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.  

There is just one more week to go before Santa arrives!  Here are some ideas for the pet or pet lover on your shopping list that we can send USPS Priority Mail so you get them in time:   Organic Dog Treats Cain and Able Lavender Travel Set Leash Luggage Charming Pet Collars Susan Lanci Sling, Wizzer Bands or Stainless Steel Water bowl set (for smaller dogs) To Go Bowl Pet Ego Messenger Soft Pouch   We know this is a busy time of year for everyone.  If we can help you in any wayn help you in any way, please email us or call us at 866-55-FURRY (866-553-8779).  

Wow! Fall has sure hit! It's getting much cooler outside! Our dogs have fur coats, but sometimes that's not enough to keep them toasty warm. Furry Travelers carries a variety of different coats, sweaters, and jackets for dogs! Take a look at our Sierra Dog Supply Canine Coat, its super versatile and adjustable. The season's newest canine coat is sure to be at the top of your pup's wish list this year! http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/3199--sierra-dog-supply-canine-coat.html

  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!  

Is your dog starting to get irritated by the summer heat? Imagine having a fur coat on in the middle of the summer…. sounds uncomfortable to us! That's why this product is something that your dogs will really appreciate! The Kool Collar is an extremely effective, unique dog cooling product. The Kool Collar is a must for inside, active, or dogs at risk for heat exhaustion or heat stroke. It uses melting ice to act as sweat on your dog. It's easy, durable and extremely effective! Your dog will be thanking you for the Kool Down!  

  Going on any fun vacations for Spring Break? Don't forget to bring your pets along for the fun! There are an increasing number of pet friendly hotels, resorts, attractions and more nationwide. Just don't forget to be prepared! Our signature To Go Bowl is GREAT for road trips- short or long. The design includes a splash guard and lid to prevent spilling, and fits perfectly in your car's cup holder! Available in 8 great colors, this is one must-have pet travel accessory you'll love! Learn more here- http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/1001--to-go-bowl-by-furry-travelers.html

Light-weight, Rhodie Travel Mug fits into any cup holder.  Imprinted with Furry Travelers compass logo, phone number and website on the front and back of mug.  Purple cup with Gold lettering. 16-oz. capacity Dual-wall insulation Sturdy open handle with four-finger comfort fit Black, spill-resistant, thumb-slide lid 

We recently found a company in California that bakes all natural dog treats in some very unique ways with healthy ingredients.    Here is the scoop:   Sweetie Pies are a healthy dog treat made of free range chicken and sweet potatoes.  Research has shown that sweet potatoes are one of the top 10 healthiest foods you can eat!  They are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.  Even better, dogs love them! The chickens and sweet potatoes are both from small local farmers.  They are slow baked to preserve their goodness.  Dogs can't say no to these treats!  Break pieces off to use as training treats or as a nutritious low calorie snack. I had always heard of dogs that had a "tooting" problem, but this has become a recent issue with Cookie and I can't wait to try these!  We sold out of them too soon for me to try with our first order, but now that we have more, we won't waste any time getting her started on them!   Enzymes are the catalysts for every metabolic process in the body and the foundation for good digestion and overall health.  Better digestion means less gas.  Digestive enzymes are added to these treats so they are easily absorbed.  Fart Busters are made from pure whole free range chicken with a proprietary blend (human grade) of digestive enzymes that can aid digestion and help with those "aromatic" moments.  These are all meat treats, manufactured in California.  Chickens are from local farmers and are raised without the use of antibiotics or animal by-products and are fed a vegetarian diet.   Cookie and Katie both have tried - and go crazy over - Bark Stix.  What a great idea - dog treats that look like bread sticks!  They are made with organic whole wheat flour, beef liver, water, rolled oats, carrots, bacon, parsley and baking powder.    I am very happy to be able to offer healthy treat options for your Furry Traveler.  Give one or all of them a try while they last!  

A mother's love, patience, and hard work should be acknowledged and appreciated all the time, but especially on Mother's Day!!! Make sure your weekend is extra special and show her how much you truly care!   Wishing you a wonderful Mother's Day, Furry Travelers   

  Furry Traveler Road Tips If you plan on taking your pet along on your next trip, you'll need to pack some additional items to make sure they're safe, entertained and happy. Here's a list of things you might need: • A carrier or crate, complete with identification. • A blanket or cushion from your pet's home bedding. • Your pet's food and water dish, as well as a portable water dish for traveling to your destination. • Veterinarian documents for your pet. • Treats! • An extra collar and leash • Any grooming supplies, like a brush or a comb, a lint remover for hotel furniture, tweezers, etc. • Your pet's favorite chew toys. • A restraint device if traveling by car. • A container of your pet's normal food. • Carpet stain and odor remover, just in case… • Trash bags and waste removal bags. • Flashlight, for walking after dark. • Extra old towels. • Photos of your pet in case he or she gets lost. • Contact information of your at-home vet clinic and a few local clinics. If you're traveling by car, make sure to check the air conditioning before hand and that you use it while driving. Don't roll down the windows and let your pet hang his or her head out the window.  Safety first, ya know.