Bags packed? Check. Pet friendly hotels researched and reserved? Check. Fido’s passport ready? Wait a minute – a passport for your pet? Maybe. We know it takes some preparation to travel with your pet, but if you’re planning a trip overseas there are some extra bases to cover in order to be ready. Here’s how to make your international adventure with Fido go as smoothly as paws-ible.

Know Before You Go
If your heart’s set on the perfect destination, it’s very important to make sure that your country of choice will allow your pet to accompany you. The United Kingdom has a strict quarantine policy for pets arriving from countries that do not fall under their Pet Travel Scheme (if you’re coming from the US or Canada, you do). The Pet Travel Scheme requires that pets be microchipped, vaccinated, tested and certified – a process that takes up to six months. Guam and many islands in the Caribbean also quarantine pets, so it’s imperative to determine the country’s pet travel guidelines and then contact their individual consulate(s). The country consulates have all of the information that you will need and are generally very helpful. For more information on how to reach embassies and consulates, please visit the US Department of State.

Pet Passport Required
Planning on going to Europe? If you’re headed to one of these countries in the European Union, you’ll need to have a passport for your dog, cat, or ferret. You can get a passport from your vet, given that your pet’s rabies vaccination is up to date. Your vet will also need to complete a health certificate and show proof that all vaccinations are up-to-date. This testing process must begin at least three months before you travel, so plan ahead.

The EU is currently the only place that mandates a pet passport. For more information, the European Commission website contains a comprehensive list of regulations and forms that you will need to be in compliance.

Other Pet Travel Documentation
Most destinations will require an International Certificate of Pet Health or CFIA health certificate. You can get this from your vet or from the embassy of the country you’re going to visit. Here are some other things to keep in mind:
• Find out whether or not your destination requires that your pet’s documentation be translated into the language of the country that you’re visiting.
• Some countries, such as Ireland, have additional vaccination and testing requirements, such as tick or tapeworm treatments. Be sure to have this additional information with you if it’s required to avoid having your pet quarantined at the border.
• You may need the original paperwork that came with your pet’s rabies vaccination.
• Get a doctor’s letter detailing your need for your service or therapy animal. It’s often required in order to get access to places where animals are otherwise not allowed.

It’s also important to note that your pet needs to be easily identifiable. If Fido’s not currently microchipped, it might not be a bad idea to do it now. Although not all countries require it, the European Union is making it mandatory for all pets coming into their countries starting July 2011. Even if international pet travel isn’t in your immediate future plans, microchipping can ensure the health and safety of your beloved companion in the event that the two of you are separated.

Don’t be intimidated by all of the documentation and requirements. The key to success is through research and planning ahead. If you never leave home without your pet, a trip abroad shouldn’t put a damper on this special tradition.

Moving to a new home can be just as stressful on the family pet as it is on you. Have you researched pet friendly hotels for stops along the way? Does your pet have a new ID tag? Here are some pet travel tips to keep your little friend happy and safe on moving day.

• Maintain normal routine: Pack over a period of time and try to maintain your pet’s normal routine. Advance planning will make your move less stressful.

• Keep your pet secure: Place your pet in a safe, quiet place, such as the bathroom or a pet travel crate on moving day so that he or she cannot escape. If you place your pet in a room, place a large sign on the door that says DO NOT ENTER. Containing your pet in a pet carrier on moving day will keep them safely confined as well. Gradually get them used to the carrier ahead of time by having your pet spend time in it prior to moving day.

• Purchase a new ID tag for your pet: Get a new pet ID tag that includes your new address and telephone number. An up-to-date ID tag is a lost pet’s ticket home.

• Safe car travel: Be sure that your pet is safely restrained in the car. Utilizing a pet travel harness or travel carrier are the best ways to keep your pet safe. They not only protect your pet from injury, but they help by keeping them from distracting you with their usual enthusiasm as you drive. Keep their heads inside the windows, make frequent pit stops, and don’t leave them alone. Pet barriers also work great! Whatever option you choose, be sure to give your pet ample time to get used to it. More Pet Travel Tips for the Car.

• Talk to your pet’s vet: Talk to your veterinarian about traveling with a pet who doesn’t like to travel. They can recommend behavior modification tactics or medication that might lessen the stress of travel. Depending on your new address, your pet may also need additional vaccinations, medications, and health certificates.

• Find pet friendly hotels in advance: If your move requires stops along the way, be sure to research pet friendly accommodations along the way.

