Top Dog-Friendly Beaches

Petside have ranked the top 10 dog-friendly beaches in the US.

Check them out here:

1. CAPE SAN BLAS (PORT ST. JOE, FLORIDA)
2. QUIET WATERS PARK (ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND)
3. BLOCK ISLAND (RHODE ISLAND)
4. CANNON BEACH (CANNON BEACH, OREGON)
5. FORT DE SOTO PARK (ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA)
6. CARMEL CITY BEACH (CARMEL, CALIFORNIA)
7. JEKYLL ISLAND (GEORGIA)
8. CORONADO (SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA)
9. STEWART BEACH (GALVESTON, TEXAS)
10. MONTROSE DOG BEACH (CHICAGO, ILLINOIS)

If you have a special dog beach that you would like to share – post it here!

Ask the Vet: Pet Air Travel

Air travel for pets can always be stressful for both pets and people when traveling long distances. The best airlines to travel with as those that have specific policies for pet travel. Small pets can often be taken on board. Large animals are usually restricted to the cargo.

Safe pet travel is unrealistically flawless. Air travel consumer report provides updated information on air travel incidents here . These reports detail animal death, injury or loss per airline every month.

Doing your research on air travel and preparing in advance will help you make sure your travel is as problem-free as possible.

When traveling keep in mind:
• Airlines should be contacted in advance for their pet travel policy
• Examples of Policies: 1, 2
• Pets must be 8 weeks or older
• Pets must be healthy at time of travel
• Carry all pet documentation on board – health certificates, vaccination records
• Pets should NOT be sedated
• Label the crate well – “live animal – this side up” with contact details
• Place an old towel or toy in with the pet
• Do not feed just before a flight
• Bring water for your pet or ice cubes

Pet airways recently launched a pet specific airline. But, currently have limited destinations.

I open it up to the readers to share their specific experiences with air travel.

Tips for Flying with Pets

Traveling pets has become increasingly popular. With the introduction of pet-specific airlines, it is important for us to know how to prepare our pet for safe air travel.

• Restrict food for 12 hours before a flight
• Provide only small amounts of water
• Exercise your pet just before the flight
• Train the pet to see the crate as a positive experience by allowing it to sleep in there at home, giving praise and treats
• Use puppy pads or small litter box for the trip to help with any accidents
• Stay as calm as possible to your pet doesn’t pick up on your concerns

How to Select a Crate

There are many different types of dog crates to service every need: big or small, solid or collapsing, hard-wearing or light-weight, large for roaming around or compact for travel.

When looking for a new dog crate its important to consider the following:
• Is your dog big or small?
• Will you be traveling with the crate?
• How sociable is your dog?
• What is the budget?
• Does your pet chew?

Dog survives 4 months on Remote Island off Australia

Sophie, a Blue Heeler dog was thrown over board during a sailing expedition off the Queensland coast in November 2008. Four months later, her grieving owners discover that she had managed to swim across shark-infested waters to an island and had been surviving on wildlife for the past 4 months. Source BBC News.

Tips for sailing with pets:
• Wear a Life Jacket at all times
• Attach the Dog by a tether to the boat in rough seas
• Dog Toys to keep them calm
• Dog Food and bowl
• Water and Water bowl
• Indoor Dog Toilet or dog pads

Top 10 Cat Friendly Cities

Cats are the number one companions with 81.7 million (source: AVMA) in the USA. The CATalyst Council recently undertook a study to determine the top 10 cat friendly cities for 2009. The criteria included cat ownership per capita, level of veterinary services, microchipping and cat-friendly business.

Top 10 Cat Friendly Cities
• Tampa
• Phoenix
• San Francisco
• Portland, OR
• Denver
• Boston
• Seattle
• San Diego
• Atlanta
• Minneapolis

Planning on Traveling with your Pet over Easter?

Pets are part of the family, so why not take them on holiday with you. There are many great pet friendly places around. Check out the links below for some ideas.

When traveling with your pet it is important to pack appropriately. Here is a list of suggested items for a Pet Travel Kit:
• Pet Brush or comb
• Toys
• Pillow or blanket
• First aid kit
• Food
• Medical History
• Leash
• Medication
• Owner contact information
• Rabies vaccination certificate
• Veterinarian contact details
• Water and bowl

Check out some pet friendly spots in the USA
Check out some pet friendly spots in Australia
Check out some pet friendly spots in the UK

Missing Dog Returns After 9 Years

A German Shepherd named Astro went missing from his family. Nine years later, the family receives a call from Animal Control having identified Astro by his microchip. (source: The Associated Press).

This heart-warming story should remind us of the importance of microchips, dog ID tags, and secure collars.

If you tend to travel a lot, consider a Missing Dog Emergency Kit for the dog carer:
• Details for the local emergency contact
• Details of where you can be contacte in an emergency
• 3x color photos – front, side, standing
• Scent article in a ziplock bag
• Brief medical history including microchip number and vaccination records