Pets Care

If you have dogs and they travel with you in the car you may want to try this carpet fresh.

1 Cup baking soda with 40 drops of essential oils.

Choose from Lemon, Grapefruit, Bergamot, Tea Tree, Litsea Cubea, Cedarwood and Patchouli. Mix together and sprinkle over carpet let sit overnight , then vacuum.

The essential oils will deoderize and help repel fleas.

This Daily Aromatherapy Tip is brought to you by http://www.AromaThyme.com/

Are you planning a trip? Are you taking your ferret along? Before you do, there are certain things that you must know. Traveling with a ferret is different than traveling with a cat or a dog.

First, if you are taking a car trip, your ferret will enjoy going, but he will have pent up energy that he needs to burn. Make sure that you bring along a harness and leash, and that you plan frequent stops for your ferret to ‘stretch his legs.’

Make sure that you bring along a small traveling cage (you won’t want him loose in the car), food, water, and a small litter box as well.

If you are traveling by air, note that not all airlines will transport a ferret, and your pet ferret may not be welcomed in all countries. In fact, even in the United States, there are laws against the possession of ferrets in some cities – even if you are just visiting. Make sure that you call the game and fish department of your destination city to be sure that your ferret is welcome.

Next, call the airline. Make sure that your ferret can travel on that airline, and inquire about anything that you may need to do to get your pet accepted for transport. If you are going to another country, make sure that you are aware of the laws regarding ferrets, and the laws regarding the admittance of any pet into the country.

As of this writing, pets are allowed in the cargo area of Luxair, Northwest Airlines, and Air Canada. They are allowed in the cabin on Delta Airlines. Ferrets are not welcome on Ryanair, Southwest Airlines, or US Airways.

Regarding import laws, your ferret will not be allowed to enter Australia or Japan. A ferret may be brought into Canada, as long as it is originating from the United States. Otherwise, a Permit to Import is required from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Ferrets are also allowed in Europe.

In the United States, ferrets are not allowed in Hawaii or California. Pets are not allowed in the cities of Washington D.C or New York City either. There are many other smaller cities that have ordinances against ferrets, and again, you should call ahead to find out what the law is before you travel with your ferret.

If you cannot bring your ferret along, you can contact your veterinarian about finding a kennel for your ferret while you are gone. Note, however, that any separation from you will upset your ferret, making him feel abandoned.

Take him with you if it is possible and if not, put him in his cage, and ask a trusted friend to come by daily to check on him – or ask them to stay at your house and ferret-sit. At least in this way, the ferret will remain in familiar surroundings, which is a great deal less stressful to him.

When traveling with your ferret, make sure that you inquire about the size of the carrier needed (for airlines), and carry your ferrets vaccination records with you, as well as medical records for any conditions that he might have, in case he needs emergency care.

NEW YORK (AP) — SuNae Martz is a 10-year-old jetsetter who’s crisscrossed the globe more than once. The catch: SuNae is a dog — a fluffy white coton de tulear, to be exact.

Her owner, Gayle Martz, takes her everywhere she flies, from Paris to New York to Los Angeles. But SuNae doesn’t fly in the belly of the plane like common cargo. She’s first class, in the cabin under Martz’s seat.

“I don’t check my jewelry, and SuNae is my most precious jewel,” said Martz, a former flight attendant-turned entrepreneur who created and sells a soft-sided pet carrier, the Sherpa Bag.

SuNae is one of a half-million pets that fly each year, according to statistics complied by the U.S. Department of Transportation. But not all airlines permit pets to fly in the cabin, and other policies vary too.

Some airlines charge to bring pets in the cabin; some don’t. Some airlines restrict the travel of short-nosed animals, like Persian cats and pugs, which have shorter nasal passages that make breathing difficult at higher altitudes. Most also don’t allow pets to travel as cargo in temperatures below 20 degrees and above 85 degrees.