• Plan ahead for air travel: Check with your veterinarian and the airline if your pet will be flying. Familiarize yourself with the rules specific to the airline you are flying. Be sure to review our extensive Tips for Safe Air Travel with Your Pet.

• Prepare your new home: Pets love familiar surroundings so be sure to take with you all the familiar and necessary things your pet will need from day one in your new home.

• Pet photo: Have a recent photo of your pet on hand in the unfortunate event that your pet becomes lost. Your pet will be a bit out of sorts in its new surroundings and if they run off, they may find it difficult finding their way back home in their new neighborhood.

Moving can be a fun adventure and a new beginning for you and pet…as long as you are prepared!

Want to go for a ride? Those six little words are often music to a dog’s ears. Whether you’re bringing them to the local dog park, on vacation, or to visit friends and family, most dogs enjoy a road trip. You probably ensure that you and your human family are buckled up before you go, but are you also keeping your pet safe when they are riding in the car with you?

As a leading authority on pet travel and pet friendly hotels, we conducted a poll to find out how many pet owners are securing their furry companions while on the road. 53% of the 765 respondents reported taking proper safety precautions, which is up from just 44% only two years ago. Many states now have pending legislation regarding the use of pet restraints in a vehicle, so if you currently have your dog or cat “loose” in your car, it’s time to consider using one of the following methods:

Vehicle Pet Barrier
This was the most popular pet travel restraint in the survey, cited to be used by 41% of pet owner respondents. These barriers are used in the cargo area of the vehicle, keeping your pet safely away from you and your passengers, and more importantly, away from the windshield in the event of an accident.

Pet Travel Crate
32% of pet owners in the poll reported putting their pet in a travel crate or carrier while inside the car. Make sure it’s well-ventilated and large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down, and turn around in. There are a variety of wire, mesh, hard plastic and soft-sided carriers available to fit your pet. If your buddy hasn’t been familiarized with a crate environment, it will be important to do so prior to heading out.

Pet Safety Belt
Buckle ‘em up like 9% of the people in the survey do. Dog seat belts are made to easily slip onto your existing vehicle seat belt and acts as a harness to keep your pet safely in the seat in case there is a sudden stop or impact. It also keeps pets from distracting drivers.

Pet Car Seat
For smaller pets, pet travel car seats are the perfect answer when you’re on the go, and are a good option for 8% of the survey respondents. Reminiscent of a booster seat, your pet is able to look out and see what is going on while your vehicle’s own safety belt holds it in place. Your pet is secured in the car seat with a lead which is attached on to their harness.

Roaming Free is Not a Good Option
It’s encouraging that owners traveling with their four-legged family members are trying to keep them safe, but 47% of the people who took the survey do not currently secure their pets in the car. Letting your pet have free reign in a vehicle or sit in your lap while driving can have serious consequences. Aside from the obvious implications during a crash, if the scared pet gets free from the car, he could wander out into the road or try to hamper the efforts of rescue workers. And although dogs love to stick their heads out windows, doing so can actually damage their eyes and ears, not to mention put them at risk of falling out. The same also applies to truck beds.

An unrestrained pet can multiply its weight by hundreds or even thousands of pounds during an automobile accident. Some vehicle accident statistics report loose objects, including pets, to be one of the top five reasons for automobile injuries. Don’t put your beloved pet in harm’s way when you take them for a ride.

The Pup-Head™ Portable Dog Potty makes pet travel easier. It’s the #1 selling dog potty on the market today AND the #1 selling product on our online store, BonzoBeans.com. By popular demand, it’s now available for smaller pups…in a mini version!

The Pup-Head is a three-part system that includes Authentic Pup-Grass™, a specially engineered artificial turf that contains antimicrobial properties and allows for instant drainage of liquids. A perforated drainage grate keeps liquids separate from the grass. A specially designed sturdy, lightweight collection tray holds almost 1.5 gallons of liquid. In addition, a patent-pending scent attracts dogs automatically.

The Pup-Head Mini measures 20” x 20” x 7/8″ and is perfect for teacup and toy breeds. As with all the Pup-Heads, it’s designed low to the ground so that dogs do not have to step up onto a raised platform and the Pup-Head™ Portable Indoor dog toilet is easy to clean. The Pup-Head can be emptied directly into the toilet or it can be used with absorbent pads, newspaper, paper towels, or micro-fine crystal kitty litter.

