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Airline Pet Deaths Increase in 2010

admin — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 04:54:01 +0000

US domestic airlines reported 39 pet deaths, 12 injuries, and 5 lost pets during 2010.

Park City, UT (PRWEB) February 11, 2011

The number of pet deaths reported by domestic US airline carriers in 2010 increased to 39, rising from 23 in 2009. The vast majority of the deaths (70%) involved brachycephalic, or short-nosed dogs such as Bulldogs and Pugs.

In addition to the 39 pets deaths in 2010, there were 12 reports of injuries and 5 pets that were lost. Most of the injuries were caused by pets trying to escape their kennels.

The biggest step travelers can take to help ensure their pet arrives safely is to makes sure the kennel is solid and to secure the doors and frame with zip ties. Several of the deaths in 2010 happened after pets escaped their kennels and were later hit by cars.

For more information and details on all the pet related airline travel incidents visit http://www.petflight.com.

A summary of all pet incidents for 2010 can be found athttp://www.petflight.com/pet_travel_incident_summaries/2010.

Source: PRWeb

It’s Your Pet’s First Christmas; Don’t Make it its Last

Dog Service Network — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 00:36:44 +0000

Five safety cautions for pet owners during the holidays and throughout the winter.

Stony Point, NY (PRWEB) December 16, 2010

Nothing is cuter than a little puppy or kitten under the Christmas tree but the holidays and winter has health consequences for pets of all ages and sizes. Plants, decorations, frigid weather, holiday guests and even holiday treats all could be dangerous to your pet’s well being. Gaia Enterprises, makers of the No. 1 pet safe ice melter Safe Paw, offers these safety cautions for pet owners during the holidays and throughout the winter.

Holiday Plants: Poinsettias, holly, mistletoe and pine trees are among the greens that deck our halls and other rooms during the holidays. While it is debatable whether ingesting these plants can lead to illness and even death in some animals (holly and mistletoe berries are poisonous), it is better to err on the preventative side by keeping these away from furry creatures. Digesting pine needles, especially dried ones, can puncture or irritate a puppy or kitten’s intestine. If you think your four legged friend has eaten a Christmas salad of sorts, monitor their reaction and call your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680.

Decorations: We enjoy looking at beautiful lights and ornaments adorning trees, mantles, doors and stairways and so do our pets; only they see many of them as play toys. Make sure all ornaments are securely fastened and if one falls off a branch quickly pick it up. A lot of Christmas decorations are small and easily swallowed and whether plastic, resin or glass these are dangerous if digested. If your dog or cat plays with electrical cords or lights, you may want to confine your pet to a safe area during the holidays or place lights and cords higher up.

Frigid Weather: If it is cold outdoors for you then it is probably cold for your pet. Limit their outdoor exposure to no more than 10 minutes at a time when temperatures drop below freezing. Avoid using rock salt or salt-based product to melt ice and snow and try something pet friendly such as Safe Paw (safepaw.com), and make sure your antifreeze is securely stored and cleaned up; pets will lap it up, and it is dangerous. Remember if left out too long your pet, especially cats, will find warm spots outdoors, including your dryer vent (put a screen on it) and your car’s engine (make sure you know where your pet is before you warm up your car and drive away).

Holiday Guests: Having family and friends for some holiday cheer is a big part of celebrating the season. The more people you add to the mix the more you put your pet in possible danger. It is best to keep your dog or cat in a safe place when you have guests for a short visit. For longer visits, even if your dog or cats love kids, it is importance to lay out the rules of the house to all guests, this includes what you do and don’t do with the pet. Puppies and kittens are not easy to handle and should not be treated like a new toy. And, don’t get distracted by company chaos and lose track of your pet’s whereabouts. You don’t want to find out that nephew Jimmy let out the puppy three hours ago and its 20 degrees.

Holiday Treats: This goes hand in hand with Holiday Guests, no one should feel they have the liberty to feed your dog or cat anything they want when they visit. By all means buy your pet a doggie or kitty holiday treat but chocolate, candy, cookies and Christmas pie are no treat for them. So when the little ones take down their stocking and pour their riches out on the floor or couch make sure a little chocolate Santa or snowball didn’t roll away.

Enjoy the season with your puppy, kitten, dog and cat and be sure to keep them safe. Far too many of them end up in the animal hospital during this time or don’t make it through the New Year because of simple negligence on the part of their owner. And if a puppy or kitten is on your child’s Christmas list, consider one from your local shelter. This would be a gift that truly captures the spirit of the season.

Source: PRWeb

PetTravel.com Announces the Launch of Their New Search Results for Pet Friendly Hotels

Dog Service Network — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 15:32:04 +0000

PetTravel.com has totally redeveloped their website database search results, making it more user friendly and easier to find discounted prices on pet friendly hotels and other pet friendly services.

