REXEXPRESS

Pet Alliance Network

2012-03-30T05:56:00.003-07:00

REX and Partners will benefit from a new network in 2012 which combines animal transport industry information with local services and flight automation for airlines. With this state of the art system our members will be able to asses the risks of the animal flying and then provide the correct procedures and guidance to passengers whether their pet is travelling in cabin, as excess baggage or as cargo (pets travelling alone) to any location with any airline.

PAN Members will be able to access the requirements for local quarantine laws and documents required by Customs as these are implemented in REX AVI SYSTEM. This system has been years in the making and is now finally made available to all industry professionals. PAN works exactly like airline networks such a Star Alliance/SkyTeam/Oneworld, providing a unified network for the industry.

Benefits will include;- P.T.R.A (Risk Assesment for all clients)

- AVI Travel Insurance according to risk and safety for your pets/animals
- Pet Document Management- Airline Reservation in Cabin/Excess Baggage via our Amadeus Travel System

- Animal travelling alone as Cargo on our E-Cargo AWB
- Database of Local Service providers (vets, taxis, relocation agents, freight agents, travel agents etc)

So do not hesitate and list youself to receive our member application now.

>> Member application
>> Membership fees

FEES
The fee of EUR.100/per location/per each calender year renewed every 26nd December.

www.rexexpress.co.uk

www.petalliancenetwork.co.uk

How to Recognize Cruelty

2012-03-16T09:35:00.003-07:00

Signs That an Animal Might Be Abused
Recognizing cruelty is simple, right? Not quite, say ASPCA experts. Aggressive, timid or fearful behavior doesn't always tell the whole story. Animals may appear to be timid or frightened for many reasons other than abuse.

“It’s almost impossible to make conclusions based on a pet’s behavior alone,” says the ASPCA Animal Behavior Center’s Kristen Collins, CPDT. “The best way to tell whether a pet is being or has been abused is to examine him and his surrounding environment.”

Check out our list of signs that may alert you an animal needs help:
Physical Signs
Collar so tight that it has caused a neck wound or has become embedded in the pet’s neck
Open wounds, signs of multiple healed wounds or an ongoing injury or illness that isn’t being treated
Untreated skin conditions that have caused loss of hair, scaly skin, bumps or rashes
Extreme thinness or emaciation—bones may be visible
Fur infested with fleas, ticks or other parasites
Patches of bumpy, scaly skin rashes
Signs of inadequate grooming, such as extreme matting of fur, overgrown nails and dirty coat
Weakness, limping or the inability to stand or walk normally
Heavy discharge from eyes or nose
An owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal
Visible signs of confusion or extreme drowsiness

Environmental Signs
Pets are tied up alone outside for long periods of time without adequate food or water, or with food or water that is unsanitary
Pets are kept outside in inclement weather without access to adequate shelter
Pets are kept in an area littered with feces, garbage, broken glass or other objects that could harm them
Animals are housed in kennels or cages (very often crowded in with other animals) that are too small to allow them to stand, turn around and make normal movements possibly with too many other animal
“Reporting suspected animal cruelty ensures that animals in jeopardy receive prompt and often lifesaving care,” says ASPCA Special Agent Joann Sandano.

“By making a complaint to the police or humane society in your area—you can even do so anonymously—you help ensure that animals in need are rescued and that perpetrators of animal cruelty are brought to justice.”

If you see signs of animal abuse, don’t keep it to yourself.
http://www.aspca.org/

RSPCA Campaign: Born to Suffer campaign

2012-01-03T13:23:00.000-08:00

Bred for looks - born to suffer

The way that dogs are bred today, in order to win shows, is having a huge impact on their health and welfare. This is why we've launched our Born to suffer campaign which seeks an end to the breeding of dogs based on looks.

But it's not just show dogs that may be suffering. Many pedigree dogs never appear in shows, but many are bred by breeders who want to produce show-winning animals, and who sell their surplus dogs as pets.

Scientific evidence

According to scientific studies some of the UK's favourite breeds of dogs have been bred to such extremes that they can no longer breathe or walk normally. For example, dogs with short, flat faces often have narrow nostrils and abnormally developed windpipes. They can often suffer severe breathing difficulties and may have difficulty enjoying a walk or playing. Dogs with folded or wrinkled skin are prone to itchy and painful skin complaints, and dogs with bulging or sunken eyes are prone to injury, pain or discomfort.