It is a perfect solution for pet travel, particularly for recreational vehicles and boats. Many dogs that live in apartments or high-rise buildings also use the Pup-Head. Pup-Head™ Portable Dog Potty comes with a heavy duty box that is also a transportable carrying case with handle so it is easy to take with you when you travel with your dog.

Interested in learning more about the Pup-Head? Visit BonzoBeans.com.

When planning a trip with your pet that involves air travel, ensuring a happy and safe flying experience for your four-legged flier is your top priority. You’ve spent ample time researching the most pet friendly hotels that will best suit your furry companion, but you’re concerned about their comfort and safety during the whole process of flying. According to the American Animal Hospital Association, approximately 76 million cats and dogs travel with their owners each year and airports are starting to take notice.

The following airports have made the most strides in pet travel by opening up designated areas for animals to take a potty break, get water, and stretch their legs. If your route includes any of these stops, these pet areas provide a great way to comfort and reconnect with your pet once you get to your destination or while waiting for a connecting flight.

1. Atlanta: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

We blogged about the grand opening of Hartsfield-Jackson’s off-leash dog park last month and we definitely had to include it in our list. The 1,000-square-foot fully-fenced Poochie Park includes flowers, grass, rocks, and benches to set the scene for dogs to sniff around, get a bit of exercise, and do their business. Being the world’s busiest airport, it has seen its fair share of pets pass through and wanted to better cater to their four-legged passengers.

2. Houston: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

Not only does George Bush Intercontinental have four designated pet areas, it also offers the only onsite kennel managed by an airline (Continental Airlines) in the United States. The kennel provides 1,100 square feet of space for runs and exercise pens, day kenneling, overnight kenneling, and grooming.

3. Philadelphia: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

PHL has 7 (count ‘em, seven) pet relief areas that include a mulch surface, a bench, and a faux fire hydrant. Each fenced-in area ranges from 250 to 600 square feet and also includes a pet waste bag dispenser and trash can.

4. Phoenix: Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

The Pet Patch, the Paw Pad, and the Bone Yard are Sky Harbor’s three designated pet-friendly zones. These areas offer a place for pets to get relief, wander and sniff, as well as drink fresh water. Mitts for clean up are provided.

5. St. Louis: Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL)

Fire hydrants are just one of the features at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport’s two outdoor pet rest areas. Animals are allowed to play off-leash in the 400 square foot gated spaces and also include park benches, trash cans, and plastic mitts for cleanup.

6. Reno: Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RTIA)
The “Bark Park” at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport was designed to make pet travel more convenient. It provides a restroom, fresh drinking water, and “Mutt Mitts” all under a canopy to protect travelers and their pets from the weather.

7. San Francisco: San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

San Francisco International Airport offers two pet travel relief areas that are landscaped and fully fenced. They come equipped with drinking water, bowls, and garbage areas with “mutt mitt” dispensers. The areas are available to passengers and their pets 24 hours a day.

8. Los Angeles: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

LAX boasts two areas to make everyone’s pet travel companions a bit more comfortable. The Pet Park comes equipped with a dog house, plastic bags, and a trash can. There is another pet rest area for convenience, although pets must be on a leash.

9. Honolulu: Honolulu International Airport (HNL)

Travelers’ beloved companions get to “paws” in paradise at Honolulu International Airport’s fenced-in, grassy area under palm trees. Fresh water, plastic bags, and trash cans are available for service dogs, pets in transit, and working airport animals.

10. Denver: Denver International Airport (DIA)
Denver International has opened an exercise area where pets can walk around and relieve themselves after a long flight. The space is enclosed and wheelchair accessible.

It’s wonderful to see airports taking a page from pet friendly hotels and finding ways to make pet travel less worrisome and much more welcoming for both pets and their people. This trend is bound to continue, so check in with the airports you’ll be traveling to and ask about their pet services.

We’ve added a fun, new product to our online store, BonzoBeans.com, that is sure to bring color and attention to your computer desk! From the late, renowned artist and dog lover, Stephen Huneck, we bring you a whimsical mouse pad featuring Huneck’s famous Networking print.

From now until February 15, 2010 you can get one FREE with any purchase of $30 or more at our online pet store. Just enter coupon code: NETWORKING at checkout to receive your free mousepad. To purchase the mouse pad separately, click here.

Visit BonzoBeans.com. And don’t forget, shipping is FREE!