Fort Lauderdale, FL (PRWEB) October 11, 2010

What is a family vacation without your pet? Now, more than ever, pets are a significant member of many families. Including them in family vacations is proving to be not only feasible but enjoyable for everyone. Today, many accommodations understand that accepting your pet not only impacts their revenue but also generates loyal customers and great recommendations. Because of this, Pet Friendly Hotels are springing up everywhere. Currently, many hotels not only accept pets, they pamper them. From pet treats at the check-in desk to pet beds, pet toys and menus in the room, to luxury pet spas, these hotels strive to give you and your furry friend the best service around.

PetTravel.com has redeveloped their website and search results enhancing hotel pictures and amenities and making it easier for site visitors to find hotels that are pet friendly. “Traveling pet owners are always looking for hotels that will welcome their best friend,” says Susan Smith, President and owner of Pet Travel. “Folks that love animals experience an immediate bond through their pets. Hotels that provide a comfortable environment for pets and their owners will see these guests return again and again.”

With a sizeable database of more than 36,500 pet friendly hotels, resorts, inns, bed and breakfast as well as pet services worldwide, PetTravel.com has a lot to offer the pet traveler. The new pet friendly search will display a complete travel description, ratings, photos, maps, and room rates of pet friendly hotels. Many of the hotels, resorts, and bed & breakfasts are offering new lower rates and advertise pets welcome always.

PetTravel.com remains the most comprehensive site on the Internet, providing pet owners with travel information, including up-to-date immigration rules and regulations for more than 190 countries worldwide. What’s more, the web site also includes airline policies regarding pets and travel articles on pet friendly airports, cities and parks, as well as tips for traveling with pet by car, plane, bus, ferry, and cruise ship.

It’s easy to find Pet Friendly Hotels on PetTravel.com. Just enter the city you are interested in taking your pet and search for accommodations, kennels, parks, and fun things to do with your pet. Not sure where you are going? Search our pages for regions all over the world that offer beauty and excitement for both you and your pet. Wherever you travel to, remember that it will always be more fulfilling to bring your best friend.

For more information, visit http://www.PetTravel.com.

Source: PRWeb

Adorable Halloween Costumes Available for Your Dog

Dog Service Network — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 04:37:49 +0000

Dazzle Dog Delight Also Offers Halloween Safety Tips

(PRWEB) September 21, 2010 – With a wide variety of costumes available for dogs, Halloween can be just as much fun for pet owners as the kids. DazzleDogDelight.com offers costumes that are both cute and safe for dogs.

Regardless of whether owners have dogs that are dressing up, Dazzle Dog Delight owner Joy Randel offers these dog-friendly Halloween safety tips.

Dogs can get anxious when trick-or-treaters are constantly ringing the doorbell. Try sitting outside with a bowl of candy.
If the door opens frequently for kids seeking candy, put the dog in another place in the house where they are safe.
Keep the dog away from jack-o-lanterns with candles inside, which can easily be knocked over and start a fire.
Keep dogs away from the candy, especially chocolate, which can be poisonous to dogs.
When buying a Halloween costume, make sure the outfit allows the dog to breathe easily and does not cover their eyes or restrict hearing.

Safe and cuddly dog costumes available onDazzleDogDelight.com include:

Dinosaur Costume: This one piece dinosaur costume is bright dinosaur green with blue dots and tail fins. Velcro fasteners make for easy on and off.

Lobster Costume: This lobster costume is a great catch! It includes lobster paws, antennae, and lobster bug-eyes.

Pumpkin Costume: This super soft costume will have friends howling with laughter this Halloween. The cap has a velcro strap for a secure fit.

Devil Costume: This is a great way to show a dog’s devilish side. The costume includes a red hood with horns.

About DazzleDogDelight.com
DazzleDogDelight.com is devoted to passionate dog owners who are serious about style and substance. With a selection of hundreds of unique luxury items, DazzleDogDelight.com offers gifts for the dog who has everything. Founded by a dog lover who traded in a 25-year technology career, Dazzle Dog Delight donates five percent of its profits to the SCPA.

Source: PR Web

Fall 2010 – Free Nights, Free Food, Free Activities And Free Pet Stay At A Downtown San Diego Luxury Hotel, Manchester Grand Hyatt

Dog Service Network — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 22:03:20 +0000

Save over 33% when staying three nights with the “Sunshine on Sale” package at the San Diego California hotel, where 72 degrees is the average high September-December.

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) September 11, 2010 - On the Gaslamp Quarter’s waterfront, a combination of family fun, adult nightlife and considerable savings await families at the scenic Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego. With the downtown San Diego luxury hotel’s “Sunshine on Sale” package, every third night the hotel room is free, everyday two kids eat free and enjoy free outdoor recreation, free indoor board games, and the family pet stays free (usually $30 per day) too. It is available between September 5 and December 31, 2010.

Reservations for the “Sunshine on Sale” rate must be made in advance at (800) 233-1234 or visitwww.SunshineOnSale.com . For up to two adults and two children, “Sunshine on Sale” rates are from $149 per night and are based on availability.

Free kid’s meals are served everyday to two kids 12 and under when one regular meal is purchased in the resort’s Lael’s restaurant or in Sally’s Seafood on the Water restaurant.

