Pets on the Go Advises

Pets on the Go Advises
Expert Answers To Your Pet Travel Questions.

6.26.2004

Yours is a good question, as there are a number of strong pet health insurance companies. Pet health insurance is a hot topic right now, and is a lucrative market for insurers. In recent years, a number of new companies have entered the marketplace and we advise that you proceed cautiously.

What to look for. Choose a company with an A+ rating, a strong track record, and the backing of other reputable organizations. Using that criteria, we would recommend looking at the following two companies:

Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI). VPI is the nation's largest and oldest pet insurance company and has comprehensive plans beginning at just $1 per day. VPI is the only health insurance company recommended by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), and HSUS members receive a 5% discount. VPI has an A+ rating. Their information can be accessed via the web at www.petinsurance.com.

Pet Protect®. The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) both recommend Pet Protect®. The company has strong programs, an excellent reputation and is backed by a reinsurance company with an A+ rating. Their information can be accessed via the web at www.pethealthinsure.com.

posted by Ali 9:23 AM

5.16.2004

Are pets allowed in National Parks?

Pets are welcome in national and state parks/recreation areas as long as they are on a leash six feet in length. They are not permitted into buildings or swimming areas or on many of the trails. They cannot be left alone at any time.

National Park pet issues:

Pets are generally not allowed into the back country and on many of the hiking trails.

Pets are generally relegated to paved roadways and walkways (Grand Canyon).

Pets cannot be left alone due to possible wild animal encounters.

posted by Ali 4:28 AM

5.11.2004

What should I do to prepare my dog and cat for a road trip?

Temperamental pets need not apply -- Calm, well-socialized pets that adapt well to new situations are ideal. If your pet does not meet these criteria then you should spend time training them to settle, socialize them with more people and take them out more often.

Ease your pet into car travel by playing with your dog or cat in the car and rewarding her good behavior.

Most pets associate trips in the car with trips to the vet or the kennel -- not fun. Start including your pet on quick errands Graduate to longer trips and if he handles that well then try an overnight or weekend jaunt.

Not all pets love to travel. Statistically, the majority of animals that travel are dogs - over 75%. Last year, of the approximately 10 million Americans who traveled with their pets, only 25% of them brought along their cats. Most vets and animal behaviorists agree that cats are not, by nature, good travelers. There are exceptions, but most of the letters we receive are from people whose cats cry and howl when put in the car. Small animals, such as hamster, gerbils and yes, even fish, should probably stay at home.

posted by Ali 6:48 AM

5.04.2004

What "no no's" are there if I want to have my pet in my motel room?

Do not leave your pet alone in the room unless the pet is crated. We've heard from a number of people whose dogs slipped out of the room when housekeeping came in to clean. If your pet is in the room alone, place a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door;

Do not allow your pet on the furniture or beds. Bring bedding or a portable carrier for your pet.

Do not feed and provide water for your pet on the carpet. Instead use a tiled or hard floor surface that is easily cleaned. Not all pets are neat and tidy at meal time.

Do not bring your pet into food service areas. Health regulations prohibit pets from areas where food is prepared or served. Please do not bring your pet to breakfast and also do not assume that she is welcome in public areas of the hotel.

posted by Ali 9:02 AM

3.30.2004

I want to take my dog out to eat with me, now that the weather is beginning to warm up. Is there anything that I need to know ahead of time?

More and more restaurants are accepting pets; however, your four-legged friends are limited to outdoor seating areas (health code restrictions). Even if you believe that a restaurant is pet-friendly, it makes sense to call ahead. Sometimes there are limited tables for pet people or perhaps a change in policy. While many restaurants are developing pet menus and deliver special treats to the table, we suggest bringing along a water bowl and perhaps a treat for your dog. All that food is going to make them very hungry.

posted by Ali 12:15 AM

2.04.2004

I would like to take a train trip with my dog. I've checked with Amtrak, though, and they do not allow pets on board. Why is this?

We didn't understand the rule either, until we checked with the National Association of Railroad Passengers. They said that until 1976, pets were allowed in the sleeping car, in the parlor cars and in baggage. Then in 1977, "there were new requirements for heat and air conditioning for baggage cars (and possibly for providing water). Amtrak determined that it would need to spend $13.8 million on baggage car changes and special animal shelters in stations to satisfy the new regulations, and ended the carriage of pets rather than comply." We wish they would reconsider equipping some of their cars with pet friendly amenities, but as of this writing, they is still no movement in that direction.

posted by Ali 7:45 AM

1.03.2004

I just got through perusing your website and I am somewhat disturbed that all of the information is targeted at DOG OWNERS. Apparently, you are of the opinion that the only "PET" that pet owners travel with are dogs. I believe that, if you do a little research, you will find that cat owners enjoy taking their "furballs" along on vacations.

We don't intentionally discriminate against cat owners; however, statistically the majority of animals that travel are dogs - over 75%. Last year, of the approximately 10 million Americans who traveled with their pets, only 25% of them brought along their cats.

Statistics aside - we agree that it would be nice to focus more on cats; however, dogs tend to elicit the most questions from our visitors. For instance, national parks and recreation areas have few rules for cats, but extensive rules for dogs. We need to talk about that. Most cats are small enough to fit under the seat on an airline - most dogs are not. Therefore, they we need to provide information on that issue as well. Do you take your cat on hikes or to the beach? Most cat owners do not, but most dog owners do. We discuss that as well.

Cats, while wonderful travel companions, have very few travel "issues" and are in many ways easier to take on vacation. The one question that we get from the majority of cat owners who write to us involves sedating their cats because they hate to travel. Most vets would agree that cats are not, by nature, good travelers. There are exceptions, and it sounds as though your cat might be one of them.

Any information on the site that refers to pets is inclusive of cats and dogs. When we break out information on dogs, it is only because it is necessary to explain dog-specific issues. What type of information would you like to see us cover about cats? Are there cat-specific issues that we should be discussing? If so, please let us know and we will forward them along to our researchers.

posted by Ali 7:43 AM