Most mishaps, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, stem not from mishandling or a panicked animal getting injured or lost but from sedation. The AVMA advises against giving tranquilizers to pets during air travel because the results are often unpredictable, even fatal.

“An animal’s natural ability to balance and maintain equilibrium is altered under sedation,” said Dr. Patricia Olson, director of veterinary affairs and studies for the American Humane Association. “When the kennel is moved, a sedated animal may not be able to brace and prevent injury.”

Continental now requires passengers to sign a waiver saying their animal has not been sedated, but most airlines don’t have that rule.

The basics

All these different policies can be confusing. “It seems like it all depends on the mood of the person you’re dealing with at the airport that day,” said Eric Buss, a magician from Los Angeles who has traveled by plane with the doves and rabbits he uses in his act.

But there are some rules that you and the airlines must follow. Here’s what you need to know about flying with your pet:

Federal officials began making the pet-related travel statistics public last year for the first time as part of regulations imposed by the Safe Air Travel for Animals Act, which was passed by Congress in 2000 under pressure from animal rights activists. Most air trips with pets are without incident. There were 14 reported pet deaths, four injuries and six lost animals between May and September 2006.

* Most airlines require pets to be considered healthy, under 100 pounds and at least 8 weeks old.

* Pets are never allowed out of their containers, and, of course, the airline assumes no responsibility for their health and well being. (Many even state on their Web sites that crew members cannot perform lifesaving measures on ailing pets.)

* Less traditional pets aren’t allowed at all, like potbellied pigs, primates and certain venomous reptiles. And that usually means no “snakes on a plane.”

* The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which regulates pet air-travel, requires a health certificate from a vet 10 days before traveling for animals flying as cargo, but not when flying as checked baggage or carry-on. Martz suggests carrying such certification in any case just in case you are asked for it.

* Many airlines, like Continental, United and American, suggest and apply the certification even for pets transported in the cabin because some states require it. (To learn which ones, visit http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/sregs/.) Health certification is also required on most international flights.

* Fees vary. JetBlue charges $50 for a pet to fly in the cabin; Continental, $95, American and Northwest, $80. It’s free on USAir Shuttle and Delta Shuttle.

* American Airlines, Delta and JetBlue allow pets in the cabin. Frontier and Champion only allow them as cargo. Southwest won’t let pets fly at all.

* Some airlines only allow one animal in the cabin per flight. American allows up to seven. Sometimes certified service dogs count as a pet; sometimes they don’t.

* American Airlines requires paperwork certifying that pets were fed and watered within four hours before delivery. Most don’t.

* Alert the airline of a pet when booking your flight to make sure there’s room in the cabin.

* Fly during a weekday when airports are less hectic.

* Fly in the morning or evening during the summer, and midday during the winter to ensure safe temperatures for pets traveling as cargo.

* Choose a nonstop, direct flight.

* Exercise your pet before leaving to help it relax and sleep.

* Do not feed or give water to your pet two hours before departure.

* Check in at least two hours before time, and have all paperwork ready.

* Tape a note on the pet container with all relevant information: name of the pet, age, destination and flight number.

* Make sure the carry-on container will fit under the seat.

* Familiarize your pet with its carrier before leaving home, and make sure the pet is wearing tags or is microchipped.

Of course, even when you take every precaution and follow all the rules, flying with pets can be challenging. Jenn Fromm, an attorney from Los Angeles who recently flew her cats from Boston, still has scars from where her cat clawed her in a panicked escape attempt while going through a security checkpoint. The cat didn’t get away, but he cried during the entire five-hour flight.

She’ll never do it again. “I would rather drive with my cat for five days than go through five more hours of that.”

Travel time is upon us. When we start packing up the items we want to take, we have to be sure to think about the dogs. Our dogs are part of the family and go with us.

Just like children, dogs should be safely restrained in a vehicle while traveling. We found a leash that has one end that clicks in to the seatbelt. The other end has the usual clip and fastens to the harness. We prefer a harness to using the collars for riding. If there are any sudden stops, the dogs are safely restrained without risk of damage to their necks.

