Traveling with Your Pet During the Holidays It is hard to believe that it is already the holiday season.   Many of us with pets wouldn't think of spending the holidays without them. If your Furry Traveler is like mine, you are probably planning a road trip. The following tips and information will help your trip be a successful one. Careful planning can make your trip go more smoothly, whatever your mode of transportation.   If you are not staying with family or friends, more and more hotels now allow pets. Be sure to make your reservations well in advance as they can fill up quickly. HOTELS: 5-Star hotels such as Trump Hotels, Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton often include extra luxuries for your dog, including special bedding and spa treatments.   If 5-Stars don't fit in your budget, you will still want a nice, clean room. There are many hotel chains to choose from, most offer Rewards Memberships so you can accumulate points and get a free night once in a while. My personal favorite is LaQuinta, www.LQ.com. Many are brand new hotels or newly remodeled with large rooms and all have free internet and even breakfast! There are no extra pet fees (unless there are damages, of course). Their website allows you to check for hotels along your driving route, which helps you decide what city to stop in if your trip takes you longer than one day to reach your final destination. Many of the Intercontinental Hotels (www.ihg.com) also allow pets but you may have to pay a pet fee.  WEATHER: Here is something to think about if you are changing climates. On a recent trip up north, we found it pretty chilly and my Florida dog ended up needing to wear a coat – good thing I was there selling dog products! If your dog has sensitive paws and is not used to the cold, boots might be appreciated. Just because they have fur coats, doesn't mean they will always be warm enough. TRAVELING BY CAR:   Buckling up is an important safety precaution for pets. Many states and provinces now require that pets be restrained while in a moving vehicle and restraints have several advantages. They help protect pets in case of a collision and they keep pets from running loose and distracting the driver. They also keep pets from escaping the car through an open window or door.   Cats and smaller dogs are often most comfortable in pet carriers and crates. Carriers give many animals a sense of security and familiar surroundings and can be secured to the car seat with a seat belt or a specially designed carrier restraint (like a child's seat).   There are also pet restraints available that can be used without carriers, including harnesses, seat belt attachments, specially designed pet car seats, as well as vehicle barriers, and restraint systems.   Absolutely do not leave your pet in the car unattended. Even with windows cracked, and even on a seemingly nice day, temperatures in a car can quickly escalate and kill your pet. If you will have to leave the pet, the pet shouldn't have come along for that trip.   Keep your pet hydrated. On a trip, it's tempting to skimp on the food and water to avoid pit stops. While you do want to cut back a little, just for your pet's comfort while on the go, be sure your pet gets enough to drink and eat. The To Go Bowl allows your pet to drink while traveling and the removable cup can store dog treats for your rest breaks. If you are driving with a pet, plan for plenty of stops to walk you pet, and give the pet food and water.   Your dog should always wear a collar with an ID tag that includes your cell phone number so you can easily be contacted if needed.  Allowing your pet to have his own travel bag will help you keep things organized. Some things to remember in the bag are an extra leash, medications, Hairbrush, food, bowls.   There are so many other great travel products available now than there were just a few years ago. You will be amazed how much easier traveling is when you use some of them. Websites such as www.FurryTravelers.com specialize in pet travel products and are a great one-stop shopping place for your pet travel supplies.   Pet Travel Statistics from Bark Buckle UP:   In an accident, an unrestrained animal is dangerous to the human passengers as well. Even in an accident of only 30 mph, a 15-pound child can cause an impact of more than 675 pounds. A 60-pound dog can cause an impact of 2,700 pounds, slamming into a car seat, a windshield, or another passenger. Even if the animal survives, it can impede the progress of rescue workers for whom every moment is precious.   Unrestrained pets can also distract the driver, and cause an accident. Even pets that are normally well behaved could be frightened by something unusual and dive for the driver's feet or lap. Following a car accident, an unrestrained pet could escape and be hit by another vehicle or cause another collision. A frightened dog may attack strangers who are trying to help.   Bark Buckle UP utilized the Travel Safety Evaluation Booklet used by police agencies nationwide and concluded that 98% of pets do not travel properly restrained, which means that only 2% of pets travel safe in vehicles. Bark Buckle UP, the pet safety national awareness program, works with Police and Fire Chiefs nationwide to communicate to the public the necessities of, "Why Buckle" for your pets safety, passengers, driver and our first responders.   Be one of the 2% that buckles up your pet!  

