Looks like Dave and I have the holiday bug.  A little less than 24 hours after returning from our Fan-bloody-fabulous trip to Darwin, we’re organising our next one. 

And this time we’re taking Benny with us and I’ve begun undertaking a little research in lieu.  With Christmas just 8 weeks away (gulp!) I’m going to be posting up a “suite” of pet travel related posts over the next week.

Pet Travel Transport

Flying with your Furry Pals

With Australian distances what they are and plane fares cheap as chips, our family will be hotfooting to our Chrissy destination on the wings of a jet.

While some domestic flights (especially the ones with ultra cheap fares) might not cater to pet travel, most will.  But it is best if you can plan your trip well in advance and follow the airline regulations.  The best airlines will have written rules for pet travel.

The majority of which look a little bit like this:

• Pets should be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned.
• Pets should be in good physical condition
• Trim up your pet’s nails to avoid travel crate snagging.
• Take all necessary health certificates and documentation (i.e.:  identification, registration and vaccination documents).
• Book a nonstop flight and take temperatures into consideration. During the summer, fly at night when it’s often cooler. In the winter, fly during the day when it’s warmer.
• Certain short-nosed dogs such as pugs don’t breathe well in airplane cargo areas so it’s best to avoid flying with these kind of breeds.
• Don’t feed your pet just before travelling.  There’s a strong likelihood they’ll get an upset tummy.
•  Pop some frozen water in the crate if possible, or even some ice cubes that melt slowly (and hopefully won’t spill out during boarding).
• Check in at least three hours before the flight departs.

Tips on Travel Crates
You’ll need a secure container for the trip.  Hiring from the airline can get pretty pricey, so you might find it better to purchase one of your very own instead and have it for future jaunts.

Just make sure that the crate meets airline standards and is large enough for your furry mate to lie down, turn around, and stand comfortably. Mark your crate with “Live Animal - This Side Up” and include your name, address, and telephone number in case they get lost or misplaced in transit.

• Include your own name, address, and the telephone number of your destination.
• Make the crate as comfy as you can with towels, blankets and toys.
• In Australia at least, it’s usually much cheaper to take your pets with you (or send them with a willing friend) as excess baggage rather than sending them unaccompanied.

To Sedate or Not
I rang up our local vet to ask about sedating Benny for the three hour trip.  Benny isn’t one of those dogs that enjoys a car trip, in fact most times he could do with a paper bag.  So when the nurse asked whether he got motion sickness, nervous, or distressed, I had to say, “yes indeedy.”

However, these days many vets and airlines are urging owners to think twice before sedating their pets as after effects can be disorientating and unpleasant.  But if your cat or dog is going to get very distressed to then it can be better to go with a Doggy valium. It’s all a matter of knowing your dog really, chatting with your vet, and doing what’s right for your best four legged friend.

Rental Cars

You’ll be pleased to know that many rental companies are pet friendly, but it’s best to put in a few stop gaps to avoid extra cleaning fees.

Take a blanket or sheet to drape over the seat and reduce the amount of hair getting on the seats.  And it’s not a bad idea to throw in a chew toy or treat to keep them occupied during the trip and avoid claw or chew marks in the upholstery (they’re a real bugger to hide).

Remember though, that not all rental companies allow pets so it’s best to talk to them before booking and save yourself the stress of smuggling your pets out under a towel when taking your car back to the hire place.

Buses and Trains
While most buses and trains in Australia and US won’t transport pets, there are a large number of private companies that will do so happily for a price.

Australian Private Pet Transportation
Pet Transport
Jet Pets

USA Private Pet Transportation
Royal Paws
TLC Pet Transport

However, pets are luckier in England and Europe, where pets can travel on most trains in Europe, including France Germany and Italy.

For more information on pet travel in England and Europe check out this fantastic website, Pet Travel.

Via Boingboing via Sugarfreak this morning —flyer for an awesome dog. Wish I’d done this first.

Has politics gone to the dogs? Following in the steps of Miss D, I began my own investigation into toys that give joy to dog owners as much as the dog.

And I came up with this one.

Yup.  With only a little over a month until Australia goes to election, these little Prime minister Johnny Howard dog toys have spread like wild fire into all left-leaning kennels.

Of course, it wouldn’t be fair unless the leader of the opposition, Kevin Rudd was also represented.  But according to my local pet store owner, the dolls are selling at just 1 Rudd to every 10 Howards.

Only time will tell if two legged voters apply the same bite on Election Day - November 24.

RATING:
BUY IT: Johnny Howard Dog Toy plus other political figures
COST: AUS - $14.00 / US $11.95 (inc postage)

Wanting to wear your “kitty love” on your sleeve or dead set on getting your pooch-loving pal something groovy?  Check out these fabulously hep feline and canine items!

You could pin your hopes on these seriously sleek kitten brooches

A crafty trio of pin puppies

A necklace to give your own personal love cat

Sweet Cat Rabbit pins with Georgie Love

A Pink Puss Purse for your Passionate Peeps by Cinnanmon Moon

Tricky George creates Kitty Cat Cuddles for your Kiddy

Retro groovy cat badges and dashunds

You’ll be the Cat’s Meow when you’re out shopping with this!

Ah you gotta love payback doncha? Michael Vick is the US footy player in the middle of a furore over animal abuse. He is charged with running a pit bull fighting dog club, and doing some seriously nasty stuff to dogs who didn’t measure up.

Now your poochie can help create some well-deserved instant karma with the Michael Vick chew toy. It makes me so happy to imagine the dogs of America dragging this little number around by the head. Here’s what the people behind the toy have to say about it:

“Vick Dog Chew Toy™ is made of state of the art “dog” material. The Vick Toy Doll is so strong and flexible, it will challenge every breed. Especially The Pit Bull.”

At Prefurr, we reckon humour is the best path to social change. So let’s get shopping! Proceeds from the sales will go to  various animal welfare charities.

RATING:
BUY IT: Vick Chew Toy
COST: From USD$21.95