These are only a few examples and a recent study showed that all of the 50 most popular breeds have some aspect of their body which can cause suffering.

Join the RSPCA campaign today

There is something you can do. Sign our petition which calls for breed standards* to be changed so that they prioritise the health, welfare and temperament of a dog over its looks and help put an end to the avoidable suffering of dogs.Thinking of getting a pedigree dog?

Read more about the health and welfare issues.

Virunga National Park Rangers

2011-12-30T14:47:00.000-08:00

Virunga National Park is a 7800 square kilometer World Heritage Site that lies on the eastern border of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is the is the second oldest national park in the world, behind only Yellowstone, and the oldest in Africa. It is the most diverse national park on the African continent that boasts savannas, lava plains, swamps, erosion valleys, forests, active volcanoes and the ice fields of the Rwenzori Mountains. Among Virunga’s numerous species of wildlife, the park is home to approximately 200 of the world’s critically endangered mountain gorillas that live on the slopes of the Virunga volcano ranger which includes active Nyiragongo volcano and the largest lava lake in the world.

Despite this, the forests, amazing animals of the park, and even the rangers are in a desperate fight for their survival. The park has suffered through wars, militia attacks, extreme poaching, and a constant struggle to stay alive through human and environmental pressures on the park, and lack of funding. Mountain gorillas, elephants, hippo, and other wildlife have been killed for food, money, and politics. The hippo population dropped from 25,000, the largest concentration in the world, to about 1200. Serious anti-poaching measures are necessary to protect the wildlife of the park.

Through all this, the dedication of the rangers and staff has cost many lives. Although conditions are improving and the park has seen a massive resurgence in the last 3 years, rangers continue to be killed in random and planned attacks, and their wives and children left behind with little support.

To donate and help in a very real way please visit:
http://gorillacd.org/guard-a-gorilla/

Seven Weird Cat Behaviors Explained

2011-12-30T14:34:00.000-08:00

(PET CARE) All animals do some pretty strange things, human animals included, but cats take the prize for bizarre antics. From elevator butts to head bonks to kneading your lap, find out what your pet cat’s odd behaviour means. — Global Animal
Paw Nation, Amy D. Shojai
We love our cats but don’t always understand their seemingly bizarre behaviours. Sure, some things our cats do are unique to them but other actions are shared by felines the world over. Here are seven weird cat behaviors, and what they mean.

Head bonks. The first three months I had my cat, her head turned pink from head-bonking my lipstick. Rubbing behavior, which includes the forehead, cheeks, and full-body slams, is called bunting, and it transfers the cat’s signature smell onto objects to mark territory. That means head bonks are kitty compliments declaring you to be so important, he’s marked you as his personal property.

Elevator butt. You’ve probably seen many cats perform an “elevator butt” pose with their front-end down and tail flagged high. In some instances, it is the equivalent of offering to shake hands as felines sniff each other’s anal areas to say howdy. When your cat jumps into your lap, turns around and raises its tail, he or she is offering you the not-so-pleasant invitation to scratch that hard-to-reach itchy spot at the base of the tail. Intact female cats also do the elevator butt posture to entice male cats to get romantic!

Phone frenzy. Many cats come running when owners talk on the phone and they pester and meow like they want in on the conversation. What gives? Your cat sees you talking and since there is no one else there, thinks that you must be talking to them. Also, without realizing it, you may be rewarding that behaviour by stroking the cat while you are sitting and talking on the phone, which encourages your kitty to come running next time the phone rings.

Flipping. Why do cats throw themselves onto the ground at your feet and flip back and forth? Sure, sometimes it is because a cat is under the influence of catnip but more often, rolling back and forth places a cat in a vulnerable position, and is a way for cats to request attention. If you you grant the kitty’s wish and fuss over it, your cat knows to do this again the next time he wants your love.

Covering poo. Owners take for granted that all cats naturally choose to cover potty deposits but this isn’t the case. Some cats — especially unowned roaming felines — may not cover at all as uncovered feces can announce who owns the territory. Some indoor cats also want their potty graffiti seen and admired by the other cats or humans. Though is mom-cat is fastidious about covering her mess, her kittens will copy-cat the behaviour.

