International Travel Brings Upswing in Pet Deaths
It's happening in Great Britain, but it could happen to U.S. pets as well when they travel abroad. According to the Telegraph, "A growing number of British pets are catching deadly diseases on foreign holidays as more animals travel with their owners on the "pets' passports" scheme introduced four years ago."

We would like to remind our visitors, to do their homework and be aware of area-specific diseases that your pet might be vulnerable to. For instance, eishmaniasis, an incurable disease passed on by sandflies, can be picked up in many Mediterranean countries. Although most U.S. pets are protected from hertworm, a disease spread by mosiquitos, they are not protected against other diseases such as babesiosis and ehrlichiosis - blood diseases spread by ticks.

Prevention and awareness is the key to keeping your pet safe. Dr Susan Shaw, a senior lecturer in veterinary science at Bristol university, said: "It is crucial that pet owners use preventative measures, such as repellents to stop the insects biting and spreading the disease."

Paws to consider: Our gut instinct has always told us that people pamper their pets more than they do their children. We did a little research and the statistics back us up -- people spend more on their pet accessories than on their children's toys. While the toy industry is a $19 billion market, the pet accessories market weighs in at a hefty $30 billion per year!

Check out our pet boutique for some of the stand out pet toys that keep traveling pets entertained.

Doggie Toilet
All the news, if you can call it that, seems to be coming from Europe and Great Britain today. This is a Reuters story out of the Netherlands. Evidently, someone has invented a doggie toilet. This small piece of fenced-in artificial turf is supposedly self cleaning and is of interest to some towns that are looking for ways to "curb" their pet pollution problem.

Great idea, and we'll see if it catches on elsewhere. The only other self-cleaning pet toilet we could find was in France -- the villepropre or "clean city". The problem is, the dogs wouldn't use it.

Pet Travel Scheme Changes

It will now be easier to get your pet into England. While the quarantine regulations had eased for U.S. pets, not so the airline restrictions. Pets, on long haul flights, were required to travel direct and in sealed containers. As of April 13 this regulation changes, allowing pets to travel in normal crates and to stop off at other PETS compliant countries along the way.

When pet lovers go out, doggone it, so does Fido

USA TODAY-- This is a great article on just how much pets, and especially dogs, have become a part of our everyday lives. People are taking them everywhere, with more restaurants, shops, and hotels opening their doors to pets "on the go". Shopkeepers and restaurateurs report seeing more customers four-legged customers than ever.

Don't be surprised if this becomes the summer of the dog. Look for them in outdoor cafes, as more and more restaurants are creating doggie menus and providing water bowls for their canine diners. Our only concern is the inevitable backlash as we "loosen the leash" and expand the definition of acceptable places to bring pets. Having followed pet travel trends for twenty years, we've seen the pendulum swing the other way many times over the decades. There is generally one reason -- some pet owners behave irresponsibly and ruin it for everyone else. So, as you take to the road this spring with Fido, just remember to remain curteous and conscious of the fact that not everyone loves pets.

nb. Pets on the Go� receives a nice mention in this article, as the resource to go to for extensive pet accommodation information.

LOVE ME, LOVE MY DOG. For those who can't leave their dogs or cats alone, Loews Hotels throughout the United States are offering a puppy love package. It includes a one-night stay, a custom-designed, in-room Valentine's Day treat for pets, pet amenities and dinner for two in the hotel restaurant with a special doggie bag of leftovers.

The Loews Hotel, Miami Beach, for instance offers its second annual Puppy Love package for Valentine's Day. A special one-night treat for your pet (along with you and your beloved, of course) includes pet amenities, a free in-room movie and dinner for two in the hotel restaurant with a special doggie bag for leftovers.

Price at Loews Miami Beach is $475, but the package is available at all 19 other Loews hotels in the United States, with rates running from $175 to $510. 305-604-1601 (Miami Beach) or 800-23-LOEWS, www.loewshotels.com.

Travel rules eased for pets

Hawaii residents who travel out of state with their pets will not have to place the animals in quarantine when they return, under a rule change approved yesterday by the state Board of Agriculture.

The board yesterday eliminated a 120-day waiting period for Hawaii-born animals returning to the state. The wait was deemed unnecessary because it was designed to detect incubating rabies in vaccinated pets and rabies is not present in Hawaii. Without the change yesterday, Hawaii owners would have had to place their pets in a 120-day quarantine when they came back.

Please note: this new ruling applies to Hawaii residents only.

Magical Christmas Wishes

Every holiday season we are inundated with new products and ideas. This simple e-card truly captures the magic of the Christmas season! Enjoy.