Award-winning downtown dining and nightlife options at the San Diego California hotel include the award-winning Sally’s Seafood on the Water, the Top of the Hyatt sky-lounge and its unequaled sunset views over the Pacific Ocean, with San Diego Bay and Coronado in the foreground, and Redfield’s Sports Bar, which offers darts and billiards along with food and drink. The Hyatt is only a few-blocks’ stroll from the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, site of Petco Park and ample shopping and nightlife.

Views and comfortable elegance define the hotel’s 1,625 guest rooms, each a spacious 340-square feet. Every guest room has at least partial water or city views and most offer spectacular water views, including panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean. Guests can upgrade to a Deluxe Bay View Room, a corner room providing panoramic views of San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean from floor to ceiling windows on two walls. The stylish decor of all these accommodations includes windows that open to capture sea breezes and either one king or two double Grand Beds fitted with luxurious linens and down duvets over pillow-top mattresses and a generous work area.

About Manchester Grand Hyatt
Located on the Gaslamp Quarter’s waterfront, the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego overlooks San Diego Bay and many rooms offer spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean too. This urban resort defines San Diego’s skyline and is comprised of two stylish towers, the 33-story Seaport Tower and the 40-story Harbor Tower, the latter of which is 497 feet tall, making it the tallest building on the west coast waterfront. Connecting the two towers is a four-story building that boasts a rooftop pool with a 25,000 square foot deck. The stylish Hyatt includes 95 one-and-two-bedroom suites, Kin Spa with full-service salon with an adults-only pool at adjacent Kin Oasis, tennis courts, bay-view pool and deck, a fitness center and several award-winning restaurants and lounges -most all overlooking the bay. It is adjacent to Seaport Village, near Horton Plaza and convenient to San Diego International Airport, San Diego Zoo and Sea World. For more information, call 619-232-1234 and visitwww.ManchesterGrandHyattSanDiego.com . The hotel’s latest news, special offers and information on upcoming events is also found on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: PR Web

FIDO Friendly Magazine Announces its Top 10 Fido-friendly Destinations for Autumn Leaf-Peeping in the United States

Dog Service Network — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 15:14:04 +0000

Fall vacations where you can enjoy the changing of the leaves with your dog.

Marsing, ID (PRWEB) August 2, 2010 – FIDO Friendly magazine (http://www.fidofriendly.com) presents its Top 10 Destinations to enjoy the changing of the leaves with Fido.

Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania
Known to many as the “honeymoon capital of the world,” Pennsylvania is home to 127 tree varieties, so early fall reveals a glorious blanket of ambers, purples, oranges and more. Pack a picnic and take Fido to the Delaware River area where eagles soar, a rural countryside graces the landscape and sightseeing is at its most spectacular finest. State parks and wineries galore are scattered throughout this section of the state. Check out www.800poconos.com/ for more things to do while the leaves change color.

Lake Champlain, Vermont
Complete with its own seven-day fall foliage calendar, www.scenesofvermont.com/, Lake Champlain is one of North America’s best places to fish. Instead of walking or riding through fall foliage, the waters of the lake invite a boat ride amidst historic lighthouses and forests of fall foliage. The Fido-friendly resort of Basin Harbor Club and Resort is located right on the lake. While in Vermont, check out Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury. Situated on this glorious land is 400 acres of nature, leaves and the famous Dog Chapel.

Blue Ridge Parkway
Spanning 469 miles and connecting the Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks, this scenic drive is riddled with nature areas, trails and plenty of overlooks to pit-stop and take in nature’s beauty. Explore your inner hiker and take Fido to Grandfather Mountain along the parkway in Linville, North Carolina. Of special interest is Blowing Rock in the town of the same name. A 4,000-foot cliff overhanging a river gorge, check it out at www.theblowingrock.com/.

Shenandoah Valley and Washington D.C.
Spend some time exploring Washington D.C. with Fido (including hiking Arlington National Cemetery together) and then head over to the nearby Virginian Shenandoah Valley. Located 90 miles west of the Capital Beltway, Shenandoah National Park features over 500 miles of trails and close to 200,000 acres of land. Take the scenic route and let Fido sniff the aromatic pleasures gracing the grounds along Skyline Drive. This 100+ mile road meanders throughout the length of Shenandoah National Park.

Acadia National Park in Mount Desert, Maine
In 1947, a fire destroyed many spruce-fir trees in this historic park and left behind pockets of space for the rich colors of fall to showcase themselves. Considered to be one of the best views in the state of Maine, the top of Cadillac Mountain at 1,532 feet is the highest point along the north Atlantic seaboard. Fido is welcome to color gaze with you. The “peak” season is generally considered to be mid-October but this varies. Certain lakes and trails prohibit Fido but the majority of Acadia welcomes the canine variety.

