Which is best for you depends on you and your lifestyle.  Cats require less care, but are very independent.  Some cats will become very attached to you, but generally, they will come to you when THEY want to, not when you call them.  You will generally not be able to take a cat for a walk outside or over to the local pet store when you shop.  But a cat will sit in your lap, keep you warm when it's cold, and purr like crazy when you pet him.  It's been said that a cat will lower your blood pressure.  If you work outside of the home you won't need to worry about getting home during the day for a walk or being sure to be home right after work to feed your cat.  You will need to get a litter box.

If you travel, you can leave a few days worth of food for a cat or you can have someone come in to "cat-sit" every other day or so to make sure he gets attention, to fill up the food and water bowls, and check or clean the litter box.  So if you travel often or are gone for most of the day, maybe a cat is best for you.

On the other hand, a dog is trainable.  You train him to go outside to take care of his bathroom needs (no litter box, though some small dogs these days have a "wee-wee pad"  so that they can be left in the house while you're gone).  You can train him or her to do tricks, to come when you call, to take a walk on a leash without pulling, to respond to commands and not jump on your guests when they walk in the door.  You can take a dog on trips in the car.  Most cats hate the car.  To them it means a trip to the vet.  
A dog is a social magnet for other dog lovers to stop and talk to you. He's a wonderful companion who will become one of the family. He will love you unconditionally, and forever.  And you'll love him, too.

That's not to say that you won't love your cat.  We still have memories of Annie, a yellow tabby cat that followed my husband a block to the mailbox and back  every night.  And there was Bailey, who could open doors from inside or outside a room.  No locking him up while he got used to the house.  But we also remember our first dog, Jet, who was sweet and loving until someone climbed our fence to check out her pups.  Then she went into protection mode.  And then there was Brandy, an Irish Setter, who chewed an entire couch when he was a puppy.  

I would recommend checking your nearest shelter.  There are many dogs and cats who wind up homeless and need someone to take care of them.  When one of them looks at you and you bond immediately, take him home with you.  Whichever you decide, it will be a wonderful experience filled with love and laughter.

   How many times have you driven down the road and seen dogs, elated and loving it, hanging out the side of a car window? Most dogs love cars. They love the excitement of getting into the backseat and the exhilaration of feeling the wind and seeing everything rush by. Driving has long been an American pastime and nothing could make it more enjoyable than sharing the experience with your family's favorite furry friend. While this may be your best friend's favorite activity, it's important for you to realize that there are safer ways to drive with Rex in the backseat. The following tips are designed to benefit both you and your pooch. Traveling with your dog can be great, but if you adhere to these suggestions it will be wonderful!

  Don't roll your window all the way down. While Sparky may enjoy hanging out of it while driving, if you were to get into an accident he would surely be thrown from the vehicle. Also, if something out there were to catch his eye, your dog might jump out of the car and into traffic. Don't deny him all the fun, though-- roll the window down just enough for him to get his head out and enjoy the ride.

- Put down a sheet or blanket in the backseat. This will help prevent you from having dog hair all over the upholstery of your car. Oftentimes a vacuum cannot get all of the hair and a specialized attachment may be a great investment if you travel with your dog often. This sheet with also help catch anything your dog leaves behind, from treat crumbs to pieces of his favorite chew toy. - Plan your route to make sure that you have plenty of pet-friendly places to stop. When traveling short distances this will not be an issue, but long distance driving will require that you have a place to walk and feed your dog. Even though he's probably considerably smaller than most people, Rex would love to stretch out on a long drive like the rest of us!
Take off your dog's leash when you get into the car. Keeping the leash within reach is important, but you don't want your puppy to be getting caught on things while you are driving. Another option, especially if the window is open, is to leave the leash on and hold one end of it, or buckle it in with your seatbelt. This will ensure that Sparky can't escape and that he will be safely secure. The best thing to do, though, is to invest in a harness that is made specifically for traveling with dogs. This harness will be your best bet when it comes to safety and, depending on the model you choose, can be relatively easy to use.