There are more pets than people in the U.S. In fact, Americans own more pets than ever before. Approximately 62% of American households now own a pet, which is the highest level in recorded history. Approximately 78% of them are hitting the road and skies each year with their furry friends. This growing market has made itself known and the travel industry has responded as more and more accommodations across the U.S. are rolling out the red carpet for these traveling pets. To better understand the demands and habits of this booming market, TRIPSwithPETS.com conducted an online survey of pet travelers and the results are in!

When it comes to planning pet travel online, over 89% of the 2012 pet travelers polled indicated that they do indeed go online and browse the websites of pet friendly hotels. However, only 27% of respondents are comfortable booking their pet friendly accommodations online. Instead, most respondents prefer to research online then call to book their room so that they can alert the lodging that they are traveling with their pet. Even given the growing number of pet friendly accommodations, you may be surprised to find that 34% of respondents have at some point snuck their pet into accommodations during their travels. Aside from the lodging not being pet friendly, other reasons for the sneak-ins include; their pet was too big, the accommodation did not accept their type of pet, cost was too much extra for their pet.

Not all pet friendly accommodations are created equal and pet travelers are well aware of this. A whopping 86% of respondents reported that they actually compare pet amenities offered by accommodations when selecting where to stay. On the top of the list of preferred amenities is pet sitting services. Although most accommodations don’t offer these services themselves, they do provide guests with a directory of local pet sitters that will come to the lodging room to watch pet guests while their humans step out. Other preferred pet amenities that are at the top of discriminating pet travelers lists include; clean-up bags (23%) pet recreation listings (11%), in-room feed bowls (7%), and pet walking services (7%).

It appears that pet travelers are willing to pay for these special amenities. Over 90% of respondents would pay extra to accommodate their animal companions with most willing to pay up to $50 per night and some actually willing to pay over $50 extra per night for their pets.

It is apparent that people love to vacation with their pets and care a great deal about accommodating them. Eighty-eight percent of respondents have stayed at a pet friendly accommodation at least once in the past 2 years. And pet travelers aren’t afraid to venture far from home. Over 66% travel anywhere from 50 to 500 miles from home.

America’s love affair with their pets is evident in their habits and preferences when it comes to traveling with their furry and four-legged companions. Their mounting numbers and financial muscle is destined to continue to raise the bar when it comes to pet travel.

Some hotels just allow pets, but Choice Hotels® welcomes them. They understand that your pets are a part of the family and should not be left behind when you travel, so they encourage you to bring them along!

Wherever your destination may be, you’re sure to find a pet friendly Choice Hotel. Choice Hotels International is one of the largest and most successful lodging franchisors in the world – offering more than a thousand pet friendly lodging options in the U.S. alone. So pack the leash and the treats and enjoy a vacation with your four-legged family member at one of their pet friendly hotels today.

In addition to loving pets, Choice Hotels® also offer many terrific programs to make your travel experience a pleasant and more affordable one. These include the Best Internet Rate Guarantee, Kids Stay Free, Special Senior Discount, and many other programs. For program details and a complete listing, go to Choice Offers & Programs.

Choice Hotels® is the worldwide franchisor of Cambria Suites®, Comfort Inn®, Comfort Suites®, Quality®, Sleep Inn®, Clarion®, MainStay Suites®, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel®, Econo Lodge®, and Rodeway Inn® brand hotels.

Find a pet friendly Choice Hotel.

Customer service is going to the dogs at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, and the dogs love it! Pet travel just got a lot more fun since the airport recently opened an off-leash dog park for its thousands of canine customers each year.

The fully fenced facility features flowers, grass, rocks, benches and two original pieces of art to sniff and enjoy. Biodegradable bags for pet waste are available at the dog park to help meet the needs of this growing group of passengers.

“The dog park is a good step forward in serving our customers traveling with dogs,” said Kathryn Masters, Airside/Landside area manager and project manager for the dog park.

“I was delighted to find the new dog park at Hartsfield-Jackson. I appreciated having a place to stretch my legs before my flight,” said Ace, a 7-year-old black Lab from Decatur, GA.

The 1,000-square-foot dog park is part of the Ground Transportation center on the west end of the passenger terminal. The newly refurbished Ground Transportation center is the Airport’s central hub for taxicab and limousine service, hotel shuttles, parking shuttles, regional buses and the new ATL SkyTrain to the rental car center.