Aspen, Colorado
Though images of ski slopes and powder hounds, Aspen is not only king of snow. Rich yellow-gold leaves glisten on the aspen trees at their peak every fall. The John Denver Sanctuary is small yet rich in beauty and the nature Denver sang about in so many of his songs. Behold the quaking aspen tree of North America while visiting Denver. Listen closely when autumn’s breeze shakes the leaves and they “quake” and shimmer in the wind. Backpack through San Isabel National Forest where over a million acres of mountains are sure to take both yours and Fido’s breath away.

Wisconsin’s Great River Road
Located in the western region of the state, this area winds 250 miles along the shores of the Mississippi river. Quaint towns pepper themselves along the route for plenty of sightseeing, leaf peeping and Fido pit stops. Steamboats including the Delta Queen may pass by, as visitors are welcome to 50 local parks and beaches. The road generally parallels the river but where it does sway from it, vistas and spectacular farmlands are abundant. Learn more and check the fall color forecast at www.travelwisconsin.com/fallcolor_report.aspx.

Catskill Mountains of New York
Located in New York’s Hudson Valley and within 100 miles north of the city, nestled away is this beautiful mountainous region harboring vibrancy and golds galore. During the last two weeks of September and up until mid-October Fido is sure to “start spreading the news” in this historic region. Harvest festivals, farmers markets, orchard picking and craft fairs line the charming towns that surround the Catskills. Often called “America’s First Wilderness,” there’s enough here to do to make a complete week’s vacation out of it. There is a unique leaf identification and peak peeping map here: http://nylovesu.co.uk/index.cfm?PID=154136.

Washington County, Maine
Looking to the trees and wishing to escape the tourists? Head over to Washington County for a tranquil natural fortitude. Regionally, the birch, oak, aspen, maple, and ash trees produce a vibrant array of burnt oranges and fiery reds. Also famous for being the world’s largest blueberry producer, take home a few quarts and sample the pies and pancakes while visiting. This area is generally the first place the sun rises each morning on US soil. Washington County is comprised of 85 percent woodlands, 8 percent lakes and 4 percent bogs, so one can imagine the bountiful beauty gracing the landscape in the autumn months.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
Yee haw meets dog paw and Fido’s ready to hit fall trail. Nature’s spectacle displays her glory at McKittrick Canyon, one of the most prized locations in the entire state. Enchanting in this region are the leaves plus the cacti. Rock enthusiasts rejoice at Permian Reef. Trees of the region include Alligator Juniper, Ponderosa Pine and Velvet Ash. Guadalupe Peak is the highest point in all of Texas at 8,749 feet. For those less inclined to high the 80 miles of trails, a 4×4 road runs through the park for scenic driving.

For more details visit http://www.fidofriendly.com. FIDO Friendly magazine was founded in 2001 as the Travel & Lifestyle magazine for you and your dog. Each bimonthly issue can be found at Borders, Barnes & Noble, Hastings and Fido-friendly hotels nationwide. Now in its 10th year, each issue includes hotel and destination reviews, health and wellness topics, dog training advice and the latest fashion trends.

Press Contact:
Susan Sims FIDO Friendly, Inc. 208-896-6011

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Source: PR Web

FIDO Friendly Magazine Announces its Top 10 Fido-friendly Beaches in the United States

Dog Service Network — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:47:45 +0000

FIDO Friendly magazine presents its Top 10 Sizzling Summertime FIDO-Friendly beaches. The list was compiled of those beaches that have little or no leash restrictions.

Marsing, ID (PRWEB) June 8, 2010 — FIDO Friendly magazine (http://www.fidofriendly.com) presents its Top 10 Sizzling Summertime FIDO-Friendly beaches. The list was compiled of those beaches that have little or no leash restrictions.

A game of fetch is made more fun with the addition of new friends found at the beach.

Huntington Beach Dog Beach, Huntington Beach, California – There are beaches and then there are those with Dog in their name, imploring us to wag our tails in the direction of Huntington Beach Dog Beach. Aptly located about 10 miles from Disneyland, this beach is an amusement park of sorts for Fido. Leash-less and living large is how Fido will feel sinking his paws into the sand. Doggie alfresco diners abound in the area, so Fido and his guardian can cool down after a hot day of surf and sand. http://www.dogbeach.org/

Carmel City Beach, Carmel-by-the Sea, California – Wish we all could be California dogs might just ring true when visiting this very Fido-friendly beach. Leave preconceived notions and leashes in the car because Fido is free to frolic off lead under voice control. So Fido friendly is this beach area that they have their own newspaper, Doggie Gazette. Nearby Carmel Fountain is for dogs only and many stores along Ocean Avenue allow Fido to shop inside with his guardian. . http://www.doggiegazette.com/

Cape San Blas beaches, Florida Panhandle/Gulf County: Some areas like Fido on their beaches, but the sandy coastline of Cape San Blas says they LOVE dogs on their beaches! Nearby pet-friendly rentals add to the convenience and hospitality extended to canine travelers. Fido is allowed to take in the ocean air ANY time, as there are no set “dog” hours. Several restaurants in the Apalachicola area welcome Fido, so hit the surf and refuel on the turf. http://www.thecapeescape.com/Pets.html