Traveling with your dog is always going to be a little stressful, given the extra distractions it will cause; however, it's always worth it to have man's best friend by your side. If you follow these tips, the trip will be even better!

   Animal lovers would love to be able to take their pets along on trips. However, the whole activity can be nerve wracking especially with the cats when they begin hissing, clawing and even moaning. Nevertheless, there are ways that individuals may comfortably travel with their cats. 

  When traveling with cats planning well in advance is imperative. When making the travel itinerary and before embarking on a trip cat lovers need to ensure that they are conversant with rules related to pets; especially where they are allowed in motels and hotels. 

  The cats should be adequately prepared for the trip. It is important that the cat’s shots are updated. So this would involve a visit to the veterinarian where the cat is vaccinated in preparation for the journey. When traveling with pets such as cat, pet owners are required to provide the animal’s health certificate. The veterinarian may provide this on request. Traveling may expose pets to health risks which is why a visit to the vet is recommended. Cats may appear nervous and distressed about leaving familiar environments. In such a situation the pet owner may request the vet to administer a mild tranquilizer. 

While traveling, it is advisable that the cat is confined, thus the need for a cat carrier. This helps to comfort the cat. However, before leaving for the journey, cat owners are advised to acclimatize their cats to their carriers. This involves letting the cat sleep in the carrier and sometimes taking the cat for short drives while in the carrier. In order to make traveling seem like fun, the cat owner may reward the cat by giving snacks. With time the cat is sure to get accustomed to traveling.
  It is important that cat owners place some kind of identification on their pets. A harness on a cat is particularly important. An id tag with such information as the owners name and contact information such as address and telephone number should be attached to the harness. Tagging a cat is also a good idea. By fastening a leash on the harness, the cat owner may also be able to take the cat for a walk. 

A litter box for use on potty breaks is a necessity when traveling with cats. The cat owner may make the litter box from a small card board box that contains clay litter, old newspapers, cloths or towels. The litter box should be placed in the cat carrier. Absorbent towels come in handy in case of potty accidents. Nevertheless, having out door breaks comes highly recommended. 

Cat owners should refrain from feeding their cats just before embarking on the drive. A full bladder is likely to make the cat even more uneasy. Consequently, potty accidents may occur. In some instances, the cat may vomit. Cat owners are also advised to carry drinking water from home. Traveling may bewilder the cat; consequently it may refuse to drink water that has a strange taste resulting in dehydration. 

Through careful planning, cat owners may make traveling with cats stress free and more enjoyable.

  You are always worried about the fate of your little crawler when you plan an outstation trip and leave it behind. At times, you want a babysitter who can look after it in your absence and then there are times when you wish you had it with you. Leaving it behind in a kennel (in case of a dog) is something your heart does not consent to, for encaging something so precious with so much value in your life is bound to uncalled for.



What do you do? You are left in no man's land blinking for answers! This is where Family Pet Relocation's Transportation Service augurs best for you. Pet Transportation ensures your pooch does not have to be left stranded at home and would rather be delivered to you wherever you go.

So how does it work? How exactly is your pet delivered to you and in what conditions? Do they put it to sleep or do they inject it with something which it keeps it still till the distance is covered and then the medicine wears off?

The Pet Travel Scheme entails your pet being kept inside a cage after being tranquillized or put to sleep temporarily. At times, it is even kept awake and active. Whatever the case may be, it is kept judiciously inside a cage which is well made. You have inside the cage defra approved pens, soft bedding, non spill water bowls, litter trays and toys. All of these are categorically placed within the cage to ensure your pet has it easy during the ride and does not get panicky or fidgety because of some form of discomfort.
The soft cushions kept inside the cage and above the floor ensure the pet has it easiest and most comfortable just sitting and slouching on it. However hard the terrain may be, your pooch will never have any sense of discomfort.

The litter trays kept besides it inside the huge cage ensures just in case it feels like relieving itself during the ride, the tray is always there. Though the people responsible for safe pet transportation do stop mid way multiple times to check whether your pooch wants to discharge, still the tray ensures in case something happens not to their knowledge the poor pet does not end up making the cushion or the soft pads filthy.                       

