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by Rick Powell
The tragic events of September 11, 2001, resulted in widespread changes for air travelers all over the world and the pet shipping industry as well. Professional pet shipping firms had to achieve Known Shipper Status from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to expedite the shipping of pets and carefully follow the guidelines set forth by the TSA to maintain their Known Shipper Status.
What is Known Shipper Status?
In 1999, the Federal Aviation Agency implemented changes in the way that goods were shipped by air in an effort to improve air safety. Following 9/11, those measures were enhanced further with more stringent guidelines for obtaining and keeping Known Shipper Status. Known Shipper Status is essentially a vetting process to ensure that most air cargo shipped throughout most of the world is shipped by professional, legitimate shipping companies. If a container is shipped through a company that has attained Known Shipper Status, it is deemed by the airlines and the TSA to be less likely to contain contraband or explosives and will be inspected less frequently. This streamlines the inspection process considerably and allows cargo to travel more quickly to its destination.
Why Known Shipper Status is so Important for Pet Shipping
When shipping your pet, it's very important to use the services of a reputable pet relocation company like ours that has achieved and maintained Known Shipping Status because the pet will arrive at its destination more quickly due to fewer crate inspections. But most important of all, fewer inspections mean that the pet is far less likely to be removed from the crate and suffer injury or be lost en route.
Until recently, some pet relocation firms in smaller cities were 'selling' the use of their Known Shipping Status number to their clients and making them handle the shipping arrangements themselves, essentially charging them a fee for doing nothing more than providing their number and some paperwork. Not only is this illegal, it also endangers the life of the pet and at the very least, amounts to ripping off their clients. Reputable pet relocation companies like ours, as well as pets, are put at risk from these unethical procedures and recently the TSA has begun cracking down on these outfits and revoking their Known Shipping Status.
Every month, our facilities are inspected by the TSA to ensure that we continue to follow the Known Shipper Status guidelines. These inspections and compliance cost us a great deal of money each month but since September 11, 2001, it's simply part of the costs of doing business for us and maintaining our status is a priority second only to making sure each pet arrives safely to its destination. If you need pet relocation services, you can rely on professional pet relocation companies like ours to get your furry friends to their destination as safely and quickly as possible. We'll make all the arrangements for you so that the process is as fast and easy as possible.
About the Author
Rick Powell is with the pet shipping company Animals Away. Animals Away is a pet and anmial shipping and pet transportation company. Please visit our website at http://www.animalsaway.com for more information.
How To Teach A Dog To Sit...Top Dog Tricks
by Nic Roberts
Are you convinced you have the worlds smartest dog? Or maybe you are convinced you have the worlds dumbest dog and that is why you are here. Here are some tips on how to teach a dog to sit.
1) Stand in front of your dog. Make sure your dog knows that you mean business and its no time for fun and games.
2)Hold a treat near your dogs nose,just out of their reach so they will be more inclined to do what you tell them
3)Slowly move the treat to entice your pet even more.
4) Now say your dog's name, and give a firm command to Sit.
5) Reward your dog for good behavior.
6) Praise your dog excitely and give them a treat.
7) Lead him back into the sitting position with the treat by guiding his nose up and back until he has no choice but to sit.
8) Keep using treats until the dog knows exactly what you mean and sits every time you tell him. After that, you can and should give treats once and a while.
I hope you have found these tips helpful on how to teach a dog to sit.
About the Author
Nic Roberts is a successful internet marketer. For information on the best tips online and how a goal of $100 a day took me to $11,692.41 in one week using these same methods.Visit http://www.bestaffiliatemarketingtip.com/
Reuters/Indian Express
New York, September 4:: More than two thirds of Americans would rather be stranded on a desert island with their pet than with their partner, a poll showed on Thursday.
The survey of 1,105 pet owners by Petplan, a provider of health insurance for dogs and cats, also found more than half threw parties for their pets, nearly 70 per cent share their beds with a pet, 63 per cent cook for their pets and 68 per cent dress their pets up.
Americans spent about $48 billion on pets in 2007, according to US consumer research company Packaged Facts.
Written by NAPSI - Imperial Valley News
Imperial, California - Pets often seem to have limitless energy and robust constitutions, but don't let this fool you: They are susceptible to all sorts of maladies, ranging from mild to life threatening. That's why it pays to have a relationship with a veterinarian.
To find just the right veterinarian, ask pet-owning friends for recommendations. If you are new in town or don't know anyone who has a pet, don't worry. Most veterinarians belong to the American Veterinary Medical Association or the American Animal Hospital Association. You can contact one of these national organizations for a referral to a member veterinarian in your area. Once you get some recommendations, make an appointment for a first visit so the three of you can get to know each other.
