Traveling and Your Pet

With the holidays quickly approaching, travel plans abound with you planning travel, or those planning to travel and visit you. Take in mind these precautions during the upcoming holidays or during any other time of the year. 

Travel by air

If your travel plans include flying to your destination, talk with your veterinarian. Flying can put your pet at risk, particularly if you have a short nosed dog breed. Your veterinarian is your best source for on guiding you on how to safely travel with your pet. 

Travel by car/vehicle

When traveling by vehicle, NEVER leave your pet alone in the vehicle regardless of time or weather conditions. Ensure they are safely restrained in the car using either a carrier or harness system. Be sure they are placed clear of airbag deployment zones in case you are in an accident. Keep them away from food and other items you may be bringing along to ensure no distractions while driving. If you plan to travel outside of the country, be sure you have the necessary certificates from your veterinarian to travel there. 

Packing 

If you plan to travel together, take time time to pack for them like you would for yourself. Ensure you have enough medications, food, records and other necessary information you may need for them. 

Boarding

If you plan to drop them off at a boarding facility before you leave, take the time to visit your veterinarian to discuss their vaccinations and other ways to help protect them while they are there.

We hope these tips are helpful during the busy holiday travel season and beyond, and if you are traveling we wish you a safe and fun journey!

How to Travel with Your Cat

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Planning a spring break getaway?  If you plan on bringing your feline friend along for the ride, here are a few tips to help you travel safely and comfortably.

How to Travel Safely:

By Car:
Keep your cat in a carrier.  It probably isn't surprising that cats aren't comfortable traveling in cars.  Since cats like confined places like a carrier, they will actually feel safer and more comfortable.  Your driving safety also won't be impaired, and you'll be able to drive comfortably knowing that your cat is safe and secure.  For added safety, use a seat belt to secure your carrier so that it doesn't bounce around and hurt your pet.  

If you're planning a long road trip, be sure to plan plenty of rest stops so that your cat has room to exercise and go to the bathroom.  Before you let your pet out, be sure that your cat has a collar, id tag, and leash.  

Never leave your pet alone in the car!  Even in the spring, cars can reach up to 116 degrees in just an hour.  The temperatures are even more drastic in the summer.  This is a year-round hazard.

By Plane:
If you plan on flying with your pet, you'll need to check with the airline to find out if your pet can travel in the cabin with you.  Most airlines will allow you to take your cat in the cabin for an additional fee.  Make sure that your pet has ID and a leash, so that you can keep your pet safe and secure while the carrier is being checked by security.  You can also request special screenings that won't require you to take your cat out of the carrier.

If you can't travel with your pet, we offer feline-only boarding services.  This ensures that your cat has a safe and enjoyable experience while you are away. You can relax and rest assured that your feline family member is in safe hands.  Contact one of our offices directly to learn more about our boarding services.

The Cat Hospital

877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic

718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital

718-782-8387

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Are You a Frequent Flyer with Your Pets?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Photo Source: Wikipedia

Do you normally travel with your pets? Well, if you’re a frequent flyer on Southwest Airlines, be prepared to begin paying more to bring your furry friends on board.

Southwest Airlines is bumping their pet fee from $75 per pet per flight to $95 per pet per flight, beginning on January 15, 2014. Southwest Airlines remains one of the most cost effective airlines for pet owners. (USA Today). 

If you travel with your pets, let us know about your experience on our Facebook page.

To continue reading about Southwest Airlines changes for pets, please CLICK HERE.

A Quick Guide to Follow When Traveling with Pets!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

In recent years, vacations have been extended to the whole family. Both AAA and Best Western International claim that more then 50% of pet owners in the United States now travel with their pets around the world.

Pets may not exactly love being shoved in the backseat of a car, or put below a plane. So here are some tips that can help smooth the transition for your pet no matter where your family is traveling:

• Trial run- Take shorter drives with your pet and see how they react before dragging them on trips that are further away.
• Buckle up- Thousands of accidents per year occur because of pets that are unrestrained, buckle up your pet so it’s not a distraction while driving.
• Pit stops- Stop every 2-3 hours so your pet can go to the bathroom and exercise.
• Hydration- Keep a gallon of water on hand to make sure your pet stays hydrated throughout the trip. Also, avoid leaving your pet in the car at all costs, temperature levels can sky rocket, which can be fatal.
• Prepare for the worst- Incase of an emergency; always have your pet’s medical records on hand.

The most important thing you must remember before traveling with your pet is to check in with your veterinarian. Ask them any questions you may have and let them advise you on the situation at hand, you can NEVER be too safe with your pet.  

For more information on how to travel with your pet, visit www.BregmanVetGroup.com or call any one of our locations. Happy Summer! 

How To Travel Safely With Your Pets This Summer

 THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Summer is finally here, and the hot sunny weather encourages many people to take vacations.  If you can’t find a sitter or if you just can’t part with your pet, there are a few tips to help you travel safely with your cat or dog!

Before deciding to take your pet on your journey, ask yourself if your pet is up for the trip?  “Most cats are happier at home with a sitter,” says Louise Murray, director of medicine at Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, in NYC.

Traveling long distances may be very uncomfortable and scary for your pet.  Whether you're traveling by plane, train or automobile, chances are this will be a new and scary experience for your pet.  Decide if the means of transportation you’re taking to reach your destination will be OK for your pet as well. 

If you’re traveling on an airline that doesn't allow pets to fly in the cabin, do you want your pet tucked away with the cargo? Often times, larger pets aren't allowed in the cabin and therefore are stowed with the cargo. Cargo can be unsafe, frightening and uncomfortable for your furry friends. If you do have a larger pet, taking the train may be a better option. “Trains tend to be a safe and comfortable travel option for short to medium distances,” says Murray. Just be sure the train company you’re using allows pets on board. 