Kneading. There are many names for this common rhythmic paw-pushing kitty behaviour — treading, making bread, even “pawtycake.” But one thing is clear, the behavior takes hold when felines are very young, as kittens knead against mom-cat’s breasts to stimulate milk flow. When adult cats knead, it generally reflects deep contentment and safety, and yes — love. Cats typically target soft objects such as fuzzy blankets, pillows, or a beloved owner’s lap.

Privacy issues. Why do some cats immediately seek out their humans the minute they head into the bathroom? First, a closed door is a challenge and an affront to a curious cat which is one reason why you’ll see furry paws reaching under the door or cats racing to join their people in the bathroom. More importantly, the bathroom gives cats a captive audience as people glued to the facilities aren’t able to move away.
http://www.pawnation.com/2011/04/13/7-weird-cat-behaviors-and-what-they-mean/

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

2011-12-24T08:34:00.000-08:00

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And Mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."

Cesar's Way: How to rehabilitate a fearful dog

2011-12-23T13:21:00.000-08:00

Question from Theresa Pierce:
I'd like to socialize my dog better. She's very skittish—a loud noise or pop startles her and when people try to be friendly with her she shies away. She's good when I walk her about ignoring other dogs. They bark at her, but she keeps on walking with us—which I think is good. I'd like to improve her social skills around people and other dogs. I was thinking of taking her to a dog park.
Do you have any suggestions for me?
Advice from Cesar’s good friend and dog trainer Cheri Lucas:

Dog who act skittish and insecure around people and other dogs, were usually not socialized when they were young. Often puppies that were taken from their siblings and mother before they were 8 weeks old never learned how to “be” around members of their own species without being anxious. And without the guidance of their canine mother, these pups often grow up to be adults without conflict resolution skills, or the confidence that they can handle whatever situation they encounter. If a dog is kept in the sterile environment of a backyard or kennel, they can also become extremely nervous when they are finally exposed to everyday sounds and movement considered a normal part of the outside world.

Because this type of social deprivation occurs during a dog’s formative months and years, it often takes a long time to resolve, but it can be done. Be patient and mindful that your dog’s rehabilitation will be a “process,” not a quick fix.

As a pack leader, your job will be to control the interactions your dog has with other humans when you’re walking her. People often try to “negotiate” with shy dogs, and move in to them with affection when the dog isn’t ready to meet them. This only pushes a fearful dog back. Instead, politely tell others that your dog is “in training,” and ask them to ignore her. This means no touching, no talking, and no eye contact. This will allow your dog to relax because she doesn’t fell pressured to make friends with a stranger.

If you continue to socialize with your friends in a non-threatening manner to your dog, she may eventually begin to move closer to them or begin to smell them. This is a very positive sign, and the natural way for dogs to meet others—“nose first.” Remind your friends that this is not the time to reach out and pet your dog, because that can send her right back into her shell again. Remember, just because she is ready to smell, doesn’t mean she’s ready to be touched.

Since you can’t control the type of dogs you might find at a dog park, consider meeting up with friends with balanced dogs instead. Practice walking together without pushing the dogs to become friends right away. Allow your dog to experience the ancient ritual of migrating with other canines. Try to practice this several times a week.

When your dog hears noises that startle her, don’t nurture her fears by comforting her. Continue moving forward—you are a pack leader migrating forward with a member of your pack—in control and in charge! When you project this kind of energy, rather than address your dog’s nervous state of mind, she will begin to trust you more and more. The more leadership you show her, the sooner she’ll become a balanced and confident dog!

Cesar's Way

How to take care of a cat

2011-12-21T14:27:00.000-08:00

Cats are one of the most popular pets for many pet lovers. This may be due to their playful personalities, affectionate behaviour or adorable appearance. However, aside from being cute, cats do require proper care in order to stay healthy and content. Here are some general cat care tips that will help you learn how to take care of a cat.

Feeding

Choosing your cat’s food is one of the most important decisions you can make regarding your cat’s health. There are many different cat food formulas available on the market today, which all may advertise as being the right type of diet for your cat. However, when choosing a cat food, it’s essential that you do not choose based on price alone. Low-quality cat food formulas can be very harmful to your cat’s health, resulting in expensive veterinary bills. Never feed your cat a formula that is corn-based, or that contains a high percentage of simple carbohydrates. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they will thrive when given a diet rich in meat-derived protein. A quick way to evaluate a cat food formula is to read the first five ingredients, which make up the bulk of the formula. For cats, it’s recommended that at least three or four of the first five ingredients are protein-based.
Toys
Cats are interactive animals, and will require constant entertainment in order to remain happy. There are many great cat toys available for purchase at many pet stores, which can help keep your cat entertained. If you are unsure of what type of toy to purchase, you may also simply purchase some catnip, which can be used to stuff homemade toys or cloth balls for your cat.

