PetLvr.com - [The Blog]

By John Vanderbeck

Most dogs love to go on an adventure, and traveling with their owners makes it even more fun for everyone! It is in their nature to explore new places and meet new people. However, often traveling with your dog can be difficult. There is the problem of housing and transportation for the dog first and foremost, but even once you get past that issue others arise such as dealing with your dogs mess on the trip and more.

Many people feel that taking their dog with them is just too much of a hassle. This article is about convincing you otherwise, however if you just feel it would be easier to travel without your dog then into kennel or pet handler services while you are away. Hiring the services of a professional pet handler to care for your dog while you are away is often the best choice for your dog, but is also more costly then a kennel. Should you choose to go with a kennel then do some research first to find one that is clean and comfortable, and is run by people who truly care about the animals in the kennel. Some kennels will even allow you to bring extras like your dogs sleeping mat, a toy or two, and his or her own food. Whichever route you take, you will need to ensure your dog is current on all shots and immunizations as this is required for any kennel admission.

More →

By Amy P

Preparing for a trip can be a very stressful time. Especially when you have decided to take the family dog along. Here are just some of the things to consider before taking that road trip - How long is the trip? What dog items should you bring? What hotels accepts pets? What if your dog has a medical emergency?

So you are planning a vacation and you have decided to take your dog with you. Great idea! However, you have a small problem. You have never taken your dog on a road trip with you before. So, now what? Luckily other people have done this and are willing to share some great tips on how to travel with your dog. I have traveled numerous times with my dog Jake. He’s a pro now! Every dog is different. Some dogs can make a trip pleasurable while some can make it a very bad experience. There are a couple of things that you should consider before you take your dog on a road trip with you.

More →

By Beth Williams

Millions of Americans are expected to hit the roads this summer, headed for vacation destinations around the country, and many of those travelers will be accompanied by their beloved pets.

For many a road trip is a fun, even relaxing, experience away from the stresses of everyday life. But, for pets who aren’t used to traveling in the car, a road trip could cause unnecessary stress. Fortunately, you can ensure both you and your pet’s trip is stress free by following a few simple rules.

More →

By Audrey Frederick

If you are thinking of popping your dog in the car and heading out on a vacation journey, stop for a moment, and back up.

Taking a vacation with your dog is do-able, however, it takes a little planning.

There are many places you can go with your dog and really have a great time, but first you need to start planning before your leave.

More →

Eight Reasons Your Dog Should Wear a Pet Auto Seat Belt when Traveling in the Car

By Dawn Ross

Does your dog love to travel in the car with you? You and your family wear seat belts when riding in the car. Does your pet? If you have not considered it, here are eight important reasons why your dog should wear a pet auto seat belt:

1. The dog won’t be able to distract the person driving the car. Distractions an be very dangerous to the driver. Some dogs are naturally well-behaved in the vehicle but many dogs have to be trained car-riding decorum. Why not train them in the pet auto seat belt instead?

More →

Hiking With Your Dog

By Eileen ONeill

With Spring just a couple of days away, thoughts of Hiking in our local parks certainly comes to mind. It has been a long cold winter for most of the upper US States and Canada. We all feel the need to get back to nature and enjoy the sunshine.

Hiking can be a wonderful preventative for any number of physical and behavioral disorders. One in every three dogs is overweight and running up trails and leaping through streams is great exercise to help keep pounds off. Hiking can also relieve boredom in a dog’s routine and calm dogs prone to destructive habits. Hiking with our dogs help strengthen the overall bond between K-9 and owner. The health benefits our whole family as well as our pets.

More →

Pet Relocation - Tips For International Pet Moving

By Kevin O’Brien

Five Tips for Safe and Humane International Pet Relocation

Owning or adopting a pet should be for life, regardless of what corner of the world your career or other circumstances happen to send you. When planning an international move transporting your beloved pet is only part of a long, daunting list of preparations that have to be made. Many people feel forced to find new homes for their animals rather than subject them to a traumatic transportation - however there are steps that can be taken to ensure the journey is as easy as possible on your companion.

1. Contact the local consulate of the destination country: The first step in planning an international trip with a pet should be to contact the consulate of the destination country for your pet’s importation requirements. Some countries require a lengthy quarantine; others have more rigid standards and some only accept pets at certain airports within that country. The most important thing to remember is just like human travel, pets also need additional documentation in order to enter its desired country. Each country is different, as they all require their own documentation when accepting pets.

More →

Pets On Vacation: Easy

By Jennifer Brown

Family vacations used to involve Parents, the Kids, and sometimes Grandma. These days, taking a family vacation might also mean bringing Fido along for the ride.

Taking pets on vacation might seem like a great idea. After all, who would enjoy the endless expanse of tropical beach more than your Frisbee-catching golden retriever? But to make it a great vacation for everyone, you need to look after every detail and prepare for any situation.

More →

Pet Emergency Preparedness: Lessons Learned from Mother Nature

By Tom James

Natural disasters can strike at any time; when they do is not the time to try to prepare. Having your family and pets prepared for such catastrophes as earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods will save you time to respond and evacuate, if necessary, and could very possibly save your or your pet’s life. The images of last year’s hurricanes along the Gulf Coast told it all. Thousand of pets became separated from their owners and were left behind. Some survived but, like their owners, found themselves homeless. Others found new homes, and a few were miraculously reunited with their owners.

Plan now by ID’ing your pet.

More →

Practical Tips for Pet Travel

By Grant Segall

For most people who own pets, these furry friends are more family, than simple pets. For this reason, we see a growing number of people who take their pets on vacation. While this makes things more fun for the owner and the animal, it also comes with a new set of challenges. The best option is excellent planning so you and your pet are comfortable and safe while having a great time.

One of the greatest challenges of traveling with pets is trying to locate a hotel that accommodates. Even though we see the problem lessening, you will still find many hotels that do not welcome pets. This means you end up staying in a hotel other than what you would prefer just for the sake of the animal. Therefore, we suggest as you plan your next vacation, check with the Convention and Visitors Bureau for the state you will travel to, which can provide you with a list of pet friendly hotels. Now, even when you receive this list, you should call ahead to make sure there are no surprises and that you understand any additional charges that may apply.

More →