Leisure

FACES & PLACES : PETS & PEOPLEJet Set PetsWRITTEN BY Lily SalterFor many pet owners, including their pets in their vacation plans is amust. Besides eliminating the expense and anxiety associated withboarding, you’re certain to add more adventure to the trip by bringingMiss Kitty along. So, now that summer’s here, gear up and get readyto roll with your pet pal in tow.Nowadays, most major airlines allow small dogs and cats to be carriedon and stored under the seat. However, be sure to consult with theairlines on specific requirements. If you plan on “checking” your petor sending it as cargo, be advised that heat restrictions apply duringthe summer months. For instance, American Airlines notes that petscannot be accepted when the current or forecasted temperature isabove 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29.4 degrees C) at any location on theitinerary. Check out pettravel.com for detailed information on travelingwith your pet by air, sea, or land. This site also lets you search for petfriendlyhotels worldwide.As an alternative to “people planes”, there is also Pet Airways, whichexclusively flies cats and dogs on its fleet of turbo-prop Beech 1900’sto many major cities in the U.S. “Pawsengers” ride in the cabin andare treated to first class service all the way. Pets are dropped off at thePet Lounge and given pre-flight potty breaks. Throughout the flight,attendants check on them every fifteen minutes, and owners can trackthem on the airline’s online system.If you and your pet aren’t into jet-setting, hiking and camping are yearroundoptions. Check out Best Hikes With Dogs: Southern Californiaby Allen Riedel, for travel tips and information on over 60 dog-friendlytrails. Road trips are another wonderful option to get away with yourfurry family.If you are planning a long car trip, consider travel accessories like theKool Kennel at koolkennel.com. There are items such as a portable airconditioner that attaches to your dog’s crate, or for those hounds ridingshotgun, a pet seat belt or safety harness is a good investment. Carharnesses come in a variety of styles and configurations. I recommendshopping locally for one to ensure that you get the right size — PetSmart, Centinela Pet Supplies and LaunderPet all carry a selection.Fashion and fit and are also a must when selecting a pet carrier. Pussy& Pooch on Second Street sells Pet Flys, a line of airline-approvedtrendy carriers that have made guest appearances on Ugly Betty andExtreme Makeover: Home Edition. Visit happypettravel.com for a numberof convertible carriers on the market that can be used as a car seat,backpack, or roller cart. Prior to your trip, it’s a good idea to test drivethe carrier. Let your pet become accustomed to it, throw in a favoritetoy, some treats, and line it with a towel or t-shirt that has your scenton it to help make your pet feel more at home.No matter if you vacation or staycation, ensure that your pet is outfittedwith a current identification tag and/or microchip, keep all vaccinationsup to date with records handy, and maintain a current photo in caseyour pet should ever get lost. Happy trails! nPhoto courtesy of Pet Flys, Inc.58JUNE 2010 TRAVEL & LEISURE