Only two dogs are allowed in the dog park at a time because of the area’s size, but Ace isn’t concerned. “This isn’t a destination sort of dog park. I’m in, I’m out, and I’m on my way.”

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the world’s busiest airport, serving more than 90 million passengers annually with nonstop service to 160 U.S. destinations and more than 90 international destinations in 55 countries.

With over 74.8 million dogs and 88.3 million cats living in households in the United States (source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association 2007-2008 National Pet Owners Survey), it’s clear that our furry friends are much more than just “friends” – they are beloved members of our families. Routine examinations, shots, tick & flea prevention, and heart worm protection are the typical standard responsibilities of pet owners, but are you prepared if your dog or cat gets sick or hurt in an accident?

Today’s veterinary medicine is extremely sophisticated; many procedures and treatments are readily available to help your pet live a long and healthy life. Unfortunately, this advanced technology comes with a price that you may not be able to afford in the event of an emergency. Pet insurance can help alleviate any economic considerations that you would face when determining the best course of treatment for your loyal companion.

How Long Has Pet Insurance Been Around?

Pet insurance actually began in Sweden in 1924 when the first policy was written for a dog (source: trupanion.com). It wasn’t until 1982, however, that a pet insurance policy was written in the US for a very famous TV dog (pat yourself on the back if you guessed it was for Lassie). Since then, the number of pet policies in the US has grown at a rate of 18% between 2003 and 2008 (source: embracepetinsurance.com). Although pet insurance policies continue to gain popularity in the US, it is far more prevalent in Europe. Almost 20% of pet owners in the UK and 49% of pet owners in Sweden have some type of pet insurance (source: petinsurance.com).

How Much Does It Cost?

Just as there are different types of medical insurance for us, the same goes for our pets, so it’s important to shop around when looking for policies. For cats, the average monthly cost of insurance ranges from $15-$18 per month depending on age, while dog insurance typically ranges from $22-$28 per month depending on age and breed. Most policies have deductibles starting at $50, and co-pays are also required for routine care (source: costhelper.com). In most cases, pet insurance reimburses the owner after the pet has received care and the owner submits a claim to the insurance company.

What Does Pet Insurance Cover?

Although each pet insurance provider and policy is different, pets are generally covered for routine care (annual examinations, vaccinations, spay/neuter procedure, etc.), major medical expenses (serious injuries and illnesses, surgeries, hospital stays, etc), as well as cancer (chemotherapy, radiation, and post-treatment medications). It’s important to know that insurance typically does not cover pre-existing conditions, hereditary/breed defects, elective procedures, dog food, and grooming costs (source: pet-insurance-info.com).

How Do I Choose the Right Policy?

There are many considerations to make when choosing an insurance company that is right for your pet. First and foremost, read the fine print of each and every policy that you research very carefully. If your pet has a pre-existing condition or a hereditary issue, you need to make sure this isn’t excluded in the policy (there are some companies out there that will cover these situations). Different types of breeds may be charged higher premiums with certain insurance companies, and there may be age limits on coverage. It’s also very important to understand exactly what types of events and illnesses the policy will cover. You don’t want to find yourself in a situation where your pet gets sick only to find out that your insurance company won’t pay for it (source: petinsurancereview.com).

Last, but certainly not least, take a look at your budget. Along with the monthly or annual premium, you’ll need to know what the deductibles and co-pays cost in order to select a policy that you can afford.

Where Can I Find Pet Insurance?

There are many companies in the US that offer pet insurance, so here are some of the major providers to get you started:

• Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI): This is the nation’s oldest pet insurance company and largest, with 71% of the market share. VPI provides a wide range of policies.
• Embrace Pet Insurance: This is one of the few companies that offers coverage for pre-existing conditions and breed-specific genetic conditions.
• PetCare Pet Insurance: Since 1998, PetCare has been offering policies in both the US and Canada and offers a variety of pet insurance products such as QuickCare and ShelterCare.
• Pet Assure: This company is not insurance, but rather a program that offers medical discounts within a network of veterinarians and pet health providers. It is open to all pets of all ages with any medical condition.

Pet owners often don’t anticipate the high costs associated with an unexpected illness or injury. Whether or not you’re thinking about getting a pet, or you already have one, set aside some time to look at your budget and compare insurance plans. Planning for the future by insuring your cat or dog can save you the heart-wrenching pain of not being able to pay for treatment down the road.