I really had fun giving folks on local Sacramento TV some tips on pet travel when PETCO sent me to the West coast recently. If only they had asked me something like pet grooming when traveling – I was thinking that while the nice hotels give out sample shampoo and conditioners, it would be so cool if the pet friendly hotels gave out little bottles of Halo’s Cloud Nine Herbal Shampoo!

It is an absolute favorite in our house where all three of my gigantic dogs gets a bath at least twice a month and truly no shampoo comes close to Halo’s for easy rinse-ability, soft skin, and cleaning without being harsh.

Maybe one of the nicer hotel chains like the Four Seasons – which puts out bowls and beds and leashes for their traveling dog guests – could also pop some Cloud Nine Herbal Shampoo in there and people could take advantage of the nice low edges on hotel bathtubs to give their travelling four-leggeds a little bubble bath?

Here’s me, sent to Sacramento by Petco to chat about pet travel issues. You can see it’s pretty fun! Sacramento & Company TV Appearance.

Tracie Hotchner, author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible, guest blogs here every Thursday on healthy, natural choices for pets.

Did you know that Vancouver, home of the 2010 Winter Olympics Games is also a “Dog-Friendly” city? According to the article, “Pet Friendly Vancouver” on PetTravel.com; Vancouver’s abundant off-leash dog parks, miles of pet friendly hiking trails, and dozens of pet friendly hotels affirm its reputation as a world-class pet friendly destination.

Vancouver is a safe and easily accessible walking city, with numerous pet friendly activities located throughout the city. One “must do” activity is a stroll along the pet friendly Stanley Park seawall, a paved six-mile loop with spectacular mountain, ocean, and city views. If your pet needs more exercise after his walk, then head over to one of the 30-plus off leash dog parks in the Vancouver metro area.

Vancouver’s North Shore, located 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver, is another incredible place to enjoy the great outdoors with its hundreds of miles of pet friendly trails, creeks, and rivers. The Grouse Grind is a popular pet friendly hike that is often referred to as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster.”

Other pet friendly attractions include Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park, a ferry ride to Granville Island, a walk down pet friendly Robson Street. Another must-see is Gastown, where you and your pet can stroll down charming cobbled streets, and be sure to check out Vancouver Chinatown.

These are just some of the places to go in pet friendly Vancouver. If you are thinking of traveling with your pet, there is a lot to see and do. Click here for some great pet friendly travel tips.

Well, it’s almost time for PetMD Haute or Not celebrity Labrador Gordi’s charity cruise. And she sure sounds ready! Here’s what she’s saying in week seven of her Halo transition:

“The Doga, the meditation, the vitamins, the Dreamcoat, the everything — they all have me feeling so good inside that I feel like a young pup again … wow, was it only seven weeks ago since I started the Halo change? Who knew a simple meal change and some supplements would have so much of a domino effect on my entire life? Now, that I feel more comfortable in my own skin, I am able to relax and be myself rather than trying to pretend that I am beautiful. And let me tell you, darling, pretense is such a waste of energy. I just feel beautiful.”

Can’t wait to read week 8!

I just got back from a trip to Pennsylvania with my two dogs, and stayed at a Holiday Inn that charged $15 per dog, per night. We all enjoyed our stay.

Holiday Inn is just one of a growing number of hotels and motels to offer this convenience for those of us who wish to bring our pets along for the ride.

Check out luxurypaw.com, petswelcome.com, DogFriendly.com and DogFriendlyHotels.org, for a plethora of lodging options, or get Fodor’s “On the Road with Your Pet,” a Mobile Travel Guide.

And for a unique option for air travel, check out Pet Airways, the world’s first pet-only airline.

Yeah! Fluffy and Fido are going on vacation with you! I’m sure they are looking forward to splashing in new streams, taking in the sun in a new window-sill or simply being spoiled in a new place. Before you leave, there are some tips you should follow to keep your pet safe.

1. ID your pet: Place an ID tag and/or update your pet’s microchip information with the address and phone number of where you will be staying. Rather than buying a new pet ID tag you can write the updated information on a small piece of paper and then tape it over the existing tags (be sure to place tape all around it so it is waterproof). The fastest way to get a pet back if it becomes lost is to have it wear an ID tag and be microchipped. It is also always good to carry a small picture of your pet with you at all times.

2. Know where the closest 24-hour veterinary emergency clinic is! Be sure to have their phone number handy and have pre-printed directions. Bring all your pet’s medical records including their vaccination record.

3. Take a pet first aid class. Pack a small pet first aid kit to take on your trip. Contact local shelters or veterinary clinics to see if they offer or know of any classes in your area.

4. Bring extra of all your pet’s supplies. This includes extra food, medication, leash, blanket, litter, and bowl. Just like a human pharmacy, unless you have a written prescription, you cannot get your pet’s prescription filled at another veterinary clinic.

5. Be sure traveling with your pet is appropriate. Having a veterinarian check your pet before any long trip is the safest thing to do. Make sure it is in your pet’s best interest to vacation with you.

6. Make sure the facility you will be staying at allows pets, and find out what their rules and regulations are. This includes if you are staying with friends and family. Many hotels do not allow pets loose in the room unattended, so you may need to bring a kennel for your pet. (more…)