After a long winter, it is finally time for warmer weather and getting outdoors with your Furry Traveler!  Here is our list of this year's top 10 pet supply items for spring:   1) Dog Safety Harnesses  Whether used to keep hyper dogs from interfering with the driver, risking the safety of the vehicle's passengers, or to secure a dog for its own protection, dog harnesses are perfect for transporting pets on the road. We offer several harnesses with differing sizes, fit, and durability, so you can select the right harness for your furry friend.     2) Snoozer Sporty Bike Basket  The Snoozer Sporty is a doggy bike carrier with durable microfiber, removable inner padding, and a comfortable chin rest for a pooch to enjoy a relaxing bike ride as much as its owner. With two side pockets for water bottles and a removable rain cover, this item is perfect for a spring cruise in the park, be it rain or shine.     3) Kurgo Winga™  The Kurgo Winga is an ingenious outdoor toy that allows owners to engage with their pet during playtime. With a durable rubber disc that can be launched up to 200 feet in the air, this is the perfect item for energetic pups to play with alongside their owners at the park on a sunny afternoon.     4) Car Seat Covers  With more time for muddy adventures and trips to the closest lake, river, or beach, a seat cover or cargo cover is a must!  These items are invaluable for springtime activities by providing car seats with protection from muddy paws, dog hair, and unfavorable odors.     5) Raincoat for spring showers  Doggy raincoats are a must-have item to prepare one's pooch for heavy spring showers. Some dogs may love splashing in puddles, but this rain gear will keep pets from getting completely soaked on walks throughout the spring. Plus, this accessory is just too adorable not to own and provides any owner with a great prop for a priceless doggy photo shoot.     6) Dog Water Bottle  The Handi-Drink is a compact, portable water bottle for pets on-the-go that has a patented rubber flow-control valve in the cap to prevent leaks, spills, and backwash contamination. It is available in three different sizes and includes a dispenser tray, belt clip and carrying strap for convenient transportation.   7) Doggy Backpack  The Day Tripper Backpack is a travel pack for pets to wear that features two zippered pouches that can be used to store dog supplies and toys in. Structured to adjust for balance load and padded for extra comfort, this rugged travel pack is perfect for hikes, camping, and other fun outdoor activities.     8) Dog strollers Furry Travelers knows that pet owners on-the-go are often left missing out for their pets or troubled by having to leave their dogs home alone for public events, festivals, and gatherings. We have dog strollers to fit every type of dog and activity so owners can now bring their furry friends along without the worry.  This picture is from a trade show we brought Cookie and Katie to.  It came in very handy!     9) Dog Carrier-Backpack  The SHERPA Back Pack is the perfect hybrid of a backpack and a dog carrier, used to transport pets from place-to-place, be it around town or the globe. It can be used as a handbag or shoulder bag, and fits comfortably under airline cabin seats.   10) Hands-Free Leash  Finally, a solution for active pet owners who enjoy taking their dog along for a run or brisk walk but hate having their hands in a bind. The Patento Pet Hands Free Leash wraps securely around the wrist, allowing owners to free up both hands so that they can jog with a more natural posture.   TO GO BOWL  Of course, we must also mention our own To Go Bowl!  Remember to take it along while out and about with your pooch and you won't need to share your drink or make a special stop at the drive through for water.   Have a Happy Spring!    

Everyone deserves a treat this Halloween, even your pooch! Bark Stix are fun, nutritious treats shaped like human bread sticks. They are great for any size dog, and are made from organic whole-wheat flour! Who says Halloween was only fun for humans? Make sure your pup enjoys the festivities with his/her yummy Bark Stix treats! http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/7903--bark-stix.html

Pet Travel Bags Stay organized for your travels with these pet travel bags and organizers.  Travel bags with handy pockets to easily find your pet's bowls, food, brushes, etc. Includes seat organizers and cargo organizers.  