Veterinary care is incredibly important for cats, especially since many cats can develop serious health conditions. It’s best to keep up to date on your cat’s vaccinations, and have a checkup at least once every two months.

Litter box training a cat is fairly simple, since most cats have an instinctual desire to bury their waste. Place your cat’s litter box in a private area, where any residual odour will not bother the other members of your household. It’s recommended that you clean your cat’s litter box once per day, with a complete replacement of the litter in the box about once per week. You may also want to disinfect the box with a non-toxic cleaner to help control odour.

Further last minute information from DEFRA

2011-12-20T09:46:00.000-08:00

THE UK PET TRAVEL SCHEME (PETS)

Further to our letter of 30th June announcing changes to the Pet Travel Scheme, I am writing to you with additional information about changes to the Scheme regarding the tapeworm treatment for pets and the movement of pets between the UK and the Republic of Ireland. I apologise for the late notification of these changes, but these issues have been under discussion at European level. I would also like to update you briefly on the new legislative framework for pet movements.

Tapeworm treatment
Under our current Pet Travel Scheme rules, dogs, cats and ferrets are required to be treated against ticks and tapeworm 24-48 hours before they enter the UK. As our previous letter explained, the European Commission had given a strong indication that it would come forward with proposals that would enable the UK and other tapeworm free countries to retain tapeworm controls with a treatment window of 1-5 days. I can confirm that both the European Parliament and Council have now formally adopted these proposals meaning that from the 1st January 2012, tapeworm controls will apply to all pet dogs entering the UK. Under these rules, not less than 24 hours and not more than 120 hours (1-5 days) before its scheduled arrival time in the UK, all
dogs must be treated against tapeworm and the treatment recorded in the EU pet passport or the third country official veterinary certificate.

Cats and ferrets will no longer require this treatment. There will also be no mandatory tick treatment before any pet enters the UK.

For further advice on these new rules, please visit our website:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/pets/pet-owners/parasites/

Movement of pets from the Republic of Ireland to Great Britain
We do not currently require checks to be carried out on pets arriving in the UK from the Republic of Ireland although checks are carried out on pets coming from the rest of the EU and other countries and territories.

Under the EU pet movement system, all pet dogs, cats and ferrets moving between EU Member States must meet the same animal health rules. Therefore from 1st January 2012 the requirement is that all pets travelling from the Republic of Ireland to the UK should be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies and accompanied by a pet passport.

However as both the Republic of Ireland and the UK have had no indigenous rabies for many decades, compliance checks on pets travelling between the two countries will not be applied. Those travelling with pet animals should therefore not experience any change on the ground from the 1st January.

For pet travel requirements from the UK to the Republic of Ireland please visit the Republic’s Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine website:
http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/pets/introduction/

Legislative Framework
The Non-Commercial Movement of Pet Animals Order 2011 will be laid before Parliament on the 9 December 2011. This legislation will revoke and replace existing pet legislation in England and Scotland (equivalent legislation is not in force in Wales) to enforce the revised import requirements that apply to pets (cats, dogs and ferrets) entering Great Britain from 1st January 2012. This legislation will be available to view on our website in due course once it is published by The Stationery Office.

If you require any further information on these changes please do not hesitate to contact us at pet.travel@defra.gsi.gov.uk

Yours faithfully
Strategic Animal Health Policy
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

Moscow's Posh Options for Pedigree Chums

2011-12-20T02:12:00.000-08:00

Moving your life to a new country is hard enough without leaving your pets behind. Whether you brought your four-legged friend with you or just plan to do so, all you will need is on hand in the capital.
Shopping spree
To start with, there are almost 400 pet stores in the capital. The oldest and the largest of them is located right on Arbat street, offering the clients a wide range of pedigree kittens and puppies. If you did not find the breed you like on display, you can pre-order it.
If easy access is what you need, listen to “Beethoven”. It is a chain of some 40 stores around Moscow. Their slogan says “Come on in, and bring your owner!” Everything your pet picks can be delivered to your door.