During the journey undertaken via the pet travel scheme, your dog gets regular exercise to keep healthy, active and fit. While the pet is in transit, you are constantly kept in touch with everyday. The vehicles in which they are carried are categorically designed after taking all parameters of pet safety and comfort into consideration.

The pet travel scheme is a major hit across the European contingent. Pet lovers make full use of pet transportation to ensure their pets are delivered to them within a few days of them leaving home and vacationing at their preferred spot.           

No matter what distance ought to be taken care of in the way, your pet will by every stretch of imagination be delivered to you by the right service+.

There are many details to take care of when getting ready for pet travel on an upcoming trip. Should I fly or drive with my four-legged friend? Are there any pet friendly hotels where we're going? Have I packed everything he's going to need? It's extremely important that everything is taken care of ahead of time to make sure he has a stress-free adventure.
 
  But what if your company is relocating you and your family across the country, or even overseas? Is it time to take that opportunity and move somewhere that's warm all year round? Planning for a move is much more of a daunting task than planning a trip. Packing, finding your new home, selling your old home, getting the kids enrolled in a new school, address changes - the list is endless. And of course, you've got to make all the arrangements for your family's best friend to move with you.

It can all be very overwhelming.

If a move is in your future and you've got furry family members, a pet relocation service may be a good option for you. They handle all of the details of getting your pet to your new residence safe and sound.

How Do I Choose a Pet Relocation Service?

Your pet is precious cargo; you won't trust just anyone to move your dog 5,000 miles or even 5 miles. How can you be sure which company to trust? Thankfully, the Independent Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) was founded in 1979 "to provide professional, competent and caring pet transportation relocation services throughout the USA and around the world." This network is made up of professional pet shippers who are registered with the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and adhere to the rules and regulations of the USDA's Animal Welfare Act. You can find a trusted pet relocation service by visiting IPATA's website.

Keep in mind that the company you work with does not need to be in your current city or in your new destination. After you start narrowing down which IPATA members you're interested in working with, jot down a list of questions that you have about the pet relocation process. Here are some important things to ask:

- What are your policies and procedures?

- Are you licensed and insured?

- How long have you been transporting pets?

- How long will it take to get my pet to our new home?

- How often do you stay in touch with me during the trip?

- Who will be my point of contact throughout the duration?

- What are your fees? Is that the total cost? - How will you ensure that my dog or cat gets fed and has enough water?



As you're interviewing the services, they should be happy to answer any and every question you have. Don't forget to request testimonials from happy and satisfied owners who have used that company's service. When you make your final decision, it's important to feel confident in their abilities - they are handling a very special family member. They Make it Easy IPATA's pet relocation members are experts in arranging door-to-door service for your pet. You do not have to handle any of the travel arrangements because it's all taken care of for you. Pet relocation professionals know the best airlines to work with, the most reliable pick up and delivery services, as well as all the regulations and restrictions surrounding transporting animals (and when these regulations change).

If you are moving overseas, your new country of residence will have its own regulations regarding the importation and exportation of animals. You may recall our post on international pet travel and the fact that there is a good deal of paperwork that needs to be taken care of before your pet can enter a different country; some countries even require a pet passport! Paperwork aside, there may also be quarantine periods. Your pet relocation company will make sure that all of the required paperwork is in order and be able to debrief you on the country's quarantine or other import policies. Pet relocation companies exist to make moving your pet a lot less stressful.

Who Shouldn't Use a Pet Relocation Service?

On a tight budget? You may find after looking into various pet relocation companies that you underestimated the cost of getting your pet from point A to point B. In addition to paying the documentation fees, ground transportation fees, airline fees, etc., you still have to pay the relocation company for their time. This is something to take into consideration as you're planning your move.

Another factor that must be considered is that there are some pets that most pet relocation companies consider to be "at risk". There is no specific age limit for dogs and cats, but it is always critical for owners to put serious thought into the amount of stress their elderly pet can endure. High-anxiety pets may also pose a risk for hyperventilation or injury to themselves if they are not properly crate trained and conditioned well ahead of the actual moving date. Also, brachycephalic dogs like pugs or English bulldogs have delicate respiratory systems that could possibly become impaired under a high stress situation. Consult with your vet in order to make the best possible decision for your beloved companion.

