalysis will look at the specific gravity (indicates how the kidneys are concentrating the urine), the presence of ketones (indicates if the body is in starvation mode), and the presence of blood cells and/or bacteria (indicates a urinary tract infection which is not uncommon in diabetics).

Dec 10, 2007, Pets as Gifts? Think Twice

A horse is dressed up to celebrate the holidays. Around the holiday season, a young child's thoughts may turn to a kitten, a puppy or even a pony for their best gift ever. We can easily be moved by our children's desires to get a pet at this time of year. Is it wise to give a pet to a child during the holidays, however? Please take these considerations into account before making that decision.

Dec 6, 2007, Traveling With Pets, at 30,000 Feet

It is costly to transport pets if you want them to be safe and comfortable, but there is no “racket” that I can see. As of October 2006, British Airways no longer allows passengers to check in their pets as excess baggage, but requires them to be shipped by a freight forwarding agent who has an account with British Airways and books the space, preferably a recognized pet travel agent, at cargo rates.

Dec 3, 2007, Warning Dog Owners

In 2004 the first case in history of raisin toxicity ever seen at MedVet. The patient was a 56 pound,, 5 year old male neutered lab mix who ate half a canister of raisins sometime between 7:30 AM and 4:30pm on a Tuesday. He started with vomiting, diarrhea and shaking about 1 AM on Wednesday but the owner didn't call emergency service until 7 AM.

Dec 2, 2007, Perfect Getaways Go to the Dogs

Organized group travel has always been a popular way for people to see places and make new friends. Now, the latest trend among pet lovers is traveling with their dogs on “pack”-aged tours. Consequently, this innovative vacation style has spawned a new breed of pet-centric travel consultant — namely the canine companion concierge.

Since the Internet has largely taken over the travel business, many former travel agents are upgrading to fit into this new niche and concentrating on sniffing out pet-friendly places to go and things to do that owners can enjoy with their animals.

And there’s no shortage of pet-friendly accommodations, stores, outings and activities. It’s simply up to the canine concierge to leash it all together.

Nov 30, 2007, Tips and precautions on traveling with your pets

Pets can be loving and convenient travel companions. Fortunately, they never complain about the length of the trip, or ask the most dreaded question, "are we there yet?" Increasingly, more and more hotels, even luxury ones, cater to pet owners and welcome them with open arms.

However, traveling with your pet requires more planning than if you were going without them, so to make traveling with your pet the true joy that it really can be, follow a few guidelines.

Nov 29, 2007, Turkey Rescue

It is one thing for the president of the United States to pardon a pair of turkeys every year and then send them off to live out their days in Florida. It's quite another to save a turkey from the Thanksgiving table by inviting it to live with you.

Two weeks ago, Karen Oeh and her husband, Mike Balistreri, who live not far from Santa Cruz, California, adopted two turkeys that had been rescued after an airline shipping misfortune in Las Vegas.

Nov 28, 2007, We are now in the U.S. and Costa Rica

We now have pet transportation locations in both the United States and Costa Rica so we can help you with your pets move to any part of the world.