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.)    

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

  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!  

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  

I never thought of myself as one that would use a dog stroller, but I have become a big fan.  I use a dog stroller for two different reasons.    One, I have a 15 year old Bichon Frise (Sammy) with major back problems resulting in her inability to walk for any distance.  Putting her in the stroller while I walk our other dog, Cookie, gives her the opportunity to be a part of the family, get some fresh air and sunshine.  Once I started doing this on a regular basis, she seemed to become a happier little dog.    I also use a dog stroller for Cookie when I work at dog events.  Cookie is my "assistant" at these shows and I have found the stroller to come in handy both when setting up and breaking down our booth because I can roll her around in it and not worry about her leash getting tangled as we set up, as well as throughout the day to give her a break from the activity.   And I'm sure everyone has seen dog strollers while shopping.  While I haven't done this (yet), it is a great way to take your little one with you when you go to the mall.   We have two models that have been popular at Furry Travelers:  The PetZip 3 in 1 Stroller, and the Pet Stroller XL.  The images below are of the 3 in 1 Stroller (including Cookie at a trade show in Atlanta).   This 3-Way Stoller covers all your needs.  Along with it being a dog stroller, it conveniently converts into a car seat as well as a carrier.  Holds up to 30 pounds.  Available in Red or Navy Blue.   The Pet Stroller XL is another great stroller and one I have used for almost 2 years now.  This stroller has really worked hard for me and has held up just great!  It also holds up to 30 pounds and it is long enough and tall enough to hold more than one dog, or taller dogs.  It easily collapses to fit into your trunk.  The colors are great, too.  Tangerine and Lime.   So which stroller is for you?  If you don't need the car seat, my vote is for the Pet Stroller XL.  If you like the 3 in 1 concept, you can't go wrong there, either.   For more information on all our strollers, click here.

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

Are you planning on doing a lot of walking this Halloween? Walking on the pavement can commonly be irritating for you pup's paws, especially if it's really cold out! Our Guardian Gear Boots keep paws safe from heat, cold, ice, salt, stones, and abrasive surfaces. These boots have bold new colors and a tough new non-skid sole for all-weather use. Guardian Gear Boots are a great accessory to have for your trick-or-treating extravaganza! http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/3097--guardian-gear-dog-boots.html    

Yes, that's right! It's that time of year again. The leaves are beginning to fall, and the temperature is starting to drop. The weather change doesn't mean that walking your dog outside isn't still a necessity; it just might be time to start bundling up! For frosty mornings and rainy evenings, the super versatile and adjustable Sierra Dog Supply Canine Coat is a must have! The soft nylon shell and fuzzy fleece liner will surely keep your pet warm in the midst of the upcoming fall weather. This cute canine coat is sure to be at the top of your pup's wish list this fall! http://www.furrytravelers.com/m7/3199--sierra-dog-supply-canine-coat.html

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

Dog Car Seats and Boosters   Keep those little dogs safe and let them see out the window with these dog booster seats and dog car seats.