Pet Travel Q & A

Q: Is it safe to strap my Maltese into my toddler's car seat?

A: I applaud you for realizing how important it is to strap your Maltese in the car while you’re driving. However, if you really care about your pet’s safety, use a proper pet restraint.

On its website, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals lists car-travel tips. Included is the recommendation that a pet “be kept in the back seat in his crate or with a harness attached to a seat belt.” This is such a serious issue that New Jersey now considers driving with unrestrained pets in vehicles to be an act of animal cruelty. Those who don’t bother to secure a pet with a pet seat belt (not a toddler's car seat) will be subject to fines ranging from $250 to $1,000, and as much as six months in jail. Take a look at pet-restraint products from Kurgo and follow the advice of Kurgo co-owner Gordie Spater. “For safety purposes, you should only use pet-related safety products for your pet, not child-related products,” Spater says. “You need a proper dog restraint that fits the dog’s body correctly to prevent unnecessary injury, because their bodies are different than a child’s.”

Instead of using a toddler’s car seat, a good option for smaller dogs would using Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness in conjunction with Kurgo’s Skybox Booster Seat.

Q: I've seen a man in my city who bikes around with a dog in his basket like Toto from "The Wizard of Oz." I'm thinking of doing that with my dog -- she's a small Beagle -- but is it safe or legal, and should I try to train her specifically not to jump out? How does this work?

A: For years I’ve wanted to simulate Dorothy and Toto by putting my Chihuahua, Lucy, in a basket to take her on a bike ride. While it is legal to ride with a dog in a bike basket, there are definitely safety risks. I’m too much of a scaredy-cat, but that has more to do with my skills on two wheels as opposed to four. While my posh pal would never try to jump out of the basket, I would worry about what would happen to her if I had to swerve suddenly, or have a mishap.

Assuming you are more adept on a bike than me, I say go for it. 4 Legged Wardrobe and Calling All Dogs offer a variety of baskets. Just like you, your pooch should wear a helmet. Goggles aren’t a bad idea either. They'll keep debris and objects from flying into your dog's eyes. Before you take your Beagle out for a ride, allow her to get used to being in the basket. Use a harness rather than a collar to secure your pooch, and for added peace of mind, secure the leash as well. Walk her up and down the street in the basket before you get on the bike. Once you’re confident that your furry friend is comfortable, then it’s time to start pedaling. Happy riding!

Q:  I want to take my cat to the beach, but I've never heard of a cat beach the way there are plenty of dog beaches. Do cat beaches exist? Can I bring my cat to any beach that allows dogs?

A: What a terrific question! Cats can definitely get their groove on at the beaches that I checked with after receiving your question. Dog Beach in Del Mar, Calif., one of The Jet Set Pets’ Top 10 Pet-Friendly Destinations, welcomes felines wherever canines are accepted. Cats must follow the same rules as dogs. Some beaches, such as Dog Beach, require dogs to be leashed during the busy summer months, and for the other nine months must be able to run under voice control of the owner. Other beaches require year-round leashing. On the opposite coast, there’s Virginia Beach, which boasts 35 miles of sandy beaches that are open to pets before Memorial Day and after Labor Day weekend. During the summer, pets are limited to frolicking in specific areas and at certain times of the day, like before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. Just like on Dog Beach, all pets must be on a leash. As long as you can follow those guidelines, then you should have no problem taking your cat to any beach where dogs are allowed.

Q: Do you know of any hotels that allow dogs in their pools, or that have separate pools for dogs?