Dogs love looking out the car window but many little dogs are too short to see out. Now your small dog can enjoy the view safely and comfortably in the luxury of the Snoozer Lookout I booster dog car seat in Microsuede. Designed for pets up to 25 pounds, the Lookout is wonderful for curious dogs who want to watch the world go by.   Seeing out the windo can help dogs who get carsick or anxious. Even dogs who dislike car travel can learn to love it once they have their very own secure, comfortable spot to snooze in. The Lookout dog seat is the solution for a more relaxed, more pleasant ride for everyone!   The Lookout elevated dog car booster seat hooks into the seat belt system to keep it in the backseat, while the internal strap keeps your dog in the Lookout. No more wandering the backseat or climbing up to the front while driving. The Lookout is a safer alternative to holding your dog while driving or giving them free rein in the car, so everyone can enjoy the ride with peace of mind. Use with dog harness for best results.   Small: (recommended for pets up to 18 lbs.) Outside Measurements:  Height: 19 inches, Width: 15 inches, Length: 17 inches  Inside Measurements: Height: 6 inches, Width: 12 inches, Length: 14 inches Medium: (recommended for pets up to 25 lbs.) Outside Measurements: Height: 19 inches, Width: 22 inches, Length: 17 inches, Inside Measurements: Height: 6 inches, Width: 18 inches, Length: 14 inches

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!    

We are all in the habit of using our seatbelt whenever we drive.  Most pet owners, however, do not think about using a safety harness for their pet.  It is time we do! According to the American Automobile Association, unrestrained pets cause more than 30,000 accidents annually.  That's thousands of fatalities and injuries that could have been avoided with the use of a simple pet restraint, harness or crate.   Bark Buckle-UP founder, Christina Selter, warns that an unrestrained dog can be dangerous to everyone in the vehicle.  "In a 30 MPH accident, a 60-pound dog can cause an impact of more than 2,700 pounds, slamming into a car seat, windshield or other passenger."   And let's face it, any one of us would be heart-broken if our dog was injured, or worse, killed in an accident because we were too rushed or lazy to buckle them into a safety harness.  (Hint - leave the seat belt attachment in the car at all times so it is easy to snap onto your dog's harness.  It will be one less thing to remember as you leave home, too!)   So...let's make a New Year's Resolution to buckle up our pet every time we go for a drive - no matter how short the distance.  To make things easy, I am going to review a few of the travel harnesses we carry on our website:      1) Kurgo Tru-Fit Safety Harness:  This is probably the easiest harness to put on your dog that I am aware of.  Once adjusted for size, you simply slip it over your dog's head and then buckle the strap around its chest.  That's it!  It comes with a loop that you put your seat belt through and attach to the harness to keep your Furry Traveler in place while you drive.  It is made of high-quality automotive seat belt materials and has a broad padded chest plate for extra protection and comfort.  Good for dogs over 10 pounds.  Price:  $22.99 - $28.99.   2)  The PetBuckle Seat Belt Harness provides protection in a standard vehicle by using the vehicle's seat belt, LATCH bar system or cargo area to securely restrain a harnessed dog. Just slip the seat belt through the web loop on the harness and buckle up. For dogs over 15 pounds.  Crash tested for safety.  Price:  $49.99.     3)  For the more fashion conscious, we offer a variety of comfortably padded safety harnesses in a variety of colors and patterns.  Many of these styles snap right into your own car's seat belt buckle - very easy to use.    Whatever your choice may be, just remember that having your dog restrained is one less distraction for you and so much safer for your Furry Traveler!    To view all our safety harnesses, visit www.FurryTravelers.com.   Happy New Year from your friends at Furry Travelers!

