28 09, 2021

Here’s Why People Are Flying Their Pets By Private Jet

By |2022-03-03T12:31:04-07:00September 28th, 2021|Blog|Comments Off on Here’s Why People Are Flying Their Pets By Private Jet

Many people likely associate flying on a private jet with those who possess significant wealth. For a while now, a greater number of people have had access to private aviation. However, it has also increased since 2019 for more than one reason.

For some, private aviation provides an opportunity to travel with greater safety. After all, the coronavirus pandemic has interrupted different modes of travel to varying degrees. Another reason for increased private air travel is, more people prefer to bring their pets on their trips. Over the past two years, VistaJet found that they have flown animals at an increased rate of 86%. Below are some of the reasons why pet accompaniment is increasingly popular. Airlines aren’t freaking out yet, but they might if this trend continues.

 

New Dynamic

For some travelers, bringing their pet is about spending more time with them. Greater numbers of people realize the comfort having a pet on their travels brings to them. People also find that private travel is much more convenient with an animal.

Unlike commercial flights, solo flyers do not have to sit next to strangers or separately from their pet. Similarly, pet owners want to let their pets stretch their legs. Pets can also feel comfortable on the flight. On a private jet, they do not feel as contained as when they are put in flight crates.

 

Emotional Support

The Department of Transportation’s regulation in January led to multiple airlines restricting pet owners. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines are among those that prohibit owners from bringing a pet onboard now as an emotional support animal. The regulation limited people who also have larger animals. As a result, many people are likely flying privately to avoid putting their pets in a crate or finding a pet hotel. However, private travel still comes at a higher cost. Only a select number of people are likely flying private to keep their pets as their emotional support animals.

 

Reduced Stress

Many people have experienced higher levels of stress and anxiety over the past 18 months. In some cases, they have combated that by getting an animal for companionship. For individuals, the money spent on flying privately is inconsequential. The bottom line has become that pets provide more people with greater companionship.

Additionally, people’s stress is further mitigated when they do not have to constrain their pets on commercial flights. It also minimizes navigating any pre-flight hassle. People recognize that pets can become overwhelmed as they go through airport security. Other strangers and loud airport noises can trigger these stressful situations. The way many people consider their pets today is, “Will my family member be comfortable? Are they OK on the flight?”

Along with flying privately, there are also other ways that you can further make sure your pet is comfortable. You can bring food and treats with you during flights. You can also bring a new toy or their favorite toy. Any combination of these methods can keep your beloved pet comfortable, while also making the flight experience more enjoyable for you.

 

17 08, 2021

How to Safely Travel with Your Dog During a Heat Wave

By |2021-08-17T11:30:38-06:00August 17th, 2021|Uncategorized|Comments Off on How to Safely Travel with Your Dog During a Heat Wave

As we soak up those last days of summer sun, we often can expect end-of-season heat waves. Unsurprisingly, the intense heat can make us further inclined to travel.

However, dog owners know that traveling with a pet presents challenges. If you plan to bring your dog on your next flight or day trip, make sure to consider these safety precautions.

Evaluate Your Car

Make sure your car is as ready for a day trip as you. Getting stranded will not make traveling with a pet any easier. You should also make sure the air conditioning works. A broken AC will only lead to both you and your dog becoming overheated.

Get An Early Start

You and your dog should leave well-before the temperature enters the triple digits. Dog owners know well that early morning walks are preferable in the summer.

Freeze Water

You should fill two-thirds of your liter bottles the night before you leave. Make sure to freeze the bottles once you do. You should carry a bottle of unfrozen water as well. As your frozen water thaws throughout the day, you can provide your dog with cool water during rest stops.

Pack Extra Water

You can never have too much water for you and your pet. But for the sake of space, pack twice as much water as you consider necessary. Delays can happen at any moment. You can use the extra water to pour on your overheated pup.