Fort DeSoto Dog Beach, Fort DeSoto, Florida: An entire section of this Fido-friendly beach is totally leash-free! In addition to having fun in the beach sun, Fido is welcome to visit Paw Playground and play to his heart’s content. Wash sandy paws and cool Fido off with a frolic in the water or borrow the hose available on site. “Fido’s dream beach come true,” “family and Fido-friendly to the max” and “clean and serene” are all comments beachgoers have shared about this tail-waggin’ find! http://www.fortdesoto.com/pawplayground.php

Dog Beach, Ocean Beach, California – Year round off lead: four words to delight any Fido-friendly beachgoers ears. This rings true at the popular Dog Beach in beautiful Ocean Beach. This section of beach is located at the north end for canines to let loose and lap it up. Ocean Beach is a small community located a few miles northwest of San Diego. Off-leash is a dog’s Disneyland, and with 38 acres to explore, this beach has been open to Fido since 1972. Keep the good karma swimming and please pick up after your pet. http://www.sandiego.gov/lifeguards/beaches/ob.shtml

Coronado Dog Beach – Coronado, California: Draw paw circles in the sand at this beachy find near the Naval Air Station. Fido is welcome to channel his inner surfer, as Coronado Dog Beach is leash-less. Restrooms for humans on premises and a water spigot at the entrance to wash sandy paws. The beach is far enough from the road to feel safe and close enough to the ocean to catch a wave. The Loews Coronado Bay Resort Surf Dog competition is held nearby as Fido takes to the water to surf. Check it out at: http://loewssurfdog.blogspot.com/

Dog Beach, Bonita Beach Road – Lee County, Florida: Bring soda for your thirst and expect SOODA when you arrive. SOODA is Save Our Off-Leash Dog Area, and is a group of local volunteers who maintain this beach. Beach size varies according to tide and time. Located in the coastal tideland area of south Lee County, this leash-less beach is the perfect place to leave paw prints in the sand. The county’s honor system trusts that Fido will be under guardian command, and as always bring waste bags. http://www.flsooda.org/

Town of Duck Beaches, North Carolina – Beaches aren’t public access, so for those traveling with Fido, you’re in for unleashed luck in Duck! Dogs are permitted to play on the town’s beach under voice control of their watchful guardian. Fido is allowed off lead on Duck’s beach year-round. Due to their lack of public access, the beaches tend to be less crowded and more intimate. In fact, the Travel Channel’s annual America’s Best Beaches List ranks Duck’s beach amongst the highest. With its miles of clean beaches and surrounding shops and activities, not only is this a Fido-friendly beach town but a great vacation getaway. www.townofduck.com/pets.htm

Susan Kimmelman Off-Leash Dog Beach (Montrose Dog Beach) – Chicago, Illinois: Dogs are welcome to channel their inner puppy and head for sandy beaches from the waves of Montrose Dog Beach. Ensconced in shallow waters for the smaller Fido ‘guppies’ and rougher waters for the braver pooches, this beach has something for everyone in Fido’s family. Leave the leash at home (or at least in the car) and be sure to pay your $5 fee for a dog beach tag. If visiting Chicago, you’ll want to make a trip to this fun-in-the-sun getaway for the canine member of your entourage. http://www.mondog.org/wp/?page_id=19

Del Mar Dog Beach, Del Mar, California – also known as North Beach. From 29th Street to the Solana Beach border, leashed dogs are permitted from June 15th through Labor Day. From Labor Day through June 14th, Fido is welcomed to explore the beach leash-free under guardian voice command. Looking to mingle with like-minded Fido folk and their furry friends? Del Mar Dog Beach is a very social and easygoing, clean beach where dogs can mingle together amidst the ocean’s surf. Pay attention to high tide periods so you can sink paws into sand and not rocks. http://www.delmar.ca.us/visitors/Pages/DogBeach.aspx

Source: PR Web

Navigating the Challenges of Summer Pet Travel

Dog Service Network — Sat, 29 May 2010 02:16:21 +0000

PETCO Partners with Radio Personality, Tracie Hotchner, to Simplify Summer Pet Travel

San Diego (Vocus/PRWEB ) May 28, 2010 — Summer is just around the corner, school is almost out, the weather is heating up and bags are being packed. Many Americans will soon head out on vacation and bring along their four-legged friend. According to the Travel Industry Association of America, an estimated 29.1 million Americans have traveled with a pet in the past three years. However, few consider the many safety and regulation issues associated with pet travel until it’s too late. PETCO and pet expert Tracie Hotchner, host of NPR’s Gracie-Award® winning show “Dog Talk”® and “Cat Chat”® on the Martha Stewart channel of SiriusXM satellite radio, have teamed up to educate vacationers on the many challenges associated with pet travel and how to better prepare yourself and your furry friend.

CHALLENGE #1: Ensuring Your Establishment is Pet-Friendly
SOLUTION: You may be surprised to learn that finding a pet-friendly hotel is easier than ever if you know where to look. The Internet is a great place to start for the most up-to-date and timely information. There are also many websites that have comprehensive lists of pet-friendly hotels and campgrounds. Stop by an AAA office to pick up their localized pet guide. Extra tip: when staying in your home-away-from-home, feed pets on the tile bathroom floor to help with hotel cleanup and always tip the maid for a job well done.