In order for your veterinarian to maintain your pet's good health, it is important for you to schedule regular checkups and practice preventive care at home. At each appointment, be sure to communicate clearly your pet's behavior and habits. Since many signs of illness are subtle, even minor changes in your pet's behavior can give your doctor valuable information on what might become a serious health issue.
When bringing your pet to the vet, it can be helpful to take along a stool sample. Scoop a recent sample out of the litter box or yard and take it along in a little plastic bag. This will enable your veterinarian to immediately test your pet for internal parasites. All pets are at risk for parasites-not just those who live primarily outdoors. And when there are small children in the house, there is additional risk of children picking up parasitic disease from their pets. An easy, effective way to protect your pet is to use a monthly oral parasite preventive, available through veterinary clinics.
Remember that veterinarians care as much about you as an owner as they do about your pets. They are available to give you the information and resources you need to take the best possible care of your animals. By taking the time to select the veterinarian that you feel confident can provide for your needs as an owner and the medical needs of your pet, you will establish a rewarding partnership.
To learn more, visit the Web site at www.growingupwithpets.com.
Wakulla County Sheriff's Office investigators are trying to get a court order so they can rescue a menagerie of animals at a suspected pet mill.
Only it's still unclear where the animals will go. The county's Animal Shelter is filled to capacity with cats and dogs evacuated from a New Orleans adoption center before Hurricane Gustav hit. Local animal-rescue organizations have agreed to help find foster homes for the pets and have them adopted.
"It's a whole network we're working with to try to take the pressure off us," said Ivanhoe Carroll, director of the Wakulla County Animal Control. "Animal shelters and humane societies are always full. That's the classic problem."
Capt. Steven Ganey said investigators found 200 dogs, 17 doves, two cockatiels, 20 chickens, two horses, one foal and one donkey in unhealthy conditions at property on Lower Bridge Road. They were tipped off to the operation and visited the site.
A veterinarian who evaluated the animals Tuesday concluded they were neglected.
Also, it appears records haven't been kept properly, Ganey said.
"They have to go by certain requirements to raise puppies and sell them," he said.
The investigation is still ongoing, and no arrests have been made. Ganey said it could take one to five days to get the order signed.
About 90 percent of the dogs are puppies, Ganey said. Several are small breeds, including Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Maltese dogs, miniature pinschers, Yorkshire terriers, Shih Tzus and Lhasa Apsos.
But it's the older ones that worry Ganey.
"One of them had an eye infection," he said. "It lost its eye. We had to take that one to get it medically seen right away. Those animals will probably be the hardest to get rid of."
Carroll said she's gotten about 10 calls from residents wondering if their lost pet might have ended up at the suspected pet mill. Officials don't know yet if that is the case, but they plan to look into it.
By BRADLEY OLSON - Houston Chronicle
Do you qualify for discounted spay and neutering services? Check out SNAP's Houston Mobile Clinic
Don't look now, but the Houston City Council is starting to sound a lot like Bob Barker.
Goaded into action by community outrage after at least six dogs died from exposure to excessive heat in a city animal care vehicle last week, some council members have embraced the mantra of the retired game show host, who closed every broadcast of The Price is Right by urging viewers to "Help control the pet population. Have your pet spayed or neutered."
Some, including Mayor Bill White, have floated the possibility of following in the footsteps of Los Angeles, which passed a law in February ordering its 3.8 million citizens to spay and neuter their pets or face repeated fines and criminal charges.
It is an open question whether such a law would be feasible in Houston when the city spends so much less than other areas on animal care and struggles to enforce ordinances dealing with pets already on the books, such as licensing requirements.
"We have a lot of uncared for animals in our community, and we need to be thinking about doing something different if we expect there to be a different result," White said. He added that he was sensitive about not being "too intrusive" in people's lives, but said the council and Houstonians should consider the idea.
"I don't think any solution should be off the table."
White pledged in recent days to conduct a "national search" for a new director of the city's Bureau of Animal Regulation and Control, move ahead with plans to build a $4 million kennel and adoption center and launch an education and awareness campaign on "adoption and the responsibilities of animal owners."
But some are not sure that will do it.
Pet euthanasia
Councilwoman Anne Clutterbuck said "it's time to start the discussion" about whether the city should require all domestic pets to be spayed or neutered. Too many animals are euthanized in shelters, she said, adding, "It's heartbreaking."
