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Let's face it, our pets
are more than just the little furry creatures that lay at our feet at night
and bring us the Sunday paper. They are treasured family members who share
our world, our hearts and now our travel accommodations. With this privilege,
certain rules should apply, according to Gayle Martz, president of Sherpa's
Pet Trading Company, which makes the "Gucci" of pet
carriers.
Ms. Martz offers the Petiquette advice in the following ten tips for
polite pooches:
- Always maintain a low profile in public places such as elevators,
stores, and airports by keeping your dog in a Sherpa bag. Dogs love
the cozy, den environment and others will not be disturbed.
- Familiarize your dog with its bag before you go visiting. Your dog
will then rest quietly in its "home away from home" and you won't have
to cut your visit short.
- Buckle up for safety. Place your dog in its Sherpa Bag and secure
it to the seat belt with your wheel safety strap. You'll keep your dog
safe and the car free of shedding hair.
- Make sure not to leave home without a current health certificate your
veterinarian (dated within seven to ten days), photo identification
and your pet's favorite noshes. Make sure your dog's collar identification
tag includes origin and destination information.
- When traveling by airplane, always make a reservation and purchase
a ticket for your dog when you make your own travel plans. (Pet tickets
average about $50)
- At the airline security check-in, have your pet's ticket handy and
politely inform the agent that a pet is in your carrier and should not
be exposed to the x-ray. You can carry your dog through security or
have the agent use a hand-held metal detector to examine the bag.
- While on the plane, your pet must remain in the bag under the seat
in front of you. In a properly sized Sherpa bag, your dog can stand
up and turn around comfortably. That's more that you can do in your
seat.
- Before going to someone's home, call first to make sure your dog is
also welcome, and even then, always ask permission before opening the
travel bag. Just because you adore dogs doesn't mean your host does.
- Don't forget to take along your Sherpa's Travel Kit (with food/waterbowls
and utensils). You mustn't expect your hosts to serve puppy chow on
their fine china.
- Always keep plastic bags in The Organizer or Accessory Pouch. Cleaning
up after your dog is unfortunately your job. Don't leave anything behind!
Gayle Martz, founder and President of Sherpa's Pet Trading
Company has revolutionized the way people travel with their pets by personally
lobbying the airlines to allow small animals to travel with their owners
in the passenger cabin. Through her crusade for safe travel for animals,
Ms. Martz has become one of the most recognized experts in the industry
working to increase awareness of the issues that confront people who travel
with their pets.
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