CHALLENGE #2: Knowing What to Pack for Your Pet
SOLUTION: Packing for a pet is much like packing for a child — you must prepare for every occasion. Make sure your dog has a collar listing your mobile number not your home number. Microchips are another surefire way to ensure a pet’s safe return if lost. Prepare your pets’ normal food in plastic bags, as switching their diet can result in stomach upset. For those packing lightly, freeze dried meals are available and easy to pack such as Grandma Lucy’s raw dehydrated premium foods sold in the natural section of PETCO. Always pack towels to cover the back seat of your car or rental car, as well as plastic bags to pick up after your pet regardless of local laws. Water is also critical, so bring portable water bowls and plenty of water. You can find PETCO brand foldable bowls at your nearest location. Simplify things by creating a pet travel kit with food, treats, favorite toys, any medicines and health documents.

CHALLENGE #3: Inconsistent & Confusing Pet Travel Airline Regulations
SOLUTION: There are so many things to consider when traveling by air and information is often confusing and ever-changing. Tracie says, “beginning your journey with a pre-approved pet carrier always helps to ensure your airline travel runs smooth.” PETCO and Sherpa have partnered with American Airlines to create the ”Guaranteed on Board” program, which includes universally approved pet carriers that come with all the necessary information for airline pet travel. To avoid confusion at the airport, plan ahead by making a reservation for your pet. Most airlines only allow a small number of animals in the cargo area and an even smaller number of animals inside the cabin. If your pet is traveling in the cabin with you, they must fit comfortably under your seat in a pre-approved carrier and not be taken out for the duration of the flight. Additionally, make sure you have your pets’ health certificate, pet passport for international travel, and proof of age. Always check with your individual airline before taking off so you have the most up-to-date information.

CHALLENGE #4: Dealing with a Nervous Animal
SOLUTION: Just like humans, pets become anxious when put in new situations. “Before traveling, get your pet acquainted with their carrier or take them in the car to a place other than the vet,” Tracie suggests. The more familiar your animal is with their surroundings, the more at ease they will be. Most vets agree that you should not give your pet a tranquilizer before they fly. Your pet is more likely to deal better with their anxiety without tranquilizers. Additionally, less food in the animal’s system is less likely to upset his/her digestive track making the animal feel more at ease.

CHALLENGE #5: Ensuring Pet Safety
SOLUTION: A recent survey from petrelocation.com stated that 80 percent of those traveling with their pet say the safety of their pet is the most important thing when planning their travel arrangements. While driving in your car, Tracie suggests a dog seatbelt or a barrier. ”’These products can be found in a major pet store like PETCO, and can help keep your animal contained and comfortable in the car.” Try PETCO’s adjustable auto safety vest harness. Additionally, make sure not to leave your pet in the car for an extended time. Even leaving your pet in the car for a short amount of time on a hot day can be lethal. When traveling by air, Tracie suggests ”not letting your pet travel in the cargo area of a plane unless necessary.” Although the cargo area is pressurized, its temperature often relates to the temperature outside the aircraft, which can be very hot or very cold.

About PETCO
PETCO is a privately held specialty retailer that provides products, services and advice that make it easier for our customers to be great pet parents. We operate more than 1,000 stores in 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as a leading pet products and information destination at www.petco.com. Our nonprofit organization, The PETCO Foundation, has raised more than $60 million since its inception in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals. In conjunction with the Foundation, we work with and support about 6,200 local animal welfare groups across the country to help find homes for more than 200,000 adoptable animals every year.

About Tracie Hotchner
Tracie brought the keen eye of her background as an investigative reporter to every aspect of living with a dog, resulting in THE DOG BIBLE: Everything Your Dog Wants You to Know. Tracie has established herself as a foremost pet wellness advocate in the United States and her encyclopedic book covers everything from medical issues to training, nutrition and problem solving. Tracie did it again for cat lovers with the all-encompassing THE CAT BIBLE: Everything Your Cat Expects You to Know. Tracie also has a “mini-empire” of weekly live radio programs, all of them dealing with dog and cat wellness issues. She is the host of both CAT CHAT® that airs Wednesday nights on the Martha Stewart channel of SiriusXM satellite radio and her first show, DOG TALK® on NPR station WLIU 88.3 FM from Southampton New York won a prestigious Gracie Award in 2010 for Outstanding Host of an Entertainment/Information show on public radio.

Source: PR Web

Becker Animal Hospital and Pet Resort Opens in San Antonio

Dog Service Network — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:33:34 +0000

Dr. Michael Becker, DVM, opens new 24-hour 22,000-sq. ft. veterinary clinic and pet resort

San Antonio, TX (Vocus/PRWEB ) January 26, 2010 — Michael Becker, DVM, founder of Becker Animal Hospital—a full-service veterinary clinic—has opened a new 22,000-sq. ft. veterinary clinic and pet resort in San Antonio at 6515 IH-10 West, near the IH-10 and Loop 410 interchange.

