PURRaffection

Archive for the ‘Cat Safety’ Category

Hiring a pet transport company for pet relocation service is the best for people or families who are relocating, not for those going on vacation. These companies will ship your pet any time of the year.

By hiring a pet transport shipping provider, you can focus on the details of the move rather than worrying about moving your pet. Trying to move your pet by yourself can be stressfull and even dangerous for your pet. There are two main ways to transport your pet: by ground or by air.

For Ground Transport:
If you choose to dirve to your destination without your dog, cat, bird, or reptile, you should make arrangements with a pet transporter (preferably one that is USDA-licensed.) Many pet transport companies offer a choice between moving your pet privately (with no other animals on board), or having it ride in the truck or van with other pets. The U.S. Department of Aguriculture requires that transported pets have enough room to sit up, move around and stretch out. When choosing a kennel for your pet, add 6 inches to its length and height. Make sure the kennel is roomy enough to accommodate your pet, but not too big as to avoid being charged for a larger kennel than is needed.

Animal Transport Health Documentation
The pet transport company will want to see a verterinarian-signed certificate of good health within a month of departure. Proof of rabies vaccination will also be required. You will have to sign a form authorizing emergency care for your pet should it be necessary. The pet mover might also ask for proof of Bordetella treatment.

Necessary Supplies
Make sure you have packed enough food for your animal in baggies and label them with your pet’s name. Many compaies will supply a leash for exercising your pet but do not expect them to have a properly fitted collar for your animal. Check with your transporter to make sure supplies such as water, toys, treats and beds for your pet are on hand.

Costs
Make sure you go over all the charges that you will be reponsible for in transporting your pet, such as kennel cost, mileage fees, supplies, fees for late delivery, cancellation, etc.

For Air Transport:
If you choose to ship your pet by air, you can either choose an airline animal company or make arrangements directly with the airline. Today, as more airlines are enhancing their security, people are turning to professional pet movers to take care of the details.

Health Documentation
Just as with ground transport of a pet, the company will want to see a veterinarian-signed certificate of good health within a month of departure. Proof of rabies vaccination will also be required. You will have to sign a form authorizing emergency care for your pet should it be necessary.

The pet mover might also ask for proof of Bordetella treatment. Make sure all the health paperwork is in order so as to avoid having your pet quarantined.

Your pet should NOT be shipped if it is…less than 8 weeks old, ill or injured, aggressive or intolerant of strangers, unaccustomed to being in a crate-pug or snub nosed (which are prone to medical emergencies) – prohibited either by the airline or by the shipping destination.

Several airlines will not ship American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, English Bulldogs, American Bulldogs or French Bulldogs.

Costs
Make sure you understand all the fees involved: shipping kennels, fees, rentals, food and incidentals.

Routing
Of course you’ll want the quickest route to the desitnation. Non-stop flights are the best. Find out how your compnay can confirm loading, transfers from flight to flight and arrival at destination. ask if you company provides rest stops for your pet on long trips or where connections may cause a long layover.

You will likely be spending more time outdoors with your cats on these nice warm nights, but make sure your yard is safe for your pets. Make sure your plants are not toxic to animals. Some pets will chew on plants, flowers, mulch and grass. Tulip and daffodil bulbs are toxic as well as lilies, elephant ear, arrow grass, azaleas, rhododendrons, marigolds and oleander. Cocoa bean mulch smells like chocolate so animals will sniff it out and swallow it. If you have a puppy, do not use this kind of mulch. Also check lawn chemicals, weed killer and pest control, the bottle should note if it is toxic to animals. After applying any of these to your land it is recommended to keep your kitten off the yard for 24 hours.

You may be eating with friends and family more too. Chocolate is not good for kittens and even a little can be fatal to dogs. Keep cookies, brownies and chocolate away from them. Other table foods could also cause health problems, pets should stick to their own pet foods and treats. You can call the poison control center if you think your kitten has been poisoned at 1-800-222-1222 Poisonous plants to cats. Provide toys for your kittens to play with outdoors. Cat toys and balls will give you and your cat a little extra exercise. This will also keep them occupied and away from your flowers and garden.

If you are not going to be outdoors with your dog, or they are not on a runner, put up a barrier to keep them away from the road and any people walking by. Before going on a walk, check your leash and your pet’s collar and ID tag. Make sure they are in good condition and not too loose. Your cat may be spending more time outside therefore making them more susceptible to fleas. Stay on top of their flea treatment schedule.

If you are going to be traveling and taking your animal with you, make sure you have the necessities needed for an easy and safe trip. Seat belt harnesses, seat covers and barriers will all be helpful on a long trip. Have a fun and safe spring and summer with your pets! Visit Backyard to Barnyard for all your Spring Time pet needs. Find what you need for your home and farm at Town & Country Backyard to Barnyard. We carry a wide variety of items for puppies, equine, farm, pond, wild bird and lawn & garden. Our product catalog consists of items specifically from kittens and puppies to horses and wild birds. Backyard to Barnyard is a supplier of equine products including grooming, health, toys, treats and tack supplies. For kitten owners we have products such as collars and toys for cats and leashes and beds for dogs.