7 Moving Tips for Dog and Cat Parents

It’s that time of year…peak moving season, that is! Planning for a move is a big task, and DogTails is here to help! Whether you’re moving to an apartment down the street or relocating across the country, read our tips to help prepare your pets for the big day. Follow this advice to help make this transition as smooth as possible for your precious pup, and for your faithful feline, too!

Before the Move
1) Pack Up Your Home Gradually
When it comes to boxing up all your things, take your time…your pet will appreciate it. Too much change can be overwhelming for dogs and cats. Keep up all of your regular routines (walking, feeding, play time) as well as you can to help ease the stress. And pack up your pets’s things last, and make sure they will be easy to find when you’re ready to start unpacking in your new home.

2) Local Distance Move? Do Your Research.
If you’re moving across the country or internationally, plan ahead when it comes to traveling with your pets. If you’ll be flying with your cat or small dog, check with your airline regarding appropriate carriers, size restrictions and other policies. If your pet will be flying cargo, check with your airline about certain breed restrictions and extreme temperature-related travel restrictions.

If you are planning a long drive with your animals, be sure to add plenty of extra time in your itinerary for bathroom breaks and opportunities for people and animals to stretch their legs. If travel makes your pet especially anxious, talk to your veterinarian about medication options.

Lastly, take time before the move to familiarize yourself with the pet laws, registration requirements and other local regulations. Check to see if your new town, city, state, etc. will require health certifications, vaccinations and registrations for your pets. If any or all of these are required, talk to your vet ahead of time to make sure all the paperwork is in order come move day.

3) Schedule a Pet Sitter or Doggie Day Care
Moving Day is a busy, often chaotic experience. Open doors, heavy furniture, moving trucks – all these things and more can be risky for pets. Bringing your dog to a local doggie day care for the day can help keep him safe and away from move-day stress. Another option for dog and cat parents would be to arrange for friends or family to look after your pets, or to hire a pet sitter who can take care of your pets in their home. They’ll get to enjoy some extra attention, and you’ll appreciate the peace of mind in knowing that they’re safe.

To read more on this story, click here: 7 Moving Tips for Dog and Cat Parents

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In an Effort to Make Itself More Pet-Friendly, Delta is Stopping One of the Most Dangerous Methods of Flying for Pets: As Checked Baggage

In an effort to make itself more pet-friendly, Delta is stopping one of the most dangerous methods of flying for pets: As checked baggage.

According to the Department of Transportation, a total of 76 animals died aboard Delta flights over the past 10 years — the highest of any U.S. airline.

The last reported death happened on Nov. 28. Somewhere between Atlanta and Pittsburgh, a Mini Dalmatian puppy died in the cargo hold of a Delta flight. The puppy was flying from Albany, Georgia: After a three-hour layover in Atlanta, it was loaded onto the Pittsburgh-bound flight. When gate crew unloaded the plane, they found the puppy was unresponsive.

 This most recent death of a checked pet on a Delta flight will be the last, if the airline can help it. Delta will no longer carry pets as checked baggage starting March 1.

The airline will still allow pets to be transported in the cabin, if they are small enough to fit in a carrier under a seat, or shipped via Delta Cargo's pet shipping Variation Live program.

The Humane Society recommends that pet owners "do not transport your pet by airplane unless absolutely necessary," and to choose keeping the pet in the cabin if possible.

"We want consumers to be well-informed about the risks of flying," KC Theisen, director of pet care issues at The Humane Society of the United States, told Mashable. "Cargo hold is not the passenger cabin, just a floor down."

  

Cargo is where the majority of animal incidents happen, usually on long distance flights or flights with several different legs, Theisen said.

Brachycephalic, or short-snouted, animals, like bulldogs, pugs or Persian cats should never be shipped in cargo, according to the Humane Society. These animals can easily overheat or have difficulty breathing in environments that are not temperature controlled. For this reason, many airlines will only allow these breeds as carry-ons.