I visited New York City for the first time last week.  It was a business trip - a media event showing the latest unique pet products.  (I will post pictures when they become available).    While it is quite a distance from SE Florida, I decided to drive so I could bring a variety of products to show at the event.  Cookie came along for the ride and also to be our model.   The event was held at the New York Barclay Hotel in midtown Manhattan.  They recently became pet friendly, and I must say, Cookie felt very welcome by everyone that worked there as well as other guests.    What we didn't realize, unfortunately, is that while New Yorkers love their dogs, unless your dog is a "city dog", you might have problems.  Being a professional "Furry Traveler", I thought I was prepared for everything.  There were a few items I had wished I brought, however.   Of course we took our To Go Bowl on the trip so Cookie could drink whenever she wanted while in the car.  This bowl was then brought into the hotel and used on the floor for her water bowl.  I had brought a folding travel bowl for her food, but this didn't work well for us.  Since she is a small dog and I didn't need to put a lot of food in the bowl, it would start to fold down when she put her face into it.  She didn't like that and I ended up hand feeding her.  The Kurgo Collaps-a-bowl would have been better.  It stays rigid until you manually collapse it.  The Little Buddy Lunchbox would have been convenient, too.  I could have stored her dog food in it, as well.   Then there was the "potty" issue.  I knew NYC was not known for its lush landscaping, but I thought there would be grass somewhere.  There was - Central Park - about a 20 minute walk from the hotel.  Of course I have seen it on television, but it truly is a beautiful, gigantic park, with street vendors and performers, ball parks, outdoor (pet friendly) restaurants... We had a great time exploring the park and Cookie had blocks and blocks and blocks to find the perfect spot to go.   The next morning we tried a closer dog park, just a couple blocks away.  While it didn't have a lot of grass, it was fenced and right on the Hudson River.  A great place for dogs to run and have fun.  We walked back on a different block that did have some grassy patches.  I guess a city dog doesn't need grass and I'm sure Cookie would eventually adjust if necessary.  Next time I will bring our Pup Head, though.  This would have made things so much easier!   I took many of the products we sell to make the trip safer and more convenient.  One necessity is the Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness.  It kept Cookie safe while driving and then when we stopped, I clipped her leash to it for a quick walk.  It is padded, so nice and comfortable for Cookie, and easy for me, as it simply slips over her head and clips around her chest.  Of course Leash Luggage, the Bow Wow Bag, waste bags, reflective collar are other items that made traveling more convenient.   We also took Cookie's stroller.  This made it easy to maneuver in the crowds, get on the hotel elevator, eat at the cafe.  It was hot in NYC last week so I think all the walking in the hot weather would have been too much for the little one.   And no trip is ever made without her EBD Carry-All bag.  I love this bag!  It has a pocket for everything so it is easy to stay organized.  Cookie is our Furry Travelers model, so she her share of supplies we bring on each trip and needs her own bag in which to carry them.   I wish we had been able to stay in New York City longer and look forward to going back in the future!   For see all Furry Travelers products, visit www.FurryTravelers.com.       

Spring is here! And you know what that means! That's right, time to clean out all the stuff that's piled up this past year! Even your pooches' stuff! We know how messy it can get when your pup commonly accompanies you in the car. Throwing around toys, treats, and accessories is a common habit, and it's time to organize! The Auto Seat Pet Organizer, fits conveniently on the back of your seat.  It contains pockets for:  grooming sprays / shampoos, insect repellent, a leash, seat belt harness, first aid kit, treats, toys, extra storage, pet documents, towel holder, and more. This organizer is just what you need this spring cleaning season! http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/30547--auto-seat-pet-organizer.html

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

  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!  

