Posts tagged "pet travel"

How to Prepare Your Pet for Holiday Travel

by Gabrielle Linzer (Subscribe to Gabrielle Linzer's posts): Nov 23rd 2009 3:00PM Filed Under: Dogs, Cats, Traveling with Pets

"Are we there yet?" Flickr/delgrosso

The holidays are almost upon us, and many pet lovers will be hitting the road to celebrate the season with friends or family members. And along with any gifts, festive treats, and luggage, your pet may be coming along for the ride. Since no one wants to sit through hours of nervous whining or uncomfortable howling from their four-legged traveling companion, animals should be well prepared to make the holiday journey. Here's how.

Dog Travel in the Air
If you can't afford luxurious pet-exclusive airlines like Pet Airways, your dog may be flying to your destination in coach or, even worse, cargo. It's important to contact the airline when booking your flight to be well informed of airline instructions, and ensure you're flying on a day where the cargo temperature will be suitable for your pet to travel.

As for preparing your dog for the big day, "The best possible situation is to have a tired dog [when you board the plane] so he'll sleep for the flight," said Hughes. "Take him to a dog run, or take him on a long walk before going to the airport."

Hughes also says that it's important to be prepared when picking your dog up at cargo. "Have your dog's leash ready, and know where the potty areas are," she said. Ask airline personnel where exclusive "pet potty" areas are located before your dog deplanes, so you'll be ready to dash upon his arrival.

Going on Vacation with Your Pet

by Rebecca Quimby (Subscribe to Rebecca Quimby's posts): Jul 7th 2009 12:00PM Filed Under: Dogs, Cats

"I hope I get a great tan." Photo: mikebaird/Flickr

Going on vacation doesn't have to mean dumping your best friend at the kennel. These days, there are tons of pet-friendly trips to bring your pooch along for, and they don't involve ruffing it at a campsite.

Some B&Bs, for example, welcome dogs. The Paw House Inn, in the mountains of Vermont, is a hotel for the dogs. The bed & breakfast caters to both two- and four-legged guests, offering such perks as a dog-park, an indoor playhouse, agility classes and even pet-friendly weddings. The pawesome hotel came to be after owners, Mitch and Jen Frankenberg, got frustrated that there was no where for their entire family (fur and all) to go together.

For posh pets there's the architectural masterpiece Hotel Monaco Portland. The luxe hotel offers a VIP package for visiting pets (no extra charges!) complete with a pet bed, food and water dishes, a toy and a treat. For a little extra kibble you can buy your pet some time with the hotel's pet masseuse or pet psychic, while you walk around downtown Portland.

The romantic Casa Laguna Inn & Spa, in Laguna Beach, CA, not only welcomes pets for $25 a night, but also features canine massage, for the pet who's stressed out from working like, well, a dog. The friendly hotel staff also have a list of pet-friendly restaurants you can bring your pup to with you. Best of all, your roughly nine minutes to Laguna Beach Dog Park.

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Camouflage Animals

Madagascar Day Gecko
The green Madagascar Day Gecko lives in the dry regions of forests in Madagascar and neighboring islands. They usually grow to be between four to six inches long. Their tail makes up almost half of their length.

Getty Images

Camouflage Animals

Argentine Horned Frog Reptiles
The Argentine Horned Frog, also known as the Horned Frog or Pacman Frog, originated in South America. The green and black amphibian, which can grow up to six inches long, is a popular pets and can live for as long as 10 years.

Camouflage Animals

Walkingstick
The Walkingstick takes its camouflage abilities to the next level by creating the appearance of a stick or twig to hide from predators. While they normally stand still, these insects are able to walk around as though they were a twig caught in the wind. They can be found in tropical forests or woodlands all across the world.

Camouflage Animals

Dwarf Puff Adder
Found in Nambia, the venomous Dwarf Puff Adder hides from the hot desert sun by burying itself in the sand, where only its eyes show.

Camouflage Animals

Stonefish
Often resembling a rock, the brown colored Stonefish camouflages itself perfectly in the ocean. With 13 venomous dorsal spines on its back, the Stonefish can cause tissue damage and respiratory distress, which can lead to cardiovascular shock if left untreated.

Camouflage Animals

Chameleons
Chameleons, the quintessential color-changers, can transform their skin color when their mood, temperature or the amount of light around them is altered. Their hue, which can vary from yellow and pink to brown and black, is also altered when they communicate.

Camouflage Animals

Green Anole
Often confused with chameleons, Green Anoles turn brown when they're stressed or sick. Found in the trees and shrubs of the Southeastern United States, these lizards are popular pets.

Camouflage Animals

The Eastern Wood Frog
The Eastern Wood Frog tricks competitors by changing colors to match its surroundings. Found in North American woodlands, the frog also has a dark black patch from its eye to the base of its front limb that can change colors.

Camouflage Animals