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.  

Planning a hiking trip with your pooch? If you're the type who loves outdoor exploration with your dog, then you'll LOVE the KURGO Wander Pack! This hand pack will keep you prepared for those trail hikes and trips around town. The Kurgo Wander Pack is built strong to withstand rugged outdoor conditions yet functional for a day trip. It's a perfect solution for your travel essentials such as food, treats, toys, first-aid supplies and travel bowls. Just because our pups have paws instead of hands, doesn't mean they can't bring their own gear along! J   Check out this great product here: http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/3111--kurgo-wander-back-pack.html  

  With summertime fast-approaching, most of us are busy trying to plan our vacation before all of the beachside resorts and condos book up for the season! Unfortunately, finding accommodations that allow pets can be a headache, and finding a vacation with activities for you and your furry friend to enjoy together is even harder to come by.  To simplify your trip planning this year, we have searched far and wide to bring you the best pet-friendly vacations for you and your cuddly creature to go on this summer!   For the Vineyard/ Winery Vacation-Goer: Frenchie Winery, Raymond Vineyards in Napa Valley, CA Finally- you don't have to choose between your Cabernet and your canine! Frenchie Winery located in Napa Valley, California, comes fully-equipped with ornate canine portraits, wine barrel dog beds, and an expansive outdoor play area.  One of the very first dog-friendly wine-tasting rooms to open, this vacation destination is dedicated to dapper dogs and their sophisticated owners.  You and your pooch will certainly have a hard time finding anything to “wine” about at this Napa Valley vineyard. For the Event Enthusiast: The Dog Bowl festival at the Cotton Bowl stadium, Dallas, TX For one day the historic Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, Texas, is transformed into a dog park complete with splash pools, a pet/owner look-alike contest, and all sorts of doggie activities aimed to maximize fun for pets and owners alike.  Free and open to the public, owners can let their pets off the leash to run around freely and enjoy all the many fun pet-lover entertainment provided at the Dog Bowl, including giveaways, exhibits, and fabulous pooch portraits.   For the Laid-back, Outdoorsy Type: The Paw House Inn, West Rutland, VT The Paw House Inn encompasses a historic retreat of dog-friendly hiking trails, swimming spots, farmers markets, and an outdoor theater, along with numerous adventures for you and your pet. During the spring and summer, the Paw House Park and doggie agility course provide your pet with the perfect place to run around outside in the fresh mountain air.  For a Relaxing Spa Vacation: Ritz-Carlton of Bachelor Gulch, Beaver Creek, CO The Ritz-Carlton at Bachelor Gulch offers relaxation and rejuvenation for you and your pet with its animal-catered hikes, paw-approved massages, and tranquil surroundings. Pets even receive their own plush bed complete with a liver treat turn-down service. For the Ritzy/Pampered Vacation-Goer: Hotel Monaco in Portland, OR Pets are treated as glamorously as their humans at the Hotel Monaco located in downtown Portland. The hotel does not have pet size or weight restrictions, and it offers exceptional pet amenities such as a personal pet welcoming (complete with a personalized sign and treats); food & water bowls and a dog bed delivered to your room; and spring water, treats, and eco-friendly cleanup bags, all available free of charge.  Owners can indulge during dog-friendly wine hours, while their pets sip on a special microbrew made for canines.  Furthermore, the hotel offers pet- sitting, grooming, and walking services, as well as sessions with pet psychic Bridget Pilloud of Pets Are Talking.   For the Active/Sporty Vacation-Goer (warning: must love water sports): Loews Coronado Bay Resort in San Diego, CA The host of its annual Loews Surf Dog Competition, Loews Coronado Bay Resort offers some of the most unique pet amenities for its visitors travelling with their furry friend. Every dog and cat receives a welcome package with a name tag, food/water bowl, and special treats upon arrival, and applicable rooms are supplied with a pet bed, litter box, and a gourmet room service pet menu, developed by the hotel's in-house chefs alongside a licensed veterinarian.  Loews Coronado Bay Resort also provides dog-walking routes, a pet-sitting and walking service, and a list of local pet-friendly restaurants for owners to dine at during their stay.      

  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!  