Remember that Moscow’s environment authorities urge pet owners to put shoes on their animals in winter time. This is more about health than fashion: The anti-icing chemicals used on the city’s streets can cause burns on the animals’ paws, so the winter boots are the must.
Vet’s helping hand
While Moscow does not lack qualified vets, finding one that speaks your language might be a problem.

“Movet” is probably the most well-known clinic for expat pets in the capital. They will come to rescue if you need to pick an animal, get it in or out of the country, or even find it a temporary home. However, if it is your beloved ferret that got sick, you will have to seek help elsewhere.

“We don’t work with any exotic animals and no birds,” Valeriya Shishmareva, interpreter at “Movet” clinic, told RT. “But if expats need their birds or exotic animals to be checked, we can help them take their animals to special vet clinics and help with translation for free.”

Pet gym – key to healthy lifestyle
If you want to ensure that flea killer is the only medicine you ever need, exercise is the answer.

The gym called Dog Palace offers training and rehabilitation programs for animals.

It is very popular among local pet owners, but just four years ago many in Moscow called the idea barking madness.

“People didn’t take it seriously,” Olga Zolotukhina, director general at Dog Palace center, told RT. “But I didn’t invent anything new. I’ve seen plenty such centers in Europe and decided to open one in Moscow because I’m a dog owner myself. We’ve studied the way it’s done abroad. Anyone can pour water in a tub, but you also need to know what to do next and which exercises really help.”

Pet spa and pet limousine
After a healthy workout, why not drop by for a haircut or a SPA-procedure? The way they treat pets at “Milord” – a chain of five grooming studios – will make any owner jealous.
Basic dog-grooming will cost around a thousand more than elsewhere in Moscow. “Milord” also offers ozone-therapy, designer clothes and even celebrating a birthday in style.

After all that, a walk through Moscow’s mud may not be a good idea. Few taxi companies will take you on board with a furry friend, unless it is “Zootaxi”.

“There are about 6 million pets in Moscow, and driving them around can be a challenge,” Yulia Godunova, director general of Zootaxi, told RT. “We can be especially helpful if your animal is ill – our drivers can carry it and make it comfortable inside the car. And it’s not just cats and dogs we drive. We’ve had goats, too, iguanas, even a snake.”

RT Pet Service Guide

Top 10 Paw Care Tips For Dogs

2011-12-15T12:57:00.000-08:00

Your dog’s feet sure are made for walking, but did you know they are also made for protecting? Pads provide extra cushioning to help protect bones and joints from shock, provide insulation against extreme weather, aid walking on rough ground and help protect tissue deep within the paw. With all that work to do, it’s no wonder your pooch’s paws often take a bit of a beating. Keep a spring in your pet’s step with our top 10 paw care tips:

Pamper With Pedicures: Your dog's nails should just about touch the ground when she walks. If her nails are clicking or getting snagged on the floor, it's time for a pedicure. Ask your veterinarian or a groomer for advice about what types of nail trimmers are best for your dog and how to use them properly.

Snip and Trim: Trim paw hair regularly to avoid painful matting. Simply comb hair out, especially from between the toes, and trim even with the pads.

Clean In Between: Foreign objects can become lodged in your dog’s pads. Check regularly between toes for foxtails, pebbles, small bits of broken glass and other debris. These pesky items can usually be removed with a pair of tweezers.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize: A dog’s pads can become cracked and dry. Ask your veterinarian for a good pad moisturizer and use as directed. Avoid human hand moisturizer, as this can soften the pads and lead to injury.

Deep Paw Massage: Similar to giving a human hand massage, a paw massage will relax your dog and promote better circulation. Start by rubbing between the pads on the bottom of the paw, and then rub between each toe. Your dog will be forever grateful for the extra TLC!

Slow and Steady: If you’re about to begin a new exercise program with your dog, start off slow. Paws may become sensitive, chaffed or cracked, particularly when starting your dog out on hikes and runs.

Apply First Aid: It's not unusual for dogs to suffer cuts or other wounds from accidentally stepping on glass, debris or other objects. Wounds that are smaller than a half inch in diameter can be cleaned with an antibacterial wash and wrapped with a light bandage. For deeper paw cuts, see the vet for treatment.

Summertime Sores: Imagine stepping barefoot onto hot pavement. Ouch! It is important to remember your dog’s paws feel heat extremes, too. To prevent burns and blisters, avoid walking your dog on hot pavement or sand. Signs include blisters, loose flaps of skin and red, ulcerated patches. For minor burns, apply antibacterial wash and cover the paw with a loose bandage. For serious burns, visit your vet immediately.