 Do you travel often with your dog or cat?  Will this be a new experience for both of you? Are their special safety precautions you need to take for your pet? Are there any restrictions regarding pets where your travels will take you?

Traveling with your dog or cat takes your traveling experience to a whole new level.  If your pet is not used to traveling, for their comfort and yours, here are a few ideas you can consider.

First, ask yourself, do you really need to or want to take your pet with you on a long distance travel experience?  Some pet experts suggest that taking your pet with you may not be the best idea, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't or couldn't take your best companion with you.  This is a decision only you can make.

If you decide that you want to take your dog or cat with you, the key is preparation.  Pet travel safety and comfort is important, so start with the pet carrier.

The dog carrier or cat carrier needs to be big enough so that your dog or cat can stand up and turn around.  You should provide a plastic traveling dog bowl and water bowl that can be placed in the carrier. A picture of your pet with his name should be displayed on the outside of the carrier for identification purposes.  A pet should never be taken out of the carrier or container unless you have a leash for him.  If you are traveling by air, make sure your carrier is approved by your air carrier.

If your pet is not used to being in a dog carrier or cat carrier, bring the pet carrier into your home for up to a couple of weeks before you travel so they can get used to it.  Keep the door locked open so they can go in and out at their leisure.  Put a blanket or towel inside, and maybe a toy or treat, anything that would entice your pet to go into the carrier on their own.

Once they find it a pleasant place to be, you can lock the carrier with them in it, and take your pet for their first ride.  Drive for 5 to 10 minutes on the first outing, increasing the time of travel each time you take them for a ride.  Keep the carrier on a flat surface in the car such as the floor or a seat.  Talk to them in a calm voice so you can help relieve any anxiety they may feel.  Never put your pet in the front seat of the car.  In case of accident and an air bag deploys, it could severely injure or kill your pet!

If you are traveling just for a day or less, small dogs may like dog booster seats.  Larger dogs may need a barrier in the back seat, or in the back of the van or SUV that will allow them to be somewhat contained in a small space, and be able to move around slightly. 

Ads by Google Dogs that ride in the back of a pick up, which is extremely dangerous for the dog, could be safer if you use a restraint designed for the back of  a pick up where a dog may move  side to side, but will be confined enough so as to not jump out, or be bounced out on a rough road.  Your priority should always be their safety, then their comfort.

When planning a car trip, make sure your pet will be accepted at any hotel enroute, and also at your final destination, whether that is a hotel, resort, a friend or relative's home.

Checking with your veterinarian before you travel is good advice.  He can give you suggestions about pet travel also.  He may suggest a medication that may help your pet stay calm, or if your pet suffers from motion sickness. However, medication is not always recommended for your pet's travel if there is another option.  Your Vet will also make sure your pet's vaccinations are up to date and can give you a certificate of health, should you need it. 

While traveling in a car, make sure you stop often enough to let your pet get out, stretch, relieve himself, and get something to eat and drink.  Try to keep them in a close-to-normal eating schedule as possible.

Changing your pet's routine and environment can be difficult for them.  Bringing bottled water from your tap and their usual food will be advantageous for their good health.  Change of diet could upset their physical well being.

If you are traveling with your pet in an RV, it is not advisable to let them roam free while the vehicle is moving.  They could be injured when the vehicle turns and stops, or they could distract the driver. 

Traveling by air creates the need for other precautions.  Small pets may be allowed to travel with you in the airliner cabin, under the seat.  Large dogs will have to travel with the luggage in the luggage compartment.  When your dog will be traveling in the luggage compartment, tell as many airline personnel as possible that your dog is traveling with you so they will be aware incase there are any long flight delays.

Schedule non-stop flights whenever possible. Book either early AM or late PM flights so the dog will avoid the excessive heat at midday.  Be sure to check with your air carrier for their rules and regulations.

Remember, if you must travel with your pet, do all you can to make it a safe, comfortable, protected, and pleasant experience for you and your pet.