If you travel in an SUV or station wagon, you can get barrier screens to put between the dogs and the passenger seats of the vehicle. These help to keep the canine family member from being thrown forward in the event of an accident.

Some of our friends have vans and actually are able to load up the travel kennels like those made by Vari Kennel. Their dogs are used to loading up in the kennels and settle right down for a long ride. They have their own crate beds and other accessories to make traveling quite comfortable.

Besides determining how the dogs will ride, we need to pack up supplies for the dogs just as we do for ourselves. We suggest that you prepare for most any event.

Be sure you have the water bowl or bottle. If your dog is not too fussy about having his own water bowl, there are wonderful collapsible travel bowls on the market.

We recommend that you carry water from home so that your dog does not have to adjust to new water which may cause loose stools. Pack enough water to get you through your trip if possible. Should you run out, bottled water from the stores may be useful and should not cause problems. As with most things in life, water has its own scent to our dogs. They will know the difference, but the bottled water may not upset their digestive systems.

How do you want to carry the dog food? We like to put it in buckets with lids so that we may stack them and store other items around them. You need a feeding dish. If you have a dog that will only eat from his own bowl, be sure to pack it. Many dogs are not that fussy, and you may use collapsible travel bowls. They pack easily and do not require a lot of space.

Just in case your dog encounters an upset tummy and has loose stool, throw in a can of pumpkin. This helps tighten things back up and seems to be soothing to the digestive track. Our veterinarian also told us that in an emergency, a reduced portion of Immodium AD is acceptable. Be sure to check with your own veterinarian about dosage size if you have this in your pet pack.

Remember the leashes. Most travel areas require that we keep our canine companions on leash. I prefer the braided leather leashes that are easier on my hands. These are available from many sources. The leash works well with dogs that are trained and walk easily on leash. Because the leash is leather it seems to improve with use just like a baseball glove.

We find that it is a good idea to take along calming remedies to handle the stress of travel. Most times our dogs are fine, but once in a while, a little calming is needed. For these times, there are wonderful herbal supplements and even special aromatherapy for dog products that work.

We found one aromatic mist that we used on one trip transporting greyhounds fresh from the tracks to new homes. These dogs did not know us or each other, and the mist was just the thing to relax and aid them in getting along together. Sprayed lightly in the air twice, the dogs sniffed and seemed to calm a bit. About half an hour later, I sprayed once more.

The dogs settled in and slept for our four-hour leg of the trip. After using this special, essential-oils based product, I can safely say that I believe in aromatherapy for dogs.

We also found that sometimes it gets a little ‘doggie smelling’ in the car when we are in close quarters for a long time. We found another essential-oils based mist that has been great for taking care of this. The fresh lime scent and other essential oils used in the blend soon return the car (or hotel room etc.) to a nice clean scent.

Once in a while our dogs get in to something that causes them to be a little less desirable riding companions. We found that travel size bottles of dog shampoo and dog coat conditioner are great additions. The travel sizes are small enough to tuck in the corners, and there is a bit of peace of mind knowing that if you have a minor coat problem, you have the dog supplies to handle it.

There are many places to purchase dog shampoos, just be sure to get one that is pleasant for you to use and the dog does not mind.

Are you going where it is cold? You may need to pack dog coats or sweaters so that your traveling partners are warm and comfortable. An extra blanket for lying on will also be welcomed by the canine traveler.

Going where it is hot? You might consider packing in some of the new towels that are ultra absorbent. If you wet the towels, wring them out slightly, and then drape them over the dogs, they are wonderful cool-down coats. A small spray bottle filled with water is also helpful to cool your dog’s underside and paws.

It really is not any more difficult to pack for our dogs than it is to pack for ourselves or children. We make lists, check them twice, and load up. We also check them on the return to be sure we are bringing back everything with which we started the trip.

Now relax, give your dog and extra hug, and have a wonderful vacation.