Mandatory spay-neuter laws are being considered by municipalities and state legislatures throughout the country. One such bill was soundly defeated last month in California — a state where many cities and counties have had such ordinances for more than a decade — and the Chicago City Council is scheduled to vote on a similar ordinance this month.
California ordinances
Pet advocates say such laws are an essential component of a new wave in animal services that aim to avoid pet euthanasia. They say it can have the immediate impact of limiting the unwanted pet population, and can ease the burden of animal care workers, since some experts believe aggressive dogs become more passive after being neutered or spayed.
Opponents of the idea, who have included everyone from local and state veterinary associations to a grassroots coalition of dog owners, have chafed, viewing such regulations as invasive and overly punitive and claiming they do little to reduce the population of unwanted pets.
Typically, with such laws, animal care workers do not roam the city pulling up the tails of dogs. Instead they require proof an animal has been spayed or neutered when they go out on service calls, usually to chase a dangerous pet or seize a neglected animal, according to officials in two California cities with the ordinances.
Those who cannot provide proof are fined. Some laws authorize local governments to spay or neuter without an owner's permission, and others provide for criminal penalties for owners who fail to take care of the matter themselves.
"We like the idea," said Kathy Barton, spokeswoman for the BARC. "We don't know how the heck it's going to be enforced."
Ed Boks, general manager of Los Angeles Animal Services, said his department, which has a $20 million annual budget, will begin enforcing the city's law in October after a prolonged education campaign, complete with public service announcements by a host of celebrity pet advocates.
His 60 officers will check for documentation of spayed and neutered pets when they make routine house calls.
Some advocates have questioned whether Houston, which has a much smaller budget and staff, could implement such a law. BARC has 23 officers, six in training and five vacancies and a $4 million annual budget. It also is without a director following the departure of Kent Robertson last month.
Outspending Houston
Other major Texas cities, some with much smaller populations, outspend Houston in animal services. In fiscal 2009, according to figures provided by each city, Austin budgeted $5.4 million for that purpose, San Antonio $4.8 million and Dallas $7.3 million.
While White called for a comprehensive solution at this week's council meeting, he has bristled at calls for more spending.
"I am never one who confuses government spending with results," he said.
Kelly Cripe, an animal activist who served on the Mayor's Working Group for Animal Protection in 2005, said White has said for years that he would launch an education campaign, but has yet to do so.
"You can make laws all day long, but they have to be enforced and people have to be educated," she said. "Citizens have stepped up to the plate. We've had fundraisers, adopted animals and volunteered. The city has to step up now, and that's the mayor's responsibility."
Cat Channel.com
The two winning photos will be featured on the 11th edition of the AAA PetBook.
More than 29.1 million pet owners bring their furry friends with them on vacation, according to the Automobile Association of America (AAA). To make traveling with pets easy and fun, AAA publishes Traveling With Your Pet: The AAA PetBook, featuring advice on where to stay, where to play and how to travel safely.
As AAA prepares to publish the 11th edition of the book, the organization invites pet owners to submit photos of their pets on the road. Two winners will be featured on the cover and spine of the next edition, with the first-place winner also claiming a $350 AAA Visa gift card and five complimentary copies of the book. The second place winner will receive a $200 gift card and two complimentary copies of the book.
Entries will be accepted until November 30, 2008. Photos will be judged for artistic qualities, such as photographic composition, and the ability to convey the joy of safely traveling with a pet. Candid photos are preferred over posed shots, and studio photographs will be disqualified.
For complete rules and entry forms, visit the AAA website.
Posted by cyoo - Atlanta Pets
Remember Prince Chuck? Yep, he weighed 44 pounds. He’s been adopted. Check him out with his new family.
Prince Chunk is playing with a toy at his new Washington Township, N.J., home in this recent photo (AP). Donna Damiani’s family in Jersey was chosen last month from more than 500 applicants to care for the cat, who was found lumbering around the town of Voorhees after his owner lost her home to foreclosure in July. Tsk, Tsk. The family chosen to adopt Prince Chuck says the shelter that found the tubby tabby is having a lawyer draft a special contract for them to sign.
Damiani, center, and her children Melissa, left, 12, and Vince, 17, adore Prince Chunk, in this photo (AP). He looks cut, right? Happy, for sure.
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS/Seattle Post-Intelligencer
GILBERT, Ariz. -- A cat survived a 2 1/2-hour trip on a spare tire under her owner's truck. Gil Smith recently drove from his Gilbert home 70 miles away for a business meeting in Kearny. When he got out of the truck, he heard a cat in distress and realized it was his.