I am getting ready to go to Orlando for the International Auto Show so thought this week I would review another product I don't travel without:  The E.B.D. Carry All Bag (E.B.D. stands for Everything But the Dog).      This great bag has so many pockets you probably won't use them all, but it is nice to know you can if you need them (great for medications, waste bags, water bottles, cell phone, etc).     This bag also includes collapsable food and water bowls, 56" x 48" indoor/outdoor fleece blanket with nylon backing and a freezable gel pack Dimensions 12"h x 15"w x 5"d.    The E.B.D. Carryall Bag is available in Brown with fun printed interiors in Blue, Green and Pink.   Since my older dog Sammy is on many medications and both dogs have their own treats, food, toys, bones, this bag really helps keep me organized!   For more details, click here.

    Those in search of canine companionship without the commitment of fulltime ownership can reach a happy medium at the Aspen Boarding Kennel and Shelter's program Aspen, Colorado. The program offers travelers and citizens of Aspen the opportunity walk dogs and even take them on overnight trips. The program is the No-kill shelter's attempt to provide better quality of life and ultimately increase adoptions but can also serve as a fun activity for tourists.   Labeled a “dog paradise,” The community of Aspen is a prime location for the program. Whether its water bowls outside many retailers or a mailman equipped with dog treats for neighboring dogs, the program thrives in the dog-friendly atmosphere.   While walkers and caretakers get in their fix of canine companionship, the dogs become more socially acclimated and have a better chance at being adopted. Some walkers use the program to ease themselves into pet ownership and others use it as a way to meet the dogs prior to adoption. The flexible policy requires the dogs to be leashed for liability reasons. Temporary owners are able to take them on daily errands, home to their yards and even weekend hikes! If you are in the Aspen area and miss your dog or want to hang out with one when you finished with a day at the slopes, consider the Aspen Boarding Kennel and Shelter's Program. Visit www.dogsaspen.com for more information.  

Last week Furry Travelers exhibited at the largest pet trade show in the US - Global Pet Expo.  We decided we would take Cookie and Katie with us.  This would be Katie's first event and we were a little concerned how she would do.  She's a bit more timid than our other dogs have been.  Cookie was there though, the professional Furry Traveler and we hoped she would be a good influence on the younger pup.   Travel sickness:  For years I have heard from customers with dogs that have motion sickness and as a result get sick when they travel.  I have done my best to direct them to a solution, but until I experienced it first hand, didn't know how difficult that could be.     Our newest dog, Katie, has terrible motion sickness.  It is so bad that she will vomit just going a few blocks!  And when we do find a way to settle her stomach so she doesn't get sick, she drools so excessively from anxiety that we fear she will get dehydrated on a long trip.  We were traveling about 3 hours so we figured this would be a good test.  We finally found the right combination for her:  Dramamine the night before and first thing in the morning, combined with Rescue Remedy to calm her anxiety.    Our Pet Zip Dog Stroller was another needed product for the trip.  While we were setting up our booth, this kept them out of harms way and during the show, they spent most of their time in it, enjoying watching all the activity around them.  During slower times, we took them out to stretch, get tummy rubs from our booth neighbors and treats from some of the other exhibitors.  They even helped us get more traffic into the booth.  Who can resist these cute faces?     On this trip I also tested a new product that we have carried for a few months now - Doggy Baggage.  What a great bag!  I was able to keep all the girls stuff in one convenient place and stay organized, too.  6 outside pockets to keep important items handy (medication, brushes, water bottle, leash) and the bag itself is large enough to hold food, dishes, To Go Bowl, toys - everything else you need for a great trip.   And of course we had our To Go Bowl!  This allowed the dogs to drink whenever they wanted while in the car and we just put it in our Doggy Baggage when we went into the hotel or trade show to then be used on the floor.  Of course we stored the girls favorite treats in the removable cup, too!   The trip was a great success!