The steps that pet owners should take before travel:

Crate train: It's important to crate train pets well before travel, Theisen said. By mimicking travel conditions and building up the amount of time a pet stays crated, owners normalize the experience and help pets understand that they will eventually be let out.

Talk to the airline: For those about to fly with a pet, the best thing to do is get "in serious contact with the airline well in advance," according to Theisen. Because every airline has different regulations, it's important to find out well in advance what options are available:

American Airlines permits pets as carry-ons, cargo or checked luggage — excluding brachycephalic dogs and cats, which are not allowed as checked luggage.

Both JetBlue and Southwest Airlines will accept cats and dogs as carry-ons only, for a $95 to $100 fee.

United allows cats, dogs, rabbits and household birds in the cabin, in addition to carry-on luggage, for $125. Certain United aircraft come equipped with special "PetSafe" compartments that are pressurized like the passenger cabin, for transporting pets in cargo.

Alaska Airlines will transport pets as cargo or as a carry-on for $100. Brachycephalic are not allowed for cargo travel.

Talk to your vet: Theisen recommends talking to a veterinarian as soon as travel plans are made to get recommendations for a food and water schedule. A veterinarian can tailor advice to specific breeds and help make the experience low-stress, important for both pets and their owners.

"The vast majority of pets arrive safely and in good health, but it's important that pet owners are aware of the risks," Theisen said. "The best thing you can do is just protect against risk and take preventative measures."

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The Truth About Pet-Friendly Hotels

If you’ve ever taken a trip with your dog and checked into a hotel that claims to be “pet friendly,” there are a few things to keep in mind that might not be advertised.

As a pet traveler of 20 years, I have encountered mostly amazing experiences at pet friendly hotels and bed and breakfasts, but occasionally one falls through the cracks. Pet friendly does not mean red carpet in all cases, so keep these pointers in mind the next time you book a room for you and Fido:

Fees are usually imposed on travelers who are staying with pets. Always ask ahead if there are fees involved, how much, and if there is a fee for each pet or a one-time deal. Often, hotels will hold a security deposit and then refund it or not charge your credit card prior to checking out.

Pet friendly has its pets allowed limits. You can bring three kids, just not three dogs, as an example. Ask first how many dogs are allowed. Nothing ruins a trip or vacation than hearing, “sorry ma’am, but three dogs are not welcome here, only two.”

To read more on this story, click here: The Truth About Pet-Friendly Hotels

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Mischievous Cat Escapes from Carrier and Roams Free in Cabin of Delta Air Lines Plane

A flight attendant was unable to hold back her fear when a mischievous cat escaped its carrier and roamed free in the cabin of a Delta Air Lines flight.

The amusing moment was captured by a passenger, who uploaded it onto YouTube yesterday with the caption: “Cat got loose on my Delta flight this morning. Flight attendant did not like cats, haha.”

The clip quickly went viral, attracting more than 30,000 views in less than 24 hours.

During the 83-second video, as the tortoiseshell cat approaches the flight attendant, she is heard telling the animal: “Sit right there, don't move.”

The cheeky cat fails to obey her orders, leading her to call someone to inform them that “there is a cat in the galley.”

Over the plane's tannoy system, she then says: “Whoever's cat this is please come and... wake them up if you see them with the cat carrier, I need them to come and get their pet.”

It is not known where the flight was traveling to and from, but the airlines does allow cats to travel in a number of ways - including as carry-on baggage, as checked baggage and shipped as cargo.

Delta Air Lines permit cats to travel alongside their owners in the cabin for a one-way fee, dependent on the destination.

However, the airline regulations insist the pet must remain inside a kennel with the door secured while in the boarding area, the Delta airport lounge and while on board the aircraft.

The Delta website adds: “We offer several options to get your pet to your destination, and we treat our four-legged friends with the same attention and courtesy our human passengers expect.”

Delta Airlines could not be immediately reached for comment.

A flight attendant was unable to hold back her fear when a mischievous cat escaped its carrier and roamed free in the cabin of a Delta Air Lines flight.