Smith said the cat, Bella, was hysterical, shaky and tired, but was smart enough to know not to jump off the tire as the truck was moving.
Smith and his wife have adopted three indoor cats, three goats and three chickens. But Smith said Bella, an outdoor cat the couple adopted years ago, has a special place in his wife's heart.
Smith said he canceled his meeting with a state Department of Economic Security official who had driven 50 miles to get to Kearny so he could get Bella home.
It was either that, or, he jokes, get a divorce.
Cat Choices
by Debbie Foster
Cats have been a part of human life since ancient times. Today they are the second most popular pet, with dogs being first. Taking care of cats is easy to do, even if you are away from your apartment for long periods of time during the day. If this sounds like your schedule, a cat as a pet is a good choice.
Most people don't end up with a pedigreed cat because most felines are mixed breeds. Actually there are only a small 3% of cats that are purebred. Purebred felines are more expensive than the multiple breed cat and have no notable advantages or disadvantages over the mixed breeds. Across the globe, there are now just over one hundred purebred cats that have been identified.
There are notable differences between the distinct There are unique types of body shapes, coat lengths, color of coat, eye color, personalities and size. Cats can be categorized as the short haired or long haired variety. Short haired felines are the most common of the two.
Long haired cats take more time to care for. They require more daily grooming and have more frequent hairballs. Also, the long fur makes it more difficult to get rid of fleas, and harder to care for any wounds they may have.
Cats do not require nearly as much attention as dogs, who need to regularly go outside to use the bathroom. Really, all the felines need is a little food, attention and a litter box. Of course, cats enjoy playing and climbing. The occasional unexpected pounce or sweet curling up on your lap are attributes of a happy cat. Additionally, because they are so adaptable, cats are great for most living spaces, including apartments. Undoubtedly, these creatures quickly become adored pets through their playfulness, affection, and loyalty.
About the Author
Debbie Foster is the owner of http://petbedsunlimited.com where you'll find a wide selection of quality pet beds, dog crates, dog carriers, dog pens, large dog beds, cat beds, cat carriers, pet strollers and more.
Looking For A Good Dog Breeder
By: Alton Hargrave
If you are interested in getting a dog, you should be interested in dog breeders.
The safest place to get a new dog would be from a dog breeder. That gives you a history or insight of the prospective dog you are interested in. You can find dog breeders in the newspaper or online. If you see a great looking dog in public, you could strike up a conversation with the owner and ask where they got their dog. Try to verify the breeders reputation. There are several methods you can use to make sure the breeder is professional, reliable and can be trusted.
Ask the Dog Breeder for References.
A good, experienced dog breeder can provide you with references to some of his or her clients. Most people who have purchased a puppy from them would be glad to share their experiences with you. Of course, it would be even better if you locate past clients without being directed by the breeder. Not that easy, but word gets around, good or bad. Maybe some of your freinds or family have dealt with this breeder in the past.
Be Ready to Ask Questions and Expect to Answer Many Questions Yourself.
Good breeders are very interested in screening prospective buyers themselves. They want the puppies to go to good homes. Questions such as whether you have small children, size of your home and yard. Is the yard fenced? Have you ever owned a dog before? Do you already have a veterinarian? Can you or someone else spend the neccessary time with a very young puppy until the puppy is older? If a breeder fails to ask questions such as these, he may not care about the welfare of his puppies. Or, he may be having a hard time selling...a possible sign of other problems.
Is Price Important?
Of course! Price is important with anything you invest in. With some breeds, such as Yorkies, the price will range from a few hundred to many thousands of dollars. But, more money doesn't always mean better dog. If you are getting into the dog show scene, you would need more expensive dogs. Most of us are not interested in showing our dogs. Compare prices to decide what your needs are.
Health Guarantees
You should get some sort of health guarantee before you buy. In writing. Most breeders give only a short guarantee for health due to the many deseases a puppy faces. That is why you should take your puppy to a good vet as soon as possible. Do this before your health guarantee runs out. You will want to get your new puppy any shots he needs. Choose a vet that keeps up with the latest information involving puppy innoculations. Some of the shots given in the past are not needed today and may even be harmful.
Good breeders will take all the time you need to answer your questions. Get everything in writing when you buy and follow your dog breeders suggestions. Remember, they have the experience.