About the author

The author is a dedicated dog lover and active in greyhound rescue through Greyhound Pets of America - Rocky Mountain Chapter. She enjoys traveling with her canine companions and family. Irene may be contacted through http://BigDogSpa.com

What causes travel or motion sickness?

Travel or motion sickness is caused by movement in different directions, particularly when the animal is sitting or standing still in a moving vehicle, boat or plane. It can also happen when there is a loss of visual contact with the outside horizon or due to pressure changes in the inner ear during air travel.

These events may cause confusion in the balance center of the inner ear, leading to fatigue, nausea, dizziness and even vomiting. It is not known why some animals are more prone to motion sickness than others. Many will gradually become accustomed to traveling and motion sickness will disappear after a few regular journeys.

While the majority of animals overcome motion sickness and learn to enjoy the journey, others continue to suffer the symptoms throughout their lives. This makes any journey traumatic for both the pet and the owner.

What is PetAlive EasyTravel Solution?

PetAlive EasyTravel Solution contains a combination of selected herbal and homeopathic ingredients known to successfully treat all the major symptoms of Travel or Motion Sickness.

Presented in pleasant and fresh tasting dissolvable granules that are sprinkled on the tongue, PetAlive EasyTravel Solution is convenient to administer to animals without fuss or fighting and is safe for junior pets as well as more mature animals.

EasyTravel is an effective natural remedy which does not cause side effects associated with prescription drugs for motion sickness.

Use PetAlive EasyTravel:

* To prevent and treat all the major symptoms of travel and motion sickness in pets
* To relieve nausea and dribbling while traveling in the car
* To relax anxious pets while traveling
* To calm your pet and prevent digestive upset during air travel

What are the ingredients of PetAlive EasyTravel Solution?

PetAlive EasyTravel Solution contains the following 100% herbal and homeopathic ingredients:

Zingiber officinalis (ginger) has a long history of medicinal use in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic (Indian) medicine. Modern research confirms its effectiveness in relieving the symptoms of nausea, vomiting, indigestion, flatulence and dizziness. Working mainly in the digestive tract, Zingiber boosts digestive fluids and neutralizes acids, making it an effective alternative to anti-nausea medication, but without the usual unpleasant side effects. Zingiber has strong anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties and is also used to treat arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.

Mentha piperita (Mint) one of the most effective of the mint herbs, has been used for centuries to relieve indigestion, nausea and heartburn. Modern research has demonstrated its effectiveness in soothing the symptoms of Diverticulosis, IBS and other digestive disorders. Mentha piperita is widely cultivated for medicinal uses and also has anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties. It relaxes the muscles of the digestive tract and stimulates the flow of natural digestive juices and bile, thereby assisting healthy digestion.

Kalium phosphate (Kali. phos.) is a biochemic tissue salt which is very effective in the treatment of anxiety and stress and is often referred to as a natural tranquilizer. It has many benefits, among them the relief of a ‘nervous stomach’.

Aconite C30: A homeopathic remedy which is often used to treat conditions of shock and anxiety. It is also prescribed for otherwise healthy pets, that develop a sudden illness of acute nature, often accompanied by fear, anxiety and panic attacks.

Cocculus C30 is a homeopathic remedy well known for its ability to relieve travel sickness, vertigo, nausea and vomiting.

Pulsatilla vulgaris C6 is used in the treatment of nausea and vomiting and also helps to calm and soothe the sufferer of travel sickness, particularly when there is an aversion to the enclosed space and a need for fresh air.

Lactose (inactive ingredient) (PetAlive EasyTravel Solution contains no gluten, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives)

How has PetAlive EasyTravel Solution helped others?

“On the advice of my therapist I bought a puppy to help me feel better after my husband died. One of the goals was for me to walk on the beach and get some exercise, but the poor little thing was so sick in the car every time we tried to get out that the journeys became a trial for both of us, not to mention that my car was starting to smell like a hospital which brought back terrible memories for me. I felt ready to give up when I tried for one last time to drive to the sea after giving the little one a dose of your Easy Travel remedy. To be honest I didn’t much expect it to work, but it did! I am amazed to say that we have not had one single problem since and enjoy our walk every day!” - F.J.