The amusing moment was captured by a passenger, who uploaded it onto YouTube yesterday.

The agitated flight attendant attempted to control the rogue cat by ordering it to 'sit right there, don't move' but the animal was not interested in obeying her orders.

A woman appears (left) to try to lure the cat back to its owner, who soon arrives with the pet's carrier.

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Amtrak Service Animals and Pet Policy

Available on the Carl Sandburg and Illinois Zephyr May 5, 2014 - April 26, 2015; Saluki & Illini August 11, 2014 - April 26, 2015

Carry-on Pet Pilot Program
Amtrak and the state of Illinois will extend the carry-on pet pilot allowing customers to take their small dogs or cats along with them on the train that started on May 5, 2014 through to April 26, 2015 on the Carl Sandburg, and the Illinois Zephyr, Trains 380, 381, 382 and 383. In addition, the pilot will expand to include the Illini and Saluki, Trains 390, 391, 392 and 393 starting August 11, 2014 through to April 26, 2015. For more information on the types of pets allowed, pet reservations and fares, approved pet carriers and additional details, review the complete Carry-on Pet pilot program guidelines.

With the exception of the Carry-on Pet pilot program, Amtrak does not permit pets on trains or Thruway services, in passenger areas of train stations or in checked baggage.

Only Service Animals Permitted
Generally, animals are not allowed on Amtrak. However, service animals are permitted in all areas where passengers are allowed. Service animals are animals that are trained to perform a specific task for the benefit of a person with a disability. Amtrak personnel may ask what task(s) the service animal performs.

Animals Not Allowed
The following types of animals are not permitted:

Comfort Animals: Animals not trained to perform a specific task, but which are said to provide emotional support or to relieve anxiety simply by their presence (for example, by the passenger holding or stroking the animal).

Pets: Animals for which no claim of any service is made.

Search and Rescue Dogs:* Animals that are trained generally, but not to assist a particular passenger.

Police Dogs:* Other than dogs brought on trains by the Amtrak Police Department.
* If the passenger or agency feels an exception needs to be made for search and rescue dogs or police dogs, contact the Amtrak Police Department for assistance.

Control of Your Service Animal
You must keep your service animal under control at all times. The animal should always be on a leash, harness or other tether, unless either the handler is unable because of his/her disability to use a harness, leash or other tether, or the use of a harness, leash or other tether would interfere with the service animal's safe, effective performance of work or tasks, in which case the service animal must be otherwise under the handler's control.

Amtrak personnel may require you to remove your service animal en route or from the station premises if:

the animal is out of control and you do not take effective action to control it (for example, a dog causes a significant disturbance by barking repeatedly and uncontrollably or is not housebroken) or
the animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others.

If you are asked to remove your service animal, but you would like to remain on the premises and/or continue travel without the animal, you must make arrangements for another person or local animal control to accept custody of your animal, and you may be required to continue or begin your Amtrak travel at a later time or on a later date.

Service Animal Must Remain on Floor
A service animal must sit under the passenger's seat or at his or her feet. Service animals are not allowed to sit in the aisle or on seats.

Walking Your Service Animal
If the train schedule permits, you may walk your service animal at station stops provided that you stay within reasonable proximity to the train and re-board promptly when the conductor notifies you that the train is about to depart. If you plan to walk your animal during the trip, please notify the conductor when you first board the train. Some routes may have limited or no stops for the duration of your trip, so we encourage you to check schedules before you make your travel plans.

Amtrak employees are not responsible for the care or supervision of any passenger's service animal.