Named the “Becker Animal Hospital and Pet Resort,” the new facility is a full-service, state-of-the-art, 24-hour veterinary hospital and luxurious pet resort offering luxury suite boarding, indoor-outdoor kennel boarding and standard cage boarding, as well as doggie day care and other ancillary pet services.

Dr. Becker and his wife Josie traveled to several facilities in California and other states before finalizing the accommodations he offers at his facility. The new facility is 22,000 sq. ft. in size, with the 18,000 sq. ft. hospital and pet resort comprising the base of the main building; 2,000 sq. ft. of overnight housing and meeting space upstairs; and a 2,000-square-foot detached building housing a big dog bath and dip room, a cremation and freezer room.

Pet Resort:

Dedicated food prep room, storage
A second bath and dip ward with 30 cages
32 indoor/outdoor runs
36 indoor only runs
53 luxury suites complete with web cams—some with windows to the outside
Dedicated feline boarding room with a play area that can house 60 or more cats
Indoor 900 sq. ft. doggie day care room floor to ceiling glass for public viewing
Outside day care area, complete with an in-ground swimming pool
16 outdoor runs for exercise
Big dog bath/dip room with 30 cages
Covered outdoor staff break area on the east end of this building
Two dog-walking areas
Large enclosed outdoor exam area, for any pet that does better outside
10 separate make-ready kennels with water and electric dryers to get pets ready to leave

Hospital:

Dedicated dental alcove with a surgery table, radiograph and ultrasound room, staff break room, an associate doctors office, and a storage room
Prep and surgical rooms
Two separated treatment areas with a total of seven work tables
Dedicated prep room with a pass-through cabinet to surgery
Surgery is separated into two separate suites
Liquid oxygen system with ceiling drop oxygen and scavenge
Multiple treatment cages in both treatment rooms with a dedicated oxygen cage system
Isolation room with 10 cages and two runs
Bath dip room with 30 cages
Laundry room

Visiting Veterinarian Motel (second floor):

Four “motel” rooms with a simple kitchen and full bath
Central conference room
Small deck outside with a view of downtown San Antonio
Full laundry system and a freezer

Lobby and Offices:

A dedicated retail food room
60’ of secure product shelf space behind the front desk
Three flat screen TVs in the lobby for veterinary information
Administration room for private client consultations
Lab equipment, a business office, training room, private office space, custodial space and storage

While most veterinary clinics are modeled after human clinics with rigid schedules and appointments, the Becker Animal Hospital has a “no appointment necessary” policy that is available seven days a week, with no additional charges for evenings (the practice is open 24 hours) and weekends. Customers welcome the flexibility of not having to rearrange work schedules to accommodate their pet’s health and well-being.

“The Becker Animal Hospital will continue to grow with the principals upon which it was created on: service to our human and, especially, our animal clients,” says Michael Becker, DVM, founder, owner and chief veterinarian, Becker Animal Hospital. “Our goal is to serve healthy and properly treated pets with satisfied owners satisfied beyond their expectations.”

The full-service veterinary hospital that treats dogs, cats, exotics (hamsters, gerbils, rats, mice, rabbits, guinea pigs), birds and ferrets offers the following services:

Comprehensive medical care
Surgical services
Dental services
Bathing
Grooming
Flea dipping
Rabies observation
Parvo virus treatments
Infectious disease treatment
Trauma treatment
Boarding (dogs, cats and birds)
In-house blood work lab
X-ray radiographs with direct digital imaging
ECG diagnostic
Full vaccination protocol for dogs and cats
Microchip IDs

Dr. Becker is originally from St. Louis and attended the University of Missouri, at Columbia, Mo. from 1975 to 1983 where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture and his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Becker worked more than two years in Las Vegas, Nevada before establishing his practice and opening the original Becker Animal Hospital in San Antonio in 1986.

The Veterinarian for the City of Balcones Heights, he regularly attends the Western States Vet Conference to further his veterinary skills and various business classes in the areas of administration and management.

The Becker Animal Hospital staff is fully bilingual. For more information on the Becker Animal Hospital and Pet Resort visit the websitewww.beckeranimalhospital.com, call 210-732-5148.

Source: PRWeb

10 Simple Steps to Reduce Your Pet’s Carbon Pawprint

Dog Service Network — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:27:46 +0000

PETCO has partnered exclusively with green social networking company, Greenwala.com, and renowned pet expert and radio personality, Tracie Hotchner, to help reduce your pet’s environmental impact.

San Diego (Vocus/PRWEB ) April 16, 2010 — From the 8 billion pounds of kitty litter heading to landfills each year to the effects of a pet’s carnivorous diet, pet parents should be aware of the substantial carbon footprint left by pets. To address this important matter, PETCO has developed an exclusive partnership with Greenwala.com, the leading online resource empowering people to go “green”. With the help of both Greenwala.com and Tracie Hotchner, author and host of NPR’s Gracie-Award winning show, “Cat Chat” on Sirius Radio, PETCO has compiled a list of simple ways to reduce the environmental impact of pets.

