Pet Butler Offers Useful Tips For Holiday Travel With Your Pet

(Thursday, November 02, 2006) - With the holidays just around the corner, pet owners are making their travel plans. While some may board their animals or arrange for petsitters, many more will take Fido and Tabby with them. It is estimated that 200,000 people travel with their pets by air each year, and millions more travel across America with their pets by car. Pet Butler, the nation's leading pet cleanup and removal service, which proudly bills itself as "#1 in the ‘#2' business," knows how important it is to care for animals while traveling. To help in the trip planning this holiday season, Matt "Red" Boswell, CEO (Chief Excrement Officer) of Pet Butler, offers pet owners the following tips when traveling. When traveling by air, keep pet guidelines in mind. Although the Federal Aviation Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture have strict guidelines when it comes to traveling with your pet, many airlines' policies are even more stringent. Make sure to check with your airline before arriving at the gate in order to assure the safe arrival of your pet. Find FAA regulations at www.faa.gov and airline policies either online or by calling your carrier. Visit your veterinarian a month before departure. It's always important to make sure your pet is healthy and travel ready. Many airlines will not allow an animal to travel without proper records stating that all of their vaccines, including rabies, have been kept up-to-date. Also, many pet-friendly travel destinations will not allow an animal on premises if they are sick with worms, a cold, or a contagious disease. Your vet can help if your pet gets anxious when traveling by providing sedatives to help make the trip more pleasant. -moreHoliday Travel Tips/Pet Butler page 2 Make your pet comfortable. Whether traveling by car or plane, it is important to keep your pet comfortable and anxiety-free. Before traveling, let your pet adjust to its kennel, and if it isn't used to car rides, take it on local trips to get it acclimated to the car. Pack favorite toys and treats. Keep your pet occupied. Pets are like children; when they get bored, they begin to act out. Make sure to stop every two hours so they can walk around and go to the bathroom. This is also a good time to give them food, water, or extra attention. Never leave your pet in the car. It may not be hot outside, but it is still dangerous to leave your pet in the car for long periods of time. If you must leave your animal in the car briefly, remember to slightly crack the windows for fresh air and keep your car locked. Don't create an opportunity for a pet thief. When making a pit stop, be sure to clean up. Many states have strict pet waste laws requiring owners to pick up after their pets. Make sure you bring plenty of pet waste disposal bags, as well as handy wipes for yourself. When packing snacks, don't forget your pet. Be sure to bring enough food and water along for your pet. Measure out enough portions of food for the duration of the trip and pack them in a container. This way you aren't carrying the whole bag of food and risking over-feeding. It's important to keep them on a regular diet when traveling. Also, carry several bottles of water and make sure your pet gets some during every stop you make. Give your pet a home away from home. Once you have arrived at your final destination, make your pet feel as comfortable as possible. New environments can make an animal anxious; familiar objects, such as a favorite toy or blanket, can help. "It's important that people plan well for all their pet's travel needs," says Boswell. "Traveling during the holidays can be stressful, but good planning can make sure you and your pet can have a relaxing and enjoyable journey." About Pet Butler Pet Butler was founded in 1988 to provide professional pet waste cleanup and removal to individual yards, parks, and multi-family communities. The company's mission is to make life more convenient, enjoyable, and safe for pet owners and give them more quality time with their pets, yard and family. The company is based in Dallas, Texas, with offices and franchises around the country. For more information, visit the Pet Butler website at www.petbutler.com or call 800-PET-BUTLER (800-738-2885).

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