Making Reservations with Service Animals
It is not possible to make reservations that include service animals on Amtrak.com. Amtrak encourages passengers using service animals to make reservations by phone so that we can reserve an accessible seat or space (if desired) and provide you with information regarding intermediate station stops. Call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) or TTY (1-800-523-6590). Agents are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Amtrak Carry-On Pet Pilot Program Extended

Available on the Carl Sandburg and Illinois Zephyr May 5, 2014 - April 26, 2015; Saluki & Illini August 11, 2014 - April 26, 2015

If you're traveling on the Carl Sandburg and Illinois Zephyr, Trains 380, 381, 382 and 383 or the Illini and Saluki, Trains 390, 391, 392 and 393, you can now take your pet along. Amtrak is conducting a pilot program sponsored by the state of Illinois that will allow customers to take their small dogs or cats along with them on the train. Now that Rover can come over, we hope to see you and your pet onboard.

Pets Onboard
Please refer to the guidelines below. Other restrictions may apply. Note that these guidelines do not pertain to passengers traveling with service animals.

Types of Pets Allowed
Cats and dogs are the only types of pets accepted on Amtrak, and only one pet per passenger will be allowed.

Where Travel Must Begin

Passengers must begin the first leg of their trip at the Chicago, Naperville, Galesburg, Homewood, Champaign-Urbana or Carbondale stations during the hours that the ticket offices are open.

Note: Due to the ticket office hours, the only train accepting pet reservations at Naperville is Train 383, and at Homewood the only trains accepting pet reservations are Trains 393 and 392.

Round trips may be booked to an unstaffed station, but travel must begin at staffed stations, as described in the "Pet Reservations, Fare and Ticketing" section below.

Pet Reservations, Fare and Ticketing
Effective August 4, pet reservations will be accepted on the Trains 380, 381, 382, 383, 390, 391, 392 and 393, through April 26, 2015. Travel with pets on Trains 390, 390, 391, 392 and 393 begins August 11.

Pet reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis. No more than four pets are reserved per train. Service animals do not count towards this limitation.

The fare for pets is $25.00 per carrier, for each travel segment.

Pet reservations can only be made with a reservation agent at 1-800-USA-RAIL or at a staffed station.

Passengers may only pick up pet tickets at the Chicago, Naperville, Galesburg, Homewood, Champaign-Urbana or Carbondale stations. Pet tickets cannot be picked up at any other stations.
Pets are not permitted to travel with unaccompanied minors.

During this pilot program, multi-ride tickets cannot be used in conjunction with pet reservations. Multi-ride ticket holders traveling with a pet must reserve a coach seat and pay the applicable fare.

Arrive at Least 30 Minutes Early
Passengers traveling with pets must check in at the station ticket office no later than 30 minutes before train departure time in order to allow sufficient time to confirm pet eligibility and complete a Release and Indemnification Agreement.

Designated Pet Car & Onboard Guidelines

• Passengers must remain with pets at all times.
• Pets must remain inside their carrier at all times and may not be removed from their carrier while in stations or onboard trains.
• Passengers must keep their pet carrier under their own seat. Pet carriers are not permitted under the seat in front of you.
• Pet carriers are not permitted on train seats.
• Pets are not permitted in food service cars.
• Each Carl Sandburg, Illinois Zephyr, Saluki and Illini train will have one railcar designated for passengers with their pets.

Approved Pet Carriers

• Pet owners must provide their own pet carrier.
• The maximum size for pet carriers is 19" long x 14" wide x 10.5" high.
• Carrier may be hard or soft sided but must be leak proof and well ventilated.
• For safety reasons, pet must be able to sit and lie down comfortably without touching the sides of the carrier.
• A carrier counts as one piece of carry-on baggage.

Pet Age and Health

• Pet must be at least eight weeks old.
• Pets must be odorless and harmless, not disruptive, and require no attention during travel. Amtrak maintains the right to refuse acceptance of or remove from the train any pet exhibiting these issues.
• Passengers will be required to certify that pet is up to date on all vaccinations and accepts liability for animal.
• Maximum weight of pet with carrier is 20 pounds.
• Amtrak will not accept liability for the health and well-being of pets.

Note: In the event of an incident, Amtrak will make reasonable efforts to assist passengers with the evacuation of their pets and will seek (but cannot guarantee) pet friendly accommodations, if alternate transportation or sheltering is necessary.

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