For additional travel tips for pets, CLICK HERE. 

The Bregman Veterinary Group encourages pet owners to take these tips into consideration when traveling this summer. For more information and pet tips, visit us our Facebook page. 

Friendliest Pet Hotels NYC Has to Offer!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Are you looking to take a weekend trip and want to bring your pets along? If you’re headed to NYC, we've got a couple of recommendations on the friendliest pet hotels NYC has to offer!

Pet friendly hotels have become increasingly popular, and more and more hotels are now offering the options for guests to bring their pets along!

Let us know if you've traveled to any pet friendly hotels in NYC or any other popular travel destination and let us know about your experience on our Facebook page!

Here is a list of our recommendations!

• Affinia Hotel Chain (Includes: Affinia Dumont, 50, Manhattan, Gardens and Shelburne). The Affinia hotel also offers their guests pets the jet set program, which includes grooming, walking and training!
• Hilton Waldorf Towers – offers pet pillows and water bowls
• Loews Regency – This location pampers pets with sleep mats, bowls and a special pet friendly menu
• Le Parker Meridien – This beautiful hotel offers pet’s mood music, scratch pads, and a “feed the party animal” menu!
• Hotel Pennsylvania – Located right across the street from Madison Square Garden, this hotel is the annual host hotel for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show! The hotel allows up to two dogs per room!

New Animal Care Facility for JFK!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP 

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

We have some good news for pet lovers who would like to travel out of New York with pets, but are apprehensive about their pet’s safety and well-being!

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey approved plans to build a new $32 million animal care facility at John F. Kennedy International Airport. This facility will provide veterinary, kenneling, grooming, and other services for domestic and wild animals. So now when you are travelling and need your pet to be taken care of before a long flight or during one, can avail of the services offered at this new facility.

Not just for dogs and cats, the new animal care facility will have an aviary, quarantine for horses, a veterinary hospital plus a rehab animal center. But here is the kicker – not only does this project work for animals, it will also create 190 jobs.

This is a winner all round!

Good News for Those who Travel with Pets!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP 

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

If you’re someone who travels with your pet frequently, you’re in for some GREAT news! JetBlue Airways is currently offering a promotion called “All Your Pet Can Jet”.

The promotion is offering unlimited flights for cat and dogs when accompanied by their owner for $299! The promotion is running from September 7, 2012 until December 31, 2012, with absolutely no blackout dates! 

The “All Your Pet Can Jet” pass is available to purchase until September 5, 2012 or while supplies last!The “All Your Pet Can Jet” promotion allows for your pet to travel with you everywhere, excluding only Jamaica, St. Lucia and Barbados! 

To read the full article, CLICK HERE! 

Things To Think About When Traveling With Your Pet

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP 

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Before you take a long trip and decide to bring your pet along with you, you should sit down and think about what you need to do to make sure that this trip is pleasant and safe for them and yourself.

First things first, make sure your pet is comfortable with traveling. Some pets cannot handle travel because of an illness, their age or temperament. If you pet is not good with travel, you should consider a reliable pet-sitter or talk to your veterinarian about boarding facilities in your area (http://goo.gl/PZciX).

You should also consider having your pet implanted with a microchip, which will improve your chances of getting your pet back if it becomes lost. The microchip must be registered with your current contact information, including a cell phone number. A tag is included when you have a microchip that has the microchip number and the cell number of the owner, so when the pet is found, people can use the tag to determine ownership of the pet.

Also, make sure your pet is allowed to stay wherever your destination may be. Some places will allow pets, while others have strict policies against pets. You may also want to bring a portable kennel if you are planning on leaving your pet unattended.

Finally, if you are taking your pet out of the country, you need a health certification. It must be signed by a veterinarian after they have been examined and found to be free of disease. Their vaccinations must be up-to-date in order for the certification to be fully complete.

If you have any other questions or concerns about traveling with your pet, feel free to reach out to us at one of the Bregman Vet Hospitals and we will assist you the best we can.

Travel Safely With Your Pets This Summer

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP 

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

The kids are just about our of school and it’s time to get the vacation lined up, the clothes and family packed up and ready to go. But what about your pets? Are they coming with you and do you know how to prepare to keep them safe on the trip?

If you are taking your pet on vacation with you, driving is the cheapest option considering the cost of plane tickets these days. Make sure you know how to drive with them in the car.

According to Inga Fricke, Director of Sheltering and Pet Care Issues at the Humane Society of the United States, you should plan ahead before taking the trip. “You need to plan ahead on two fronts,” Fricke said. “First, you need to practice with your pet. Get them ready to be in their crate or carrier ahead of time, so you don’t suddenly have them in a carrier and also moving in a car.”

You also want to be sure that your pet will stay safe in the event of an accident. A pet loose in the backseat has virtually no protection in a car crash. A sturdy crate or carrier could mean the different between life and death for an animal (http://goo.gl/D3NrP).

Another part of planning your trip with your pet is to make stops that won’t require you to leave your pet in the car. You should pack some sandwiches, drinks and snacks, and pull over at a rest area or picnic area for everyone to stretch their legs and go to the bathroom, which includes your pet. Don’t put your dog’s leash attached to your bumper because you dog could seriously injure their neck. Have the leash ready and accessible so you can hook them up and take them for a walk.

Make sure that your dog has the proper identification on them in case they get loose, and never leave them in a hot car with the windows up. The car can heat up quicker than you think, and that could cause a dangerous situation.

If you are taking a trip this summer with your pet and have additional questions, please call us at the Bregman Vet Hospitals and we can help answer any questions you may have. Have a great trip!