Pet Anxiety Summer heat, road trips, and backyard BBQs are starting to preoccupy your calendar, but have you thought about your four-legged companion? Loud noises and traveling are two common causes of anxiety in our pets. According to the Humane Society, our furry best friends are often afraid of thunder and other loud noises, like fireworks, and can develop even if your dog has had no traumatic experiences with the associated noise. Often, dogs or cats act out this anxiety through destruction or trying to escape however, these reactions can potentially harm your dog.   In the upcoming summer months as thunderstorms, firework shows, and traveling become more frequent, the Humane Society recommends doing these 3 things for your pup. Create a safe place – observe where your dog likes to go when frightened, allow him to have access to that place when he is experiencing anxiety. This provides a safe place for your pet to escape. Distract your dog – Encourage your pup to participate in an activity that will take her mind away from the cause of her anxiety. This will prevent her from behaving fearfully. Behavior Modification – these techniques need to be implemented gradually, teaching your pup how to respond in non-fearful ways to the cause of her anxiety. However, you need to be careful if you choose to use behavior modification. If carried out improperly you could make the situation or fear much worse. If you find yourself on the road or away from home, these 3 options above may not be your best choice. Here at Furry Travelers, we have a wide variety of products to ease your pet in a stressful situation.   SAVE 20% This month on the following calming aids!   Use Coupon Code CALM20 at checkout.   1.      Rescue Remedy for Pets – This solution has an instant calming effect for any pet experiencing a stressful situation. It can be used in times of anxiety or a trip to the vet. 2.      Thunder Treats – This treat was created to calm a pet, slowly releasing ingredients over time. These treats include two well-known calming ingredients; lavender and chamomile. 3.      Total Pet Health Calming Chews – Developed by veterinarians, the chewable tablets are designed to calm upset or stressed dogs and cats. The tablets contain a balance of human-grade vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. 4.      PetzLife @Ease Calming Aid – Easily applied or mixed in with food or treats, this 100% natural calming remedy is uniquely formulated with L-Theanine. The stress and anxiety reliever should be taken 30 minutes before a stress-inducing event. 5.      Thundershirt – The patent-pending design is a pressure wrap applying constant but gentle pressure on a dog's torso. 85% of dogs who wear the Thundershirt show significant improvement in anxiety symptoms. (Available for cats too!)     Mark these products on the must-have list for your four-legged companion when they could potentially experience a stress-inducing event!   For more information on Fear of Thunder and other loud noises please visit: humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/fear_thunder_loud_noises.html

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.       

Cookie and I just got back from the AKC Dog Show in Atlanta.  It has been a few months since we traveled together and it reminded me how important it is to have proper pet travel accessories.  These are some of our favorites:   Safety First!   The Kurgo Skybox Booster Seat keeps smaller dogs safely buckled, while allowing them to see out the window - something a simple safety harness can make difficult.   The Skybox adjusts to any height and holds up to 30 pounds.  I often put both of our dogs in it!  You simply strap them to their own harness, or a safety harness.  When it is not in use, just unclasp the seat strap and flip it over the head rest.  It is lightweight and collapses to just a few inches when not in use.   Note: All dogs should be safely buckled up, just like you and the rest of your family.  There are many styles of safety harnesses to choose from at many price ranges.  You might be surprised to find how quickly your dog adjusts to a safety harness.  Even the most active dogs can feel more secure when they are restrained in the car.   And everyone will be safer in case of a sudden stop or accident.         The To Go Bowl by Furry Travelers is a must have travel accessory for all road trips.  Cookie was able to drink whenever she wanted without having to stop the car or worry about splashing.  We also used the bowl in our hotel and at the dog show by removing the cup portion (which of course carried her treats).   The patented, award winning To Go Bowl fits cup holders between 3 - 4 inches and can be used for dogs of all sizes.         We never take a trip without Cookie's own bag, the EBD Carry All Travel Bag.  This bag is the greatest!  It has so many interior pockets that staying organized is a piece of cake.  Cookie had to look her best while working at the dog show, so we had pockets for her hair brush, dental spray, tear wipes, extra harness and leash, a coat (it was cold there!) and still had room for some of my own things.  The EBD Carry All Bag even comes with its own fleece blanket.         NEW FAVORITE:  I picked up the Kurgo Quantum Leash at the trade show this month.  It is a leash that can be used 6 different ways (see details)!  I didn't really see a benefit to using this type of leash, especially for a small dog like Cookie.  While setting up our booth at the show, I thought I would give it a try.  Cookie likes to be with me all the time, especially when in a new environment.  I often keep her in her Susan Lanci Travel Sling, but she can still be in the way and gets kind of heavy after a while.  Anyway, I hooked the Quantum Leash to her harness and hooked it across my shoulder.  What a problem solver!  She was with me everywhere I went, without me having to carry her.       Finally, the big seller of the show and perhaps my all time favorite product (next to the To Go Bowl, of course), is the Susan Lanci Travel Sling.  Cookie "hung around" all day, every day at the show and really started a trend with the other small dog owners in Atlanta.  The sling is ideal for smaller dogs (under 10 pounds) and comfortable for both you and your pup.  It is lightweight, breathable, and folds up so small you can keep it in your pocket or purse!    Traveling with your dog can be fun and easy!  There are many, many great travel accessories for pets.  Furry Travelers goal is to carry the newest and most unique pet travel products on the market.  We are constantly adding great new items, so check our website often!    To see all our pet travel accessories, click here.