The holiday's are almost here! And for a lot of people that means traveling. If you plan on flying with your pet this year, here's a list of 5 most pet-friendly airlines of 2009. You're pet will thank you!   Continental The airline's PetSafe program has a 24-hour Live Animal Help Desk that tracks your pet from origin to destination. It's more expensive than other airlines, but your pet will travel in climate-controlled vehicles for connections and you'll earn extra miles. The airline also allows small pets to be carried in the cabin on most domestic flights for $125 each way.   JetBlue Airways JetBlue launched JetPaws last summer, providing passengerspet carrier bag tag, two TrueBlue points each way, a welcome e-mail and pet-travel guide, all for no additional cost. But like almost every other airline, they have raised their in-cabin pet charge. One-way fees range from $75-$100.   Airtran Airtran is currently the least expensive airline to fly with your small pet: just $69 each way. They only allow small pets that can travel the cabin, so if you have a larger breed that needs to be checked-in, this airline isn't for you.   American Airlines The airline has assisted transporting animals from popular zoos in cargo. Although they allow a limited number of pets in the cabin, they ask passengers traveling with pets to make special notes for their animals flying in cargo and promise to abide by all requests.     United Airlines They accept small cats, dogs and birds in the cabin; rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs as checked baggage and other animals including parrots, cockatiels and ferrets in United Cargo. Shipping by cargo is for items, like some pets, that you can't check as baggage.   For more information about these airlines and their pet policies, click on the airline name above.

It's the holiday season and chances are you will be taking your dog for a car ride.   We assume all dogs love to go for rides in the car, but there are many that become very anxious while traveling.  Whatever the cause may be, there are some steps you can take to ease your furry friend's stress. If your have have an older dog, try sitting in the car with the engine off for a short period of time.  Reward with a treat.  When this is no longer challenging, sit in the car with the engine on and reward with a treat.  The next step is a quick car ride and then hopefully you will soon have a nice, calm Furry Traveler.   If these steps don't work, there are all-natural stress relievers such as Rescue Remedy for Pets you can try.  These work by gently calming your dog's nerves.  You can administer directly or put a few drops in the water bowl.   If your dog is used to a crate, traveling in the crate can be comforting as well as safe.  Put a familiar blanket or toy in the crate and secure it from sliding around while you drive.   Make sure you bring plenty of water to keep your pet properly hydrated.     Of course, NEVER leave your pet in an unattended vehicle.   You can find some great travel items at www.furrytravelers.com/11.html!

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 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)

The American Pet Products Association (APPA) is having their 2nd Annual APPA National Children's Pet Poetry Contest through their public awareness campaign, Pets Add Life (PAL).   Third, fourth and fifth grade students are invited to write a unique poem about their pets, what they love about them, the joys they bring, and then post it online at www.petsaddlife.org or mail their final poem and submission form to:  Pets Add Life, 45 Winter Street, Reno, NV  89503.  The deadline for submissions is February 15, 2010 at 5:00pm EST.   Two students from each grade level (6 total) nationwide will win a $250 gift certificate for pet products, and a "by-line" in a nationally circulated publication.  In addition, the six winning students' classrooms will each receive a $1,000 scholarship to spend on pet related education.    

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

Senior dogs make wonderful pets.  They tend to be less active and don't require a lot of play time or exercise (however most still love a nice outdoor walk).  They have outgrown the destructive phase that many young dogs go through but still welcome you home with a happy wag of the tail (and maybe sloppy kiss).  Of course, senior dogs are great company. If you already have one pet, you may consider a second.  Our house has had two dogs for almost 20 years.  For many of those years, one of them was a senior.  For the past 8 years, we have also had a cat.  The myth of dogs and cats not getting along isn't always true.  I have walked into our living room many times to find the three of them sharing the same chair.  So cute!   One concern I hear from people is that they work or travel too much to have a dog.  For those with hectic schedules, there are many potty solutions available, from hiring a dog walker, to using “pee-pee” pads or artificial grass for the home.    I personally believe pet owners are happier people.  A senior dog is a friend you can play with, take care of, and love.  In return, you get faithful companionship and unconditional love.   There are many senior dogs and cats available for adoption.  Visit http://www.Petfinder.com or your local animal shelter to find your new family member today.  

  It's always a good reminder to review potential holiday hazards for your pets.  The following comes from my local vet's office:   COOKIES AND CANDY: Consumption of chocolate can cause agitation, vomiting, diarrhea, high heart rate, tremors, seizures and even death.   MACADAMIA NUTS AND WALNUTS: These nuts can cause severe lethargy, increased body temperature, vomiting, tremors, joint stiffness and the inability to walk.   HOLIDAY DECORATIONS:  Tinsel, ribbon and similar decorations can cut up the digestive tract and cause intestinal obstruction. Ornaments should be kept off low-lying Christmas tree branches.   ALCOHOLIC DRINKS may cause vomiting, disorientation, diarrhea, lethargy, lack of coordination, difficulty breathing, tremors, coma and seizures.   LIGHTS AND CANDLES:  If your pet can reach them, they may be a fire hazard if knocked over.   GRAPES, RAISINS, AVOCADOS, ONIONS AND GARLIC:  These can cause lethargy, lack of appetite and vomiting.   ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS: Sugarless gum and artificially sweetened treats may cause vomiting, lethargy, loss of coordination, seizures and liver failure.   FATTY TRIMMINGS AND BONES:  Fatty foods can also promote pancreatitis. Swallowed bones can cause stomach perforation and painful constipation.   HOLIDAY PLANTS:  Holly, mistletoe and poinsettias may cause irritation, vomiting, diarrhea and heart arrhythmia in both cats and dogs.   ELECTRICAL CORDS:  if chewed, live electrical cords can cause burns in or around a pet's mouth, difficulty breathing, seizures and cardiac arrest.   FOR SUSPECTED POISONING, YOU CAN CONTACT THE ASPCA POISON CONTROL HOTLINE: (888) 426-4435.   OTHER PET HEALTH QUESTIONS?  Call your vet.   HAPPY HOLIDAYS!  

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

Pet Travel Products Unique and fun pet travel and pet safety products recommended by Furry Travelers, Inc.  Furry Travelers is your one stop pet travel store!