pet travel products

"Ready to go for a drive?" 

We all ask our pets that on a pretty regular basis, but we often forget the most important part of the drive: making sure that our pets are as secure in the vehicle as the human passengers are.  Finding a safe, pet-friendly vehicle these days is easier thanks to more auto manufacturers becoming aware of the important role pets play in our trips near and far!

Bark Buckle UP has awarded the Pet Safe Choice Vehicle Awards "TOP DOG" Vehicle of the Year award to the Ford Edge this week.  From the release:

"Most people don't think about it, but in only a 35 mph accident with a 60-pound pet it becomes a 2,700-pound projectile. This will injure the pet, passengers, driver or the pet may escape the vehicle and cause a second accident or become agitated and bite the first responder that is on scene doing their job," stated Selter.

"With more than 340,000 vehicles sold since it was originally launched in late 2006, the Ford Edge has been meeting the needs of customers who demand style, technology, performance and capability in a compelling package," said Brett Burin, Ford Edge Marketing Manager. "We look ahead with excitement this summer to the arrival of the new 2011 Edge, which adds even more revolutionary technology and class-leading performance. And with a suite of safety features, flexible seating and nearly 70 cubic feet of cargo space, the Ford Edge is perfect for those traveling with pets."

While one third of pet owners say they would prefer to travel with their pets than their significant other, the recession has not been easy for people facing moving or traveling with their pets due to evictions and foreclosures.  We get several phone calls a day from people who want to relocate their pets, but they simply can't afford to hire a professional service to handle the move.

That's why we've created MyPetRelocation, an affordable alternative for people who want to safely move or travel with their pets.  MyPetRelocation is a straightforward, informative eBook that provides all of the details needed to move your pet in a step-by-step guide.  The book walks you through the process of how to book a pet flight, as well as how to measure your pet's travel crate, what airlines and airports are the best to use and how to arrange your pet's veterinary paperwork. Each section ends with a worksheet so that your pet's travel information is kept all in one convenient place.

It puts your pet's move in your hands, all under $50.

Watch our CEO's message about the book below and click here to purchase one for your next pet move!

If the wintery weather has got you worried about your pet's comfort while traveling, here are some tips for keeping Toto toasty and comfortable during his trip.

Use a pet-friendly airline.

We can't repeat this enough - pet friendly airlines are the only way to make sure that your pets are kept in climate-controlled, pressurized conditions the entire time during their trip.  This is not only important in the summer months, when extreme temperatures can cause heat stroke and dehydration for traveling pets, but also during the winter.  Pets, when left outside for long periods of time in the cold weather, can suffer from hypothermia and frostbite — just like humans. Younger and older pets are especially at risk.  PetRelocation.com works with pet-friendly airlines to make sure your pet is never sitting out on the tarmac in the cold, wondering where his Snuggie is!

Pay attention to grooming

Keep your pet’s hair combed throughout the cold weather months, which can help them keep warm. Combing their hair will prevent it from matting up and not providing enough warmth like it should.  This is the same reason why we advise keeping pets well-groomed in the summer, as it allows their bodies to cool properly.  It is not advised for pets to travel unaccompanied wearing sweaters or coats, as this can often be a choking hazard if they get entangled in them.

Moisturizer Isn't Just for Your Face!

To help prevent dry or itchy skin, either give your pet some B-complex vitamins that are available at pet stores or keep their skin oiled with various types of lotion products for pets.  Derma-IonX by VETiONX is a great, all-natural solution that both relieves and prevents dry and itchy skin.

Go Thermal

Thermal blankets help your pet retain warmth, without electricity or adding too much bulk to your pet's travel crate.  Sleep Right Thermal Dog Cushions use self-warming material with a reflective surface that reflects a dog's heat back to his body.  Similarly, Slumber Cats Thermal Mats can keep kittens cozy when in transit.

It's that time of year:  you've got stockings to stuff and presents to put under the tree.  Whether you're giving or receiving, we've identified some great pet-related holiday presents for you, your pet or that pet lover on your list.  Add your own in the comments section below!

Give the gift of health

Tight budgets and tough economies means that useful gifts are back in fashion.  Pet health insurance, which ensures pets will be covered for routine and emergency care, can make a difference in everyone's bottom line.  Companies like Embrace Pet Insurance will provide free estimates for coverage, which you can then give to that special pet person in your life in the form of a check for the price to insure their pet. 

If premiums are out of your budget, healthy treats from Dogswell will keep your pet feeling limber during this holiday season.  Their Happy Hips biscuits include glucosamine and chrondroitin, as well as flax seed and taurine for Healthy Hearts.  Shopping for a feline?  They also have Catswell treats.