Flying with Pets

As more and more people fly, more and more pets fly as well. Just as some people get anxious or nervous flying, pets do too. So, with all the security regulations we are asked about pets flying with a SnugglePuppie or SnuggleKittie. The simple answer is "Yes!" you and your pet can fly with our SnugglePuppie or SnuggleKittie, making the journey less stressful.

The heart beat is like any other battery device that needs to be turned off during take off and landing. The heart beat can go through security and if you are sending your pet in the security hold, you can ask the TSA to put the SnugglePuppie or SnuggleKittie through the x-ray machine. And the heaters are safe for use before, during and after the flight. Again, they can be x-rayed and there materials are non-combustible and therefore safe for the hold as well.

If you are having a pet, especially a new puppy or kitten, shipped from a breeder to you, we suggest you have the shipper use a SnugglePuppie or SnuggleKittie in the crate. Some freight companies do not like having anything, even a towel, in the crate so you may want to find other shippers who allow our products to ease the anxiety of unaccompanied travel.

Other tips:
1. Have extra copies of vaccination records with you - maybe put one copy in one bag and one in your pet's carrier.
2. Make sure your pet is comfortable in their crate or carry bag - they must be able to get up and turn around. I put a pee pad, "just-in-case", on the bottom of my carrier then my pet's favorite towel (with my smell on it) on top. And even with a SnuggleKittie in the bag, there is more than enough room.
3. Water is important before the flight. You may want to keep food to a minimum up to 6 hours before travel.
4. Check your pet's collar before travelling. Be sure your information, including temporary accommodation, is clearly written. If your pet escapes, then you can be contacted.

Lastly, consult your Vet with any questions or concerns or even vaccination requirements for travel. Giving a tranquilizer before travelling is not recommended for pets, that's why a SnugglePuppie or SnuggleKittie is a natural alternative. Happy Tails and Bon Voyage!

10% off Katie's Bumpers Toys!

Fun, Fun, Fun...from a Sqwuggie (squeak & tug toy) to the original Katie's Bumper all fun-n-floaty firehose toys are on sale this week. We just returned from Las Vegas from the Superzoo Trade Show and Jill has some great toys in Christmas colors - stay tuned for their photos and for early holiday ordering.

Puppy Training

Alecia Evans gives us 8 Steps to help puppy training - check out our Problem Solver page to see what she suggests. Remember, we sell harnesses and check collars to help with training - contact me if you do not see what you need to help with training.

Made in China? Our response

This was submitted by a customer recently who also writes an online pet newsletter.

Hello,

I publish a newsletter at _______. My subscribers are very upset, of course, about China and do not want to buy any products from there, if at all possible. How about your products? Do you make them or buy them from an American/Canadian/Australian/British company?

Thanks, BB

My response and company opinion:

Hello and thank you for your e-mail. Some of our products are made in the countries listed below and some are made in China, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Korea, etc. Please understand that we take the quality and safety of EVERY product we make, or buy to sell, very seriously. We test before and after manufacturing and we speak directly with every individual who feels they have a defective product (our defect rate is exceptionally low - less than .00001%).

We also firmly believe in our manufacturing partnerships with all nationals, not to the exclusion of some, because all nations have, or will have, some manufacturing issue, even the USA. Boycotting an entire country that supplies well over 50% of consumer goods to the USA is as effective as one person not shopping at Walmart because of Walmart's policies.

It is of our opinion that to have quality products that help not harm we, as consumers, must: 1. Stand firmly behind quality products, and their manufacturers - keep shopping and recommending their stores/websites/products; 2. be willing to pay the actual price for certain goods rather than expecting a price cut all the time (e.g. the Walmart-effect again); 3. support wholesalers and retailers who take responsibility for manufacturing issues; and, 4. have all the facts before issuing any judgment on an entire nation. China is not evil. China is not a terrible place to do business. China is not all lead paint. China is China - a land of many separate cultures, a huge and vast place, and the result of American consumerism. We take pride in our manufacturing in China and our business partnerships there. Just as we take pride in all the places we do business - again our intent is to help, not harm.

Lead paint is not used - nor is any paint - on our products. We child safety test, although we sell for animal use. We test for European safety - stronger and stricter than US standards. We think we do everything we can for our consumers because we consume our products and we expect only the best because we want the best.

I thank you for the e-mail and the opportunity to explain our company's position.
Sincerely,
Julee Roth, President
www.SnuggleMe.com
www.ChoicePetProducts.com

CREPUSCULAR

CREPUSCULAR - It has taken me a month to blog because I only want to tell you something new, or show you something new or novel. And my new word is CREPUSCULAR! It refers to cats and means that they are active at dusk and at dawn - not the nocturnal creatures we thought they were! Tufts Vet School produces a great newsletter called "Catnip" and they are featuring an article on cats and sleep - and where I learned my new word....CREPUSCULAR......