Author Bio
Alton Hargrave offers advice and resources for those interested in dogs. His website, Dog-Daze.net contains honest information regarding all breeds of dogs, deseases of dogs and how to maintain your dog.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content
Senior Pet Tips: Simple Things You Can Do to Make Your Senior Pets More Comfortable
By Christine Mandrake
As our beloved companions get older they begin to slow down and many suffer from the same age-related wear and tear as we humans do. Arthritis, gastric upsets, diminished senses, sensitivity to extreme heat and cold are just a few. Below is a list of tips you can use to make your senior pet more comfortable, happy and healthy.
Feed the best diet
Feeding your pet high quality food not only makes them feel better, but can reduce the chances of illness and disease in the future. Raw food, home-cooked meals or premium commercial food will go a long way in keeping your pet happy and healthy. And don't forget to add variety to your pets diet. By rotating what you feed you are insuring that your pet gets a more balanced array of vitamins and minerals. Not to mention, how would you like to eat the same thing day after day year after year. Be careful, however to introduce dietary changes gradually to avoid tummy upset and diarrhea. Begin by adding in 1/4 of the new food to what you currently feed for between 5 to 7 days. The second week feed 1/2 new food to 1/2 the current diet and so on until you have made a complete change. Once your pet gets used to more variety they will more easily tolerated dietary changes.
Consider adding supplements
Adding natural vitamins and supplements can also be of great benefit to our pets, especially seniors. My personal "Holy Trinity" is a good Mulit-Vitamin, EFA's (essential fatty acids) and a Plant Enzyme and Probiotic Supplement (such as Animal Essentials). A good multi-vitamin will ensure your pet receives adequate daily amounts of necessary vitamins and minerals. EFA's do more than keep skin and coat healthy. EFAs are the building blocks for prostaglandins, which work to regulate hormones, immune and nervous systems and cardiovascular function. People and pet's bodies cannot make them and so they need to be added to our diet. Enzymes and Probiotics help enhance your pet's health by promoting the proper balance of good intestinal flora and by supporting the digestive systems that aid in the assimilation and utilization of vitamins and nutrients. Enzymes combine with food and water to aid in the breakdown of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
Even if your dog or cat is not displaying signs of arthritis you can help prevent or slow the onset by starting them on a natural supplement designed to promote joint and cartilage health. Look for supplements that contain ingredients such as glucosamine, chrondroitin, MSM, vitamin C, white willow bark (not for cats), boswellin, yucca powder, manganese ascorbate, bromelain, selenium (especially in conjunction with vitamin E), vitamins C, A, and E. In addition, Omega 3 fatty acids from fish oils has shown promise in treating arthritis in animals and humans.
Buy an orthopedic pet bed
Beds made out of convoluted foam offer greater support for sore achy joints and muscles. Soft fluffy beds may look and feel appealing to us, but as anyone with back problems will tell you, a nice firm bed is much more comfortable. The same is true with our pets.
Raise your pet's food and water bowls
Raise your pet's food and water bowls to provide the height that your dog (or cat) needs for healthy eating and drinking. Raised feeders minimize neck strain and reduce air ingestion making them ideal for senior and large breed pets.
Be aware of diminishing sight and hearing
Don't drastically rearrange rooms and furniture as your pet has probably learned to navigate his/her environment quite well and sudden changes can lead to fear and confusion. When approaching your older pet make sure they can see or hear you coming. A pet with sight or hearing loss can become very startled by an unexpected touch. Clapping your hands or making some other loud noise can help alert pets of your approach. The vibrations created by walking heavy-footed also work well to alert pets that someone is coming.
Just like people, our pets become more sensitive to extreme heat and cold
Provide pets with a warm place to lie and sleep in the winter, away from drafty windows and doors. Consider buying a heated bed or insert to keep them cozy. In the summer, make sure outdoor areas have plenty of shade and cool fresh water available at all times. Indoors, make sure they have a cool spot away from direct sunlight.
Ramps and special harnesses can make life for seniors much easier and less painful
They can help them climb stairs, get in and out of vehicles, rise from lying down and provide extra support while standing or walking. Cats can greatly benefit from portable stairs that aid them up and down from the bed, couch or other favorite cuddle spot.
Don't forget about exercise
Your older pet still needs to get out there and be part of the world; drinking in the fresh air and soaking up some sunshine. It's just as important for them to keep moving as it is for us when we age. Be aware, however that you need to adjust the length and strenuousness of their exercise. Shorter distances and less challenging terrain may be needed. And, definitely be careful in any extreme weather, as older animals cannot tolerate extremes like when they were younger. Also, make sure you always have an ample supply of clean water for you and your pet.
Christine Mandrake is the owner of WellBeings.com, a site that is dedicated to providing information and resources about caring for senior pets.
http://www.wellbeings.com
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