“EasyTravel helps our dogs to stop that dreadful dribbling and vomiting in the car. They also seem much calmer than they used to be when traveling. Thanks for a very effective remedy which is truly easy to administer as you say.” - Sylvia P.

“We don’t often take our cat in the car, but when we have to go to the vet this becomes an issue as she hates it and becomes really ill - which doesn’t help her anxiety about going to the vet in the first place! He referred us to your remedy which has been very effective and also she is more calm when traveling. Thanks for your great service! It is always a pleasure to deal with your staff!” - Neville K.

How do I use PetAlive EasyTravel Solution?

PetAlive EasyTravel Solution comes in convenient dissolvable granule form.

The tiny granules are easy to administer to pets of all sizes and personalities and are simply sprinkled on the back of the tongue and left to dissolve. No fuss and bother!

Dosage: (Sprinkle granules directly into mouth and hold closed briefly.) Administer 10 minutes before journey. May be repeated every 20 minutes for up to 6 doses if necessary.

Cats and small dogs: Large pinch of Problem Pet Solution sprinkled into the mouth.
Small to medium dogs: Half fill inner circle of lid and sprinkle into mouth.
Medium to large dogs: Fill inner circle of lid and sprinkle into mouth.

How long until I see results?

For many animals one dose of EasyTravel just before the journey is sufficient to prevent the symptoms of motion sickness.

For pets with more severe cases, the dosage may be repeated periodically during the journey.

How long does one bottle last?

One bottle of PetAlive EasyTravel Solution will last for more than a month, depending on frequency of use as well as the size of your pet.

What else can I do to help my pet?

* Try to avoid giving your pet food for about an hour or two before the journey
* Take your pet on short journeys regularly to help accustom him to traveling
* Ensure that your vehicle is well ventilated and open a window if necessary
* When transporting cats to the vet, use a specially designed cat traveling basket
* Take along a favorite blanket to help your cat or dog feel more secure in the car
* Bring a good supply of newspapers to prevent soiling of your vehicle

Planning a trip with your precious kitty can be a bit tricky. A yowling cat can make you nervous in heavy traffic.

Instead of a using vet prescribed seditives, give your cat some catnip to calm them down. Keep some loose catnip and catnip in a tied up sock in thier carrier to help sooth them. I refresh the supply every 3 to 4 hours. Cats will be frisky at first and then calm down.

Also, before you travel, sleep with a towel or select a T-shirt you recently wore to place in thier carrier helps to comfort them. Fresh water and a clean litter pan are a must. Never let kitty run loose in the car when you have to stop or open a window.

A cat can escape through a window that is only down three inches! Opening your window to pay a toll fees can be kittys escape route.

If you are reading this, I guess you have a pet, need a holiday and don’t want to waste your next hard-earned break watching round-the-clock rubbish on televsion. In days gone many pet owners simply did not go on holidays! “Why”, I would ask them, and the answer was always the same: “Because we own a pet.”

Fortunately pet owners have more options than they used to. These days you can often take your pet with you. Otherwise you can leave it in a secure boarding kennel or cattery, or even commission a pet minding service to visit and service your pet in its familiar environment. But which option is right for you and your pet?

So now you’ve taken the first step and put in for some annual leave. Your vacation is coming up… but what are you going to do with the family pet?

Option One: Pet Friendly Holidaying

Taking your pet with you on holidays is an option particularly popular among dog owners whose charges travel well. Gone are the days when travelling “pet friendly” meant rotting linoleum and a leaky roof. Many holiday venue operators now recognise that most pet owners are responsible adults who will look after a nice house in order to be invited back.