Frequently Offer Water

Fill about one-third of a silicone cake pan with water. You should also explore travel cups for your dog. You can easily attach collapsible cups to a dog walking bag.

Schedule with Consideration

Take a moment to consider the hottest times of day. From lunch until dinner, the heat can become oppressive and tire out or harm your dog. Taking a late evening beach walk is advisable. The same applies for early morning activities, like swimming and exercising.

Be Mindful of the Pavement

There are days when we cannot tolerate walking barefoot on the pavement or sand. So, just imagine how it would feel on your dog’s paws. If your dog needs to relieve themselves, lead them toward grass or a shady area. If you are in the heart of a city, bring protective boots for your dog. Spreading a makeshift towel or pouring some water also works if your dog needs to stand outside for a few minutes.

Do Not Leave Your Dog Alone

Leaving your dog alone in the car, especially during a heat wave, can endanger them. Look for the nearest PetSmart or Petco for restroom stops. The stores are dog-friendly and convenient for when you travel alone with your dog.

Check Often for Heat Stress

Knowing the signs of a heat stroke can keep your dog safe when traveling during a heat wave. A few signs to look out for include any foaming at the mouth, uncontrollable panting, and if the tongue or gums change from the color bright red to blue, and then to gray.

27 07, 2021

Have Fun and Stay Safe with These Summer Pet Essentials

By |2021-07-27T07:16:19-06:00July 27th, 2021|Blog|Comments Off on Have Fun and Stay Safe with These Summer Pet Essentials

With summer in full swing, you may be looking to get out of the house with your pup and partake in some summer activities. Whether you are traveling 10 minutes to a dog park or across the country on a plane, it’s important to have everything your dog needs to have a successful trip. We’ve put together a list of the summer essentials you may want to have to make sure everyone has a good time.

 

  1. Portable Water Bowl: You should always bring water whenever you take your dog out of the house. A portable water bowl is a great option because it saves space and is easy to pack in a bag. There are even some water bottles that convert into a water bowl, like this one.
  2. Cooling Mat: Any type of cooling product is ideal for the summer to prevent your pup from overheating. The cooling mats come in different sizes and do not require refrigeration. These are great to bring along to the beach or on a camping trip to give your pet a great place to cool down.
  3. Life Vest: A life vest is a summer essential for any water pup. The life vest lets you take your dog on a kayak or out in a swimming pool, knowing they’ll be safe when they’re in the water. Even if your dog is an experienced swimmer, it is always better to invest in a good life vest. Some dog supply stores even bundle a life vest with floating toys, like this store.
  4. Travel Towel: A towel might not seem essential, but a towel is a versatile item to keep in your summer dog bag. A towel is great for wiping off your dog’s paws if they end up in mud or water before loading them into your car.
  5. Car Seat Cover: Car seat covers allow your dog to join you on car trips without ruining your car seats. Many seat covers are machine washable and attach easily to the head rests. Dogs can be messy, so you can still bring them along for the ride while protecting your car.
  6. Collapsible Swimming Pool: Swimming pools are both practical and fun for dogs. The water lets the dogs cool off while getting enrichment from the experience. There are many foldable or collapsible pool options which let you take the pool on the go.
  7. Pet Sunscreen: Pet sun care is very important during the summer. Pet sunscreen products come in a balm, spray, or wipe format which makes for easy application. You should not use human sunscreen on dogs, as they can be toxic. Instead, look for dog-specific sunscreen to use for your pet.

 

The list goes on for summer pet essentials, but these should get you started. You may need more specific dog items depending on where you live or what activities you like to do with your dog. Having all that your dog needs because you head out on your next adventure makes sure your dog can have a good time.  Need something else? Check out our pet travel supplies section for more ideas.

 

27 06, 2021

Most Pet-Friendly Vacation Destinations in the United States

By |2021-06-17T09:54:20-06:00June 27th, 2021|Blog|Comments Off on Most Pet-Friendly Vacation Destinations in the United States

With traveling opportunities slowly reopening, you may be starting to plan your next vacation. Whether you adopted a pandemic pup or have a trusty travel companion, we’ve put together a list of the most pet-friendly vacation destinations for your trip. Be sure to reference our guides to each airport’s dog policies.