“When you consider the carbon pawprint of your pet, it also makes you think about some of the ways our own actions are affecting the environment,” said Hotchner. “I encourage pet parents to take this opportunity to make changes in their behaviors and purchases to help take all of us into a new era of environmental responsibility.”

10 Steps to Reduce Your Pet’s Carbon Pawprint:

1) Go Bio-degradable and Sustainable to Clean up Poop — Who wants to populate the landfill will plastic bags full of dog do-do? And are you aware that cat-litter made from clay is mined much like coal? Use bio-degradable poop bags when walking your dog and aneco-friendly cat-litter in the kitty box. Look for PETCO’s Natural line of litters made of corn, paper and pine pellets.

2) Think Adoption First — The HSUS estimates that animal shelters care for 6-8 million dogs and cats every year in the United States, of whom approximately 3-4 million are euthanized. Find the perfect addition to your family at one of PETCO’s monthly in-store national adoption events where local shelters match pets in need with parents.

3) Spay or Neuter Your Pet — Over 70K puppies and kittens are born every day. We are already at crisis mode in terms of homeless and abandoned animals. Thanks to the economy, this has only gotten worse. Help decrease the number of homeless animals in the United States by spaying or neutering your animals. Not only does it help control animal over-population and homelessness, but it also has been demonstrated to provide long-term health and behavioral benefits for pets.

4) Use Natural and Organic Pet Food — Your pets should eat the same quality foods you do. Natural, organic and holistic pet foods use proteins that are raised in sustainable, humane ways and do not contain hormones. They are preserved with natural vitamins. In addition, these healthy foods create less waste for you to clean up at the dog park. Look for the labels and see that they are full of vitamins, and nutrients and free of pesticides, and any attempt to bio-engineer the product. Check out the following high-quality brands; Halo, Blue Buffalo, and Wellness — all available at PETCO in their ‘Healthy Living Naturally’ sections.

5) Use Organic Grooming and Cleaning Products — Make cleaning product choices that are as safe for the planet as they are for you and your pets and children. Many pet shampoos and cleaning supplies use plant-based cleansers and natural bio-cultures to remove pet stains and odors. These products are completely non-toxic for pets and people, including natural flea removers. Look for Simple Solution Natural Cleaners and Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Totally Natural Pet Shampoo both available at PETCO stores and www.PETCO.com.

6) Use Organic and Sustainable Pet Accessories (Bedding, Collars and Leashes) — We humans spend a third of life sleeping. Well so do most dogs. We obviously want to be comfortable so look for organic cotton and sustainable bedding to help give your dog a sound sleep. While you are at it, you can also look to get collars, leashes and PET bottles made from recycled materials or sustainable fibers without herbicides or pesticide as well. Bison branded collars and leads are made from recycled plastic bottles from landfills that are melted and spun into fibers that are woven into strong material. PETCO Naturals line of cat feeding bowls have been produced from fully compostable corn and their dog and cat toys are made with safe, natural vegetable dyes and non-toxic organic materials.

7) Avoid Pet Toys with Harmful Toxins Such as Lead — When looking for pet toys do the same thing that you would do for your kids and that’s to read the label and avoid toys with lead in them. Lead in products are equally as harmful for pets as they are for humans. In fact, the best thing to do is to get creative and create toys from recycled items that you have laying around the house.

Be Active and Live a Healthy Lifestyle — Get out and get active. Not only is this a great tip for humans, but it is absolutely the best thing to do for your dog. Don’t have a dog, then let your cat run around outside but make sure there is a cat enclosure. In fact, if you want to get out with your dog, go to a dog park to play with other dogs because usually the vegetation around the park can handle your dog jumping around looking for the ball that you threw a little too hard. However, when in doubt always leash your dog, since accidents can happen.

9) Planet-Friendly Manufacturing — Choosing natural and organic based products is important. However, it’s just as important to support brands that incorporate sustainability into their everyday business practices such as packaging, ingredient sourcing and recycling. Most companies proudly share their eco-conscious efforts on their websites where you can easily find it.

10) Be Committed to Your Pet — The worse thing a pet owner could do is not be committed to them once they own one. Owning a pet is a big responsibility and not just to have fun or because it is the latest trend/fad or it was in the latest pet movie. Yes pets are fun for all ages, but they need care like a child and if you are committed to your pet it will be easier for you to also implement the other tips above.

About Greenwala Inc.
A green social networking and media company, Greenwala is an online community made of people who help others live a greener lifestyle by sharing their knowledge, green experiences and actions with friends, family and the world. Greenwala members can read expert articles, post comments and blogs, enter and vote on socially conscious contests, join or start groups, find new friends and earn points that benefit socially responsible non-profits. Learn more at www.greenwala.com. Follow company activities on Twitter at Twitter (http://twitter.com/greenwala and http://twitter.com/chiefwala) or on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/greenwala).

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