Petco Teams Up with Animal Planet's Dan Schachner to Provide Safe Summer Travel Tips for Pet Parents

SAN DIEGO, May 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- With summer just around the corner, families are planning their vacations and considering taking their pets along for the trip. To help pet parents prepare for summer travel adventures, Petco has partnered with Animal Planet host and Puppy Bowl referee, Dan Schachner, to share pet-friendly travel tips.

"As we head into the busy summer travel season, pet parents, like myself, are increasingly looking for ways to travel with their pets," said Schachner. "Do your research ahead of time. Many hotels and even restaurants are catering to animals now, so knowing where to go and what to do before you leave can make your trip extra special for the whole family."

Get packing! Your packing checklist should include essentials like a leash and collar, a supply of sealed pet food and treats, your pet's favorite toys, disposable pet waste bags for picking up after your pet, and food and water bowls. Collapsible travel bowls are a popular option because they're easy to clean and store flat for packing. Last, but not least, don't forget to pack a picture of your pet and their current vaccination records in case you become separated or have a medical emergency.

Identification is a must. Ensure proper identification is securely fastened to your pet's collar or harness and crate at all times while traveling. ID tags should list your pet's name, your name, and your home address and mobile phone number. Be sure to discuss your dog's health with your veterinarian before you make the trip and bring the required vaccination and health documentation. This is especially important for air travel.

Pet proof the car. If you're hitting the road, make sure you protect your car's interior. Seat covers protects car seats from scratches and pet hair. And don't forget that "buckle up!" applies to the entire family, dog included. Choose a dog-specific travel harness or seatbelt adapter like the Good2Go Safe & Hound Easy Click Seatbelt Adapter, which clicks onto your pet's harness and connects to your car's seatbelt.

Keep pets comfortable and secure. Whether you're traveling by plane or car, keeping pets calm, comfortable and secure is key to a pleasant trip for the whole family. Invest in a quality, well-constructed carrier or crate. Both of these items provide protection during travel, as well as a safe place of retreat for your pet while at your destination.

"If you plan to travel by air with your pet, know the airline's pet policies, including size requirements for the passenger and cargo areas," said Schachner. "When I travel with my dog Cali, I love using the Sherpa To Go Pet Carrier, which is approved for in-cabin use by most major airlines."

Travel of any kind can be stressful for a pet. Products like the Thundershirt Anxiety Solution for dogs or cats and calming chews can help reduce anxiety and help pets feel at ease while traveling.

For more information on traveling with your pet this summer visit: https://community.petco.com/t5/petco-scoop/bg-p/PetNews.

About Petco and the Petco Foundation
Celebrating 50 years of service to pet parents, Petco is a leading pet specialty retailer that focuses on nurturing powerful relationships between people and pets. We do this by providing the products, services, advice and experiences that keep pets physically fit, mentally alert, socially engaged and emotionally happy. Everything we do is guided by our vision for Healthier Pets. Happier People. Better World. We operate more than 1,400 Petco locations across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, including more than 120 Unleashed by Petco locations, a smaller format neighborhood shop; 10 Pooch Hotel destinations for pet daycare, boarding and spa services; prescription services and pet supplies from the leading veterinary-operated pet product supplier, Drs. Foster & Smith; and petco.com. The Petco Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization, has raised more than $125 million since it was created in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals. In conjunction with the Foundation, we work with and support thousands of local animal welfare groups across the country and, through in-store adoption events, help find homes for more than 400,000 animals every year.

Contact: Chad Grossman, [email protected] / (323) 202-1464

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