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 following information was taken from the FDA Veterinarian Newsletter With the summer months rapidly approaching, vacation season will soon be here. We all need a little time away from the monotony of an everyday routine, so as you get ready to retreat, it's important to know how to care for your four-legged friends traveling with you. Most of us travel by car or plane, but each option brings certain drawbacks for pets. Car Travel Car travel is usually less stressful on pets because it allows Freckles and Champ to be close to you, so you can monitor their well-being and come to their aid when needed.  If you choose to drive to your destination, here are a few helpful hints to make the trip more enjoyable. Motion sickness: It's common for pets to experience motion sickness while traveling in a car. To help avoid an upset stomach, don't feed your pet a large meal before travel. Cracking a window to allow fresh air to circulate through your vehicle also helps. If Champ is prone to motion sickness or if Freckles' sensitive stomach acts up again, you may want to put them in the front seat next to you.  Riding up front helps because less motion is felt in the front of the vehicle.  Bathroom breaks: While Champ may snooze for the majority of the trip, it's still important to give him frequent bathroom breaks. Traffic is unpredictable, so if it has been more than a couple of hours, stop and give your dog a chance to relieve himself and stretch his legs. Sedatives: While sedatives may make your pet seem less stressed during car trips, these medications also have a tendency to dull the senses and lessen your pet's ability to react to the environment, which can be dangerous in an emergency. When traveling by car or by plane, avoid giving your pet any type of sedative.  If you think Champ or Freckles really needs a sedative to travel, talk to your pet's veterinarian before your trip. Air Travel For people, flying is often quicker and easier than driving, but flying can be a more stressful experience for your pet. If you decide to travel by air, it's important to keep a few things in mind. Cargo travel:  While you're snacking, reading, and sleeping in relative comfort up in economy seating, Champ is usually traveling in the cargo area below, subjected to temperature fluctuations and loud noises. A cat or small dog may be allowed to travel in the plane's cabin, as long as the pet is kept in a crate and the crate fits underneath the seat.  Check with specific airlines for more information about cabin travel for your pet.  Check on your pet: Make sure to tell the plane's Captain or flight attendant that you have a pet on board. If the flight staff knows about Champ in cargo, they are better able to check on him for you, especially if an unusual situation occurs, such as an unscheduled landing, extended taxi time, or long layover. Walk your dog: If you and Champ have a connecting flight, try to walk him before that connecting flight departs. Many airports provide dog parks just outside the terminal. A bathroom break and a short walk will help Champ relax and stay calm during the remainder of his journey. Crate your pet: During flights, most pets are housed in pet crates provided by their owners. It's important to prepare your pet's crate with safety in mind.  Pet crates should provide ample space for your pet to move around and should also meet the requirements set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA/APHIS) and the International Air Transportation Association (IATA).  When your pet is crated, remember to include: A bowl of dry food; A bowl or other container of frozen water that will melt over the course of the trip, giving your pet constant access to cold water; Appropriate bedding, such as a soft towel or blanket, or shredded newspaper or wood chips if the traveling pet is a hamster, gerbil, or guinea pig; and A label on the outside of the crate that is clearly marked with your pet's name and your contact information.  You should include both your home contact information and your destination contact information. Be Prepared: If you plan to stay in a hotel while traveling, contact the hotel ahead of time to make sure it is pet friendly. Before your trip, research veterinary hospitals in the city or town of your destination in case of a pet emergency during the vacation. Hawaii and Abroad: Traveling outside the continental United States with your pet requires advanced planning.  For international travel, contact the appropriate country's embassy or consulate at least 4 weeks before your trip.  Different countries may require different documentation for your pet's entry. The state of Hawaii also has entry requirements for arriving pets.  For more information about traveling with your pets, please check the following Web sites:  http://www.aphis.usda.gov/regulations/vs/iregs/animals/ http://www.cdc.gov/animalimportation/TravelingPets.html http://www.avma.org/animal_health/travelingwithpet-faq.asp http://www.avma.org/animal_health/brochures/traveling/traveling_brochure.asp http://www.avma.org/services/vprc/travel.asp  

I came across an aritcle recently (from Cars.com) that listed the pet friendliest cars on the market and thought I would share the information.  A few of these brands will soon no longer be manufactured, but can be a useful if you are looking for a pre-owned car.   As a pet owner, we want to keep our pets as safe and comfortable as we are.  Volvo was found to do the best job of offering products for pet owners, however many automakers offer features and options that are pet-friendly, even though not all of them were specifically designed for pets.    Volvo: Nets that span the space between the ceiling and the backrests of the front or rear seats to keep pets in their own area. A collection of metal dividers for wagons and SUV's. A Vertical grate that divides the cargo area into halves, separating a dog from cargo or another dog. Saab:  The 9-3 SportCombi and 9-5 SportCombi (wagon) include a cargo space divider, cargo mat, cargo apron and cargo guard in the back; the 9-5 SportCombi also has a trunk tray.   Saturn: The Vue has a cargo management system.   Volkswagen: The Jetta and Passat wagons offer cargo partitions, while driver accessories include a VW Beetle squeaky toy, air freshener and squishy pillow. Other VW gear includes heavy-duty floor mats and cargo liners.   Nissan: A Pet Guard Divider accessory that helps keep pets secure while in a vehicle's cargo area.    Other features that can make traveling with pets easier, and a few cars that have them, include: Fold-up backseat cushions, which allow a larger area on the floor for pets to lie down. (Honda Ridgeline, Dodge Dakota) Fold-flat second row seats, which open up the cargo area for more pet space. (Most wagions/SUV's/Minivans. Fold-flat front passenger seat, which opens up the cargo area for even more pet space.  (Toyota Tacoma, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Dodge Caliber, Toyota Sienna, Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Edge, Nissan Xterra, Pontiac Torrent       Hard-coated and scratch-resistant load floor/folding seatbacks, making for easy cleanup. (Jeep Compass, Dodge Caliber, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Chevrolet HHR, Toyota Yaris hatchback, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Honda Element, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Honda CR-V) Washable/stain-resistant upholstery. (Dodge Caliber, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Jeep Compass, Jeep Wrangler ('07), Honda Element, Chrysler Aspen, Chrysler Pacifica, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Chrysler Sebring ('07), Dodge Nitro, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Durango, Dodge Ram 1500 Mega Cab, Jeep Patriot)  (Sources:  Cars.com)