 

1. Portland and Bend, Oregon

If you and your pup love the great outdoors, Oregon is the place to be. After you land at Portland International Airport, you can spend some time in Portland exploring the outdoor markets, coastal paths, and pet-friendly restaurants. When you’re ready to get out of the city, take a road trip to Bend. National forests and off-leash hiking areas are abounding in Bend. You and your dog are sure to get plenty of exercise and take in the beautiful scenery.

2. Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor is a breath of fresh air for you and your dog. Acadia National Park is one of the most dog-friendly national parks to visit. You can easily spend a few days hiking the various trails in the park. You can also head down to the coast and wander the shops, restaurants, and views of Bar Harbor. Your dog will have no problem joining you as many of the restaurants are dog friendly. Some of the harbor boat tours even let on dogs.

3. Albuquerque, New Mexico

You and your dog can enjoy the sunshine and vibrant social scene in historic Albuquerque. Flying into Albuquerque will help cut down on the commute to your hotel accommodations. If you’re up for a hike, there are many to choose from which let you experience the scenic desert. You can also opt to take in the local art of the city and hit up some of the many brewery patios and outside restaurants with your dog.

 

4. Austin, Texas

Take in the music, BBQ, and everything else Austin has to offer with your pup by your side. Austin is one of the most dog-friendly destinations, many restaurants having water bowls ready and a menu just for dogs. Austin is a very walkable city with dog-friendly parks around the town. You can let your dog cool off in the lake at Red Bud Isle dog park or get some AC in one of the several pet-friendly hotels in the city.

 

5. San Diego, California

Once you and your dog arrive at San Diego Airport, you might have a hard time choosing what to do first. If your dog is not a fan of the beach before visiting San Diego, they will become a fan after going to a dog beach. You and your dog can walk in the sand and even go surfing in the ocean. San Diego has plenty of options for pet-friendly dining after a sun-soaked day. You can also see the beach from higher up, hiking up Cowles Mountain to take in 360-degree views of the city. If you plan well enough, you can even attend some of the dog-centered events San Diego hosts yearly.

28 05, 2021

COVID-Detecting Dogs Could Reduce Airport Rates of Transmission

By |2021-06-01T08:18:17-06:00May 28th, 2021|Blog|Comments Off on COVID-Detecting Dogs Could Reduce Airport Rates of Transmission

A collaborative study between Durham University, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and a group called Medical Detection Dogs might improve the quality of air travel. The researchers have trained dogs to detect positive COVID-19 cases, and the study could have far-reaching implications for frequent fliers and beyond. 

Dogs have an acute sense of smell. Humans have approximately 6 million olfactory receptors in their noses, while dogs can possess up to 300 million olfactory receptors. Dogs also use a part of their brain for smelling that is proportionally 40 times larger than the same part in humans. The discerning noses of disease-sniffing dogs can identify cancer, narcolepsy, and malaria. In a global pandemic, it makes sense to lean on dogs’ superior sense of smell to aid in COVID-19 detection. 

 

What the Study Found

In this Phase 1 Trial, dogs sniffed out COVID-19-19 on masks and other articles of clothing. The dogs were away from identifying false-positives, so they can correctly identify both positive and negative cases. Training took about 6 to 8 weeks. The dogs in the study range in age from 4 to 6 years old, and their breeds are Cocker Spaniel, Labrador, or Golden Retriever. 

COVID-19 carries a specific odor to these dogs’ expert noses. Scientists are still trying to figure out the exact chemical makeup that produces COVID-19’s identifiable smell. The dogs had an 82% to 94% sensitivity rate in their ability to detect the presence of COVID-19, while the specificity rate ranges from 76% to 92%. This specificity measurement indicates whether the dogs could tell if a person did not have COVID-19. The dogs are able to identify COVID-19-positivity even in asymptomatic cases. 