The Bow Wow Bag is a great product to hang on your favorite leash.  Available in 3 sizes, there is room for your pick-up bags, keys, cell phone and in the Medium and Larger bags you can even include a dog toy.  Not only that, but if carrying your dog's "packages" isn't for you, you can put it in your Bow Wow Bag until you find a trash can.   The Bow Wow Bag is a great way to keep things handy, whether on a daily walk, at the park or traveling.   More info

Product Review - Bark Stix Organic Dog Treats   FurryTravelers.com was started to help pet owners travel with their pets safely and easily by offering the best pet travel products.  Once in a while, however, we come across non-travel related pet products we think are so great that we add them to our product line-up.   I don't recall how we originally found Bark Stix (maybe they found us), but after speaking with the owner a few years ago and hearing about the company, I knew I needed to test them on my own dogs, Cookie and Katie.  They loved every type of treat I gave them!  What I love about them is that they are 100% organic, nutritious, and made in the United States.    Here are three of our favorites:    Sweetie Pies   Sweet Potatoes are considered by nutrition experts to be one of the 10 healthiest foods one can eat.  That goes for dogs, too.  Sweet potatoes are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.  And dogs LOVE them!    Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, chicken liver, potato flour, honey and sea salt.   Sadie's Big Stix and Lucy's Short Stix These fun, nutritious stix are shaped like a bread stick and measure 9-10 inches for Sadie's and about 5 inches for Lucy's - a best seller.   Fart Busters This all meat chicken treat is made from whole Free Range chicken with a proprietary blend of digestive enzymes that can aid digestion and help with those 'aromatic' moments that come between dog and guardian. Like all of our treats they are manufactured in our facility in Northern California. The chickens are locally sourced from small farmers and raised without the use of antibiotics or animal by-products and are fed a vegetarian diet.   There are several varieties of Bark Stix dog treats.  To see all Bark Stix Treats, click here.  

Dog Carriers and Slings Airline approved pet carriers, multi-purpose dog carriers and convenient dog slings to make taking your dog with you safe and easy!     

This is the first of many products that I will be reviewing for Furry Travelers.  The reviews will be posted weekly, so please check back with us.  If there is a specific product you would like us to review, please let us know!   I chose the Wander Carrier because it is one of the travel products I use most, and absolutely love.  I travel quite a bit with my little Bichon Frise, Cookie (below), and we have found this carrier to be very sturdy, versatile, convenient and comfortable.      Sturdy:  The Wander Carrier is made of luggage grade fabric with a solid top, waterproof bottom, and the sides are reinforced with a steel rods.  You definitely feel your pooch is protected in this carrier.    Versatile:  Of course I have used the Wander Carrier to carry Cookie from place to place, but I have also used it as a crate for short periods when I had to leave her alone in a new location such as a hotel room.  Having this familiar carrier helps Cookie feel at home wherever we may be.  Finally, and maybe the best safety feature, is that you can strap the Wander Carrier into your car by putting the seat belt through the handle and around the carrier.  What a great design!   Convenient:  While there are many carriers around, this is the only one that I know of that is both sturdy and also folds down to approximately 2 1/2 - 3 inches for easy storage.  There is an interior tether to attach to your dog's harness and even a side pocket to keep a dog leash, car keys, cell phone...   Comfortable:  What good is a carrier if your Furry Traveler isn't going to be comfortable?  The Wander Carrier comes with a washable soft fabric pad and the adjustable carrying strap is padded, too.   I have used my carrier for over a year and it still looks good enough for me to use as a display item when I have a booth at a Pet Expo or Dog Show.    The Wander Carrier holds dogs up to 18 pounds and is 17" long by 11" high.  See more details or order yours by clicking here.

Dog Bike Carriers and Baskets Take your pup for a bike ride with these convenient and fun bike baskets from PetZip, Kurgo and Snoozer.  

Dog Strollers Dog strollers are a great way to take your dog to public events or for older dogs that have trouble walking long distances.