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)

Are you thinking of dressing up your pooch this Halloween? Instead of spending money on an elaborate pet costume, why not do it yourself! Check out these simple and easy pet costumes for this year's Halloween festivities! http://www.care.com/pet-care-easy-diy-halloween-costumes-for-pets-p1017-q20675665.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.      

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!    

This Pet Zip Pet Stroller holds up to 30 pounds.  Features rear safety brakes, 360 degree front turning wheels with suspension, sturdy mesh ventilation panels, reflective bands for nighttime travel, safety belt, removable machine washable padding.  Roomy interior for pet(s), ample storage for treats and toys.  Easy to use and collapsable for storage.

The Snoozer Roll Around 4 in 1 Pet Carrier is an approved airline* dog, cat, and pet carrier that makes traveling with your pet easy.  Perfect for traveling, this carrier converts into a backpack, car seat, and pet bed, enabling pet owners to bring their dog or cat just about anywhere.  Available in three sizes for dogs up to 30 pounds, and two colors.  *Always check with your airline carrier to confirm approved carrier sizes and rules.   Roll Around Dog Carrier Backpack Features: 4-in-1 Versatility: Use as a dog backpack, carrier, dog car seat, and pet bed Breathable: Mesh on three sides for pet comfort and visibility Safety: Includes internal harness clip for keeping pet secured Colors: Available in red or black Warranty: One Year Warranty Shipping: Free shipping in contiguous USA Roll Around Dog Carrier Backpack Sizes: Medium: Width: 14 inches Height: 20 inches Depth: 11 inches For dogs up to 15 lbs* Large: Width: 15.5 inches Height: 23 inches Depth: 12.25 For dogs up to 30 lbs  

You don’t have to leave your little one at home when you go out for a bike ride – now your dog can ride along in the Snoozer Bike Carrier! Designed for dogs up to 15 pounds, the basket securely attaches to your bike’s handlebars so the two of you can bond while biking. No need to worry about your dog jumping out on the way – the Snoozer dog bicycle basket features an internal harness clip so you can secure your dog inside for the ride. Plus, if it starts to rain, our basket has a rain covering with an opening so your dog can still look out and see what’s going on. It’s the perfect accessory for your dog to enjoy a safe, comfortable, and stress-free ride. TREATS FOR THE TRIP! With a mesh water bottle holder and a pocket for dog treats, our bicycle dog basket is made with you and your dog in mind. Now the two of you can enjoy longer bike rides together. REGULAR PRICE - $71.99 Features: - Mesh water bottle holder and pockets for treats - Includes straps to attach carrier to bike handles - Rain cover with opening for pets head - Available in Grey or Pink - Dimensions: 10" H x 13" W x 10" D  

Pet travel blog for information on the latest pet travel products, pet friendly vacation destinations and general tips for traveling with pets safely and conveniently.

Many of us will be taking our furry ones on road trips this Thanksgiving.  Here are some ideas for vehicle accessories that make traveling with pets easier.   It is so important to keep your pet's safety in mind while on the road.  While many like to have them on their lap or see them enjoying the breeze in their face, this can be very dangerous in the event of an abrupt stop or accident.   To keep your pet secure, we recommend a safety harness or, for smaller dogs, a booster seat with a tether to attach to their harness.  Some pet carriers such as the Sleepypod can be secured in place with your car's seat belt.  These items will prevent your pooch from jumping around the car and keep them in place in the event of a sudden stop.     Car seat covers and hammocks are a worthwhile investment as they protect seats from water, snow and muddy paws.  They come in a variety of sizes, colors and styles and are very easy to install.     Proper hydration while on the road is important to your dog's health and comfort.  The To Go Bowl is a water bowl that is designed to fit into a car's cup holder - in the front or back seat - and allows your dog to drink whenever he wants without stopping the car. Stay organized by using a seat back organizer or cargo organizer for your pet's toys, leashes, treats, etc. If your dog gets anxious in the car, try a calming remedy or anxiety wrap.  We have heard from many happy customers, including one of our own Furry Travelers, that they really do work! Just for fun, you can personalize your vehicle with a cute magnet or license plate cover.   See all Furry Travelers automotive accessories here.   Wishing you and your Furry Travelers safe travels! (Look for more travel tips from Furry Travelers during the holiday season.)    

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.