When travelling don’t forget to take frequent rests, pack water for the travel along with your dog’s water bowl, and don’t leave your dog to bake in your car! You’ll generally also be required to bring your pet’s bedding, food and food containers.

Your pet should also be fully vaccinated, wormed and on a current flea treatment program. A first aid kit including tweezers or tick removers as well as antiseptic makes good sense, especially if there are likely to be ticks in the area.

Other pets can make excellent travel companions - cats and horses, for example, are welcomed at many holiday venues these days.

FOLLOW THE RULES: If you will be having your pet with you on holidays there are likely to be conditions. Find out what they are and follow them or you will not be welcomed back!

AVOID THE TELEVISION. Hopefully there isn’t a TV there, but if there is, don’t turn it on. You can watch TV at home and there are too many exciting things to do with your pet, friends and family, like bush walking, swimming… no, don’t reach for the remote control. Make the most of your holiday and enjoy the Great Outdoors!

There are times when you can’t take your pet with you, such as overseas holidays, business trips and when you are holidaying in regions that don’t permit pets. So what are your options?

Option Two: In Home Pet Minding Services

If your pet is unlikely to fret excessively in your absence it can make sense to leave them in their familiar territory. A Pet Minder can visit your pet in your home or garden, supplying food, entertainment, a walk and maybe even a bath in your absence.

Leaving a pet in the house can even assist with security - who’s going to break in when Cujo’s guarding the front door?

As an added bonus a pet minder will often undertake additional duties including collecting mail, putting out the garbage and watering the plants. They can often attend to the other members of your family including fish, mice, birds etc.

Keeping up your dog’s exercise regime is important. If your chosen pet minder cannot exercise your pet then arrange for a family member or professional dog walker to look after this for you.

When interviewing for a pet minder, it is OK, and expected that you will ask for references.

Not all dogs and cats are suited to staying home while you’re away, especially if you’ll be gone for an extended period. If your pet is likely to fret terribly, howl through the night, disturb neighbours or go wandering, then a boarding facility might be a better option for your pet’s safety and security!

Option Three: Boarding Kennels and Catteries

A boarding kennel or cattery can provide a safe environment in your absence. Your pet will be fed according to the diet that you have prearranged - many boarding services can cater for the fussiest of animals.

Most boarding kennels have excellent exercise options available as well as ready access to a vet in case of emergency.

Know what to look for! Most boarding kennels and catteries are happy to show you through their premises if you make an appointment, but I favour boarding facilities that welcome your inspection without an appointment. Who knows what might get swept under the rug!

Your holiday - Relax and enjoy yourself

Now that your pets are taken care of, go and enjoy your holiday! Hang on a moment… what about the kids?

About the Author

Gerry Neustatl is the co-founder of Pets Playground, a comprehensive internet resource for Australian pet owners looking for pet friendly holiday venues and other holiday options, service providers and retailers.

Web: http://petsplayground.com.au

Since parrots are very intelligent, curious and social, traveling with them is quite safe and fun. Like all other birds, they also love to see the outside world and taking them on trips is a rewarding experience. But, you might have heard that a lot of pet birds get lost or meet an accident every year while they are on a trip.

Parrots are prey and they get scared very easily. Although you may be able to recover your lost bird doing so can be quite stressful for both you and your bird. So, there are certain things that you should remember while taking the bird on a trip.

- Train your parrot to get used to a bird carrier. It is very important for keeping your parrot safe and reducing the bird’s stress as many others also travel with you. If you are traveling by car, then keep the carrier safely at the back because the impact of an exploding air bag in an accident can kill your parrot.

The bird carrier should be large enough for your bird to sit or rest in it comfortably so that it doesn’t bump its head or tail on the top or bottom. If you want to use a T-perch on top of your bird carrier then allow your parrot to sit on the perch for a short time every day so that he/she gets used to it. Always remember that your bird will daily need some time to come out of the carrier for exercise or just for a change.

- Keep sufficient food and vegetables in the bird carrier that are very high in water content to minimize dehydration. If you want to keep fruits for feeding your parrot, then store them in ice to prevent from spoiling.