The study’s authors still point to the PCR test as the top COVID-19 detector, but COVID-detecting dogs can be useful in crowded places. Using dogs to screen for COVID-19 at airport terminals could result in a 91% detection rate, and reduce rates of transmission. When a COVID-detecting dog identifies a traveller as COVID-positive, the next courses of action would be quarantine and a PCR test. 

COVID-19-detecting dogs could also act as a visual warning to travelers who might consider traveling while infected. This method of detection could also prevent the need for travelers to quarantine. 

However, spatial conditions could reduce detection rates. The dogs’ ability to identify COVID-19 might suffer depending on how crowded an indoor space is, or if outdoor spaces have increased airflow. Additionally, COVID-detecting dogs have different specificity rates and cannot guarantee universal rates of detection. 

 

What About the Pups?

This COVID-19 detection method does pose a risk to the dogs themselves. Dogs can be infected with SARS-COV-2, which is the virus that causes COVID-19. The illness presents both asymptomatically and to varying levels of infection, just like its symptomatic range in humans. 

The Phase 1 Trial findings should ultimately be considered tentative as the research is still awaiting peer-review. The Phase 2 Trial will test dogs’ abilities to identify COVID-19 in infected people, not just masks and articles of clothing. As results from the Phase 2 Trial become publicly available and applicable, COVID-detecting dogs could change the landscape of airport viral transmission for the better.

19 04, 2021

How to Get Your Newly Adopted Dog Ready for Post-Covid Life

By |2021-04-16T11:03:53-06:00April 19th, 2021|Blog|Comments Off on How to Get Your Newly Adopted Dog Ready for Post-Covid Life

Pandemic pets are one of the brighter points of life with covid. The pandemic brought about a surge in animal adoptions caused by people seeking companionship with a new pet. Unsurprisingly, these newly adopted dogs have brought happiness into their owners’ lives during a very challenging time.

But many dog owners are now facing the reality of leaving their homes (and dogs) to go back to work for the first time in several months. This transition can be rocky, so we put together a guide to get your newly adopted dog ready for a new normal.

 

Establish a Routine for You and Your Dog 

A consistent routine is key to adapting your adopted dog and keeping them happy. You likely already have structured mealtimes, walks, and nap built into your day. However, if these times conflict with your new post-covid schedule, you will need to start getting your dog used to a new schedule.

Trying to impose a new schedule abruptly will likely make your dog stressed. Instead, you should aim to make little changes over a longer period of time. This will help to gradually introduce a new structure. This process could take longer for adopted dogs who have only known one type of daily structure, having their owner in the home all day. In making a new routine, line up play time or walks with when you will be able to give that attention when work picks back up.

 

Preparing Your Dog to Travel 

While you may not be thinking of making any significant travel plans soon, thinking about how to include your newly adopted dog in a trip is a good idea. Similar to establishing a new routine, preparing your dog to travel should be gradual.

For car travel, use positive reinforcement to help your dog feel comfortable. Start with short car rides to get your dog used to getting into and out of the car. Give your dog treats to make them recognize the car as a good place. Over time, your dog should be ready for longer trips.

It’s a bit harder to practice for air travel. All pets on planes require a crate, with the expectation of qualified service animals. You can work to acclimate your dog to their crate at home. This can take time. That said, it’s important your dog can feel comfortable in a crate since they will have to be in a crate throughout the entire flight. Owners will not be able to know how their dog will react on a plane until they have a flight. Any amount of preparation is worthwhile to help your dog find comfort in a stressful environment.

 

Adjusting to a New Normal

We know it is sad to think about leaving your dog at home, especially when you are used to spending the whole day together. Post-covid life will be a big adjustment for both of you. Remember to be patient, stick to a routine, and enjoy the time you do bond.

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