pet travel : All posts

Pets: Preparing your dog for long summer trips: Focus on safety and training

Assistance Dog Storm in the car

Ronald Wiedbusch | Contributor

Like most dog owners know, our best friends love car rides. Because travel is part of life though, for our pets, I believe it is important for people to know about ways to get their dog used to travel and the safety equipment that is available to help protect their animals.

Ever since I first picked up Assistance Dog Storm in 2007, he has been a constant passenger in many different types of vehicles. He has ridden in everything from my own personal “Safety Van” to more exotic forms of transportation such as helicopters and paddles boats.

Every one of these different forms of transportation brought a new reaction from Storm and also all presented unique safety challenges.

For Storm and me, these trips always go smoothly because I — as you should — have put in a lot of time preparing my animal for travel. If you want to make sure you have a stress-free and enjoyable vacation with your animal, you need to lay some ground work first.

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Roadtrip!

flickr photo courtesy of macinate

With the tight economy, a higher percentage of people are choosing to forgo more costly trips via air, and venture out to destinations that are within driving distance.

With interesting and fun destinations in and all around Michigan, a good time can be had by all members of the family — including pets!

When our dog Gretchen was younger, she made many trips with us to one of my favorite locales, Traverse City. I always packed a bag for her that included her favorite things, like toys, treats, her favorite blanket — as well as other necessities like doggy towels, biodegradable pet shampoo — all of those things that would help make traveling with our favorite girl easier, and more enjoyable.

A first-aid kit that included items just for Gretchen was important, because a big part of the trip meant being active — canoeing, long walks, spending time at the beach — so many things that let her be a big, dirty dog. With that, meant the possibility of an injury — major or minor. Luckily, the need to see a veterinarian never came up while we were on the road.

Pets: Recent American Airlines tragedy puts focus on pet air travel safety

flickr photo courtesy of bravoinsd

Many hotels and rentals tout themselves as pet friendly, and there are usually a few relatives or friends who are welcoming to their guests' pets, too. With that part of the travel planning planned somewhat effortlessly, there's always the bigger issue if you're not driving to your destination: the thought of putting your pooch into a portable pet carrier and into the cargo area of an aircraft, if they are not welcome in the cabin of the plane.

For most folks, it's not a common thing to do. But, if it's an extended, far away vacation or a cross-country move and driving isn't possible, flying with your pets may be the only option.

Several puppies died this week on an American Airlines flight from Tulsa to Chicago. Cause of death for the puppies will be known once an investigation and necropsy reports are completed. The U.S. Department of Transportation releases reports throughout each year with regard to the number of animal deaths that occur while being transported via air. Read the most current report.

Frontier Airlines allowing small pets on board

Photo by Flickr user Average Jane

The AP reports:

The airline said Wednesday it would let passengers bring along their small dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters or small birds for $75 each way.

That matches the price charged by another low-fare carrier, Southwest Airlines, which began allowing customers to bring small pets on board last year.

More after the jump…