- Train your bird to wear a harness like a Bird Diaper before taking him outside.

- When you are out of the vehicle, do not leave the bird alone or locked in carrier because predator animals are dangerous for pet animals, especially for birds.

- Get a pre-checkup of your parrot from your veterinarian before taking it on a trip. Make sure that your bird has developed no signs of illness prior to the trip and try implanting a microchip in your bird, for its identification, in case you lose it..

- Provide your bird with a sufficient quantity of fresh water in its carrier all the time, so as not to upset your bird’s delicate intestinal tract on trips. Fill the water cup just enough so that water does not keep on spilling all the way.

- If the weather is warm outside, take a spray bottle along with you to sprinkle water on your bird and protect it from heat. If your parrot is feeling too hot then it will keep its mouth open and wings raised

- Always carry the contact number of your veterinarian and a copy of your parrot’s medical records in case you have to contact an unknown vet in an emergency. You should also carry a first aid kit for your bird containing certain supplies like septic power, gauze, ace bandages, a sugar pack to make sugar water and a feeding syringe to administer sugar water in case of dehydration, and tweezers Also, do not forget to bring disinfectant for cleaning your bird carrier during the journey.

- Do not keep your bird sitting in its carrier, direct under the sun or near direct draft from the vents. Though auto air conditioning or heating will control the temperature to some extent, still it is better to avoid direct contact of sunlight with the carrier.

- Your voice can calm and reassure your bird, so keep talking to it at regular intervals during the trip.

- If you want to carry your bird’s toys on the trip do not hang them in the carrier as they may swing and hurt your bird. You can also use fresh fruits like grapes or orange slice instead of toys, which can be held for chewing.

About the author

Milo Piros is the Author of “The Parrot SuperPak”
Sign up for his FREE 4-part parrot training course, learn: Speaking, Trick Training, No Biting and the ‘Up’ Command Click here ===> http://www.parrotadvice.com

There’s nothing worse than going away on your hard-earned vacation with the worry that your pet might not be safe, secure, fed properly or exercised adequately in your absence

Holiday boarding can be an excellent solution for looking after your pet while you are away. There are lots to choose from offering a range of different options, from standard accommodation to luxury suites. Prices vary dramatically, and are not necessarily the best indicator of quality.

Ten Steps for Selecting a Holiday Boarding Kennel or Cattery

This simple checklist should help you find the facility that’s right for your pet:

1. Visit the boarding kennel or cattery before making a decision. You should be able to visit the facility without an appointment during operating hours. If you are required to visit by appointment only, one must question what the facilities are like when you are not there!

2. Does it smell? This could be an indicator of insufficient hygiene

3. Is there ready access to a vet in case of emergency? Hopefully this will not be required, but it’s better to be safe than sorry!

4. Does the facility have a perimeter fence? You don’t want your dog escaping in your absence

5. Are staff suitably qualified in pet care?

6. Can the facility cater for your pet’s dietary requirements?

7. Is medication readily available, if required?

8. What are the hidden charges? For example, some facilities will charge extra fees for playtime, administration of medication or grooming services

9. Are there suitable facilities for exercise and entertainment of animals?

10. Is the facility accredited by a recognised authority, such as PIAA (in Australia)? This is not required, but such authorities set set minimum standards that member facilities must comply with. This includes enclosure size, meals, hygiene etc.

Many Boarding Kennels and Catteries can also provide a convenient pickup and delivery service. If your chosen facility doesn’t, there are specialised Animal Taxis that can arrange this service for you.

With your pet happy and secure in a safe environment you can now set about enjoying your holiday.

About the Author

Gerry Neustatl is the co-founder of Pets Playground, a comprehensive internet resource for Australian pet owners looking for pet friendly holiday venues and other holiday options, service providers and retailers.

Email: enquiries@petsplayground.com.au
Web: http://petsplayground.com.au