Wintertime Blues: Winter is hard on everyone’s skin, even your dog’s! Bitter cold can cause chapping and cracking. Rock salt and chemical ice melters can cause sores, infection and blistering. Toxic chemicals can also be ingested by your dog when he licks his paws. After outdoor walks, wash your dog’s paws in warm water to rinse away salt and chemicals. You may wish to apply Vaseline, a great salt barrier, to the foot pads before each walk—or make sure your dog wears doggie booties.

Practice Prevention: To reduce the risk of injury, keep your home and yard clear of pointy bits and pieces. Be conscious to avoid hazards such as broken glass and other debris when walking your dog. And keep this simple tip in mind—if you wouldn’t like to walk on it barefoot, neither will your dog!
For more information: American Society for the Protection of Animals

Taxi tale of tail from Spain

2011-12-14T13:18:00.000-08:00

Every London cabbie has a story, and John Jupp’s is a little different from most. Not long ago a regular client asked if he allowed dogs in his taxi. John answered yes, and so began one of the longest and strangest fares of his career.

Newslite reports his lady client wanted the cabbie to pick up her dog. The only unusual thing about the request was that the Labrador was in the Spanish capital, Madrid.

John took a ferry to Santander in Northern Spain, and then drove to Madrid. After picking up the pampered pooch it was a 16 hour journey back to London.

John and his client haven’t discussed how much the round trip cost, but let’s hope he got a good tip at the end of it.

http://rt.com/art-and-culture/news/taxi-spain-dog-client-789/

Top 10 Reasons to Take Your Dog to the Vet ASAP

2011-12-07T14:18:00.001-08:00

How do you know when your dog's health problem is life threatening and requires immediate veterinarian attention?

Here is a compilation of the most common dog emergencies seen in the veterinary ER:

1. Trauma
If your dog has sustained some form of trauma such as a fall, gunshot wound, getting hit by a car or is involved in a dog fight then immediate veterinary attention is needed. Even if your dog appears fine initially a check-up with your veterinarian is still necessary because sometimes injuries sustained from a traumatic event such as a ruptured lung, diaphragmatic hernia or internal bleeding will not manifest symptoms immediately. Wounds such as lacerations and bite wounds may be deeper than they appear and complications such as infection can result from delaying veterinary attention. Sometimes the traumatic event is not witnessed by the owner, if you find your dog limping, seemingly in pain or is just not acting right then it would be best to have her checked out.

2. Difficulty Breathing
Dyspnea is also known as difficulty breathing and can manifest as wheezing, choking, weak and raspy breathing or respiratory arrest. This can be caused by a foreign body in the throat, allergic reaction, heart disease or pulmonary disease. If there is a foreign body present it is important not to try and extract it yourself – doing so may lodge the object even deeper, completely obstructing the airway. Breathing problems almost always indicate major dog health problems so do not wait to take immediate action.

3. Neurological Conditions
Neurological problems can manifest in your dog as disorientation, incoordination, severe lethargy, unresponsiveness, and coma. A normal healthy dog is bright, alert and responsive; any pronounced change in your dog’s mental status requires immediate veterinary attention. Lethargy and weakness can be seen with any serious illness and should never be ignored. Sometimes neurological disorders do not affect mentation (for instance loss of use of the hind limbs can sometimes be cause by a ruptured intervertebral disc). Again these are serious disorders that need prompt veterinary attention to achieve the most favorable outcome.

4. Seizures
Seizures are also considered a neurological condition but are so common in dogs it deserves its own category. Any dog that has never experienced a seizure before needs to be seen immediately. Signs associated with a seizure include uncontrollable shaking and tremors, loss of consciousness, paddling with the legs and possible loss of bowel or urinary control. The most common cause of seizures in dogs is epilepsy. If your dog is diagnosed as epileptic not every seizure will constitute an emergency. If your dog has multiple seizures within a 24-hour period or if a seizure lasts longer than a couple minutes then your epileptic dog may need immediate veterinary attention. Talk to your veterinarian more about how to manage epilepsy and what to watch for. Other causes of seizures include hypoglycemia in puppies, insulinoma in older dogs and toxicities in dogs of all ages.

5. Suspected or Known Toxic Exposure
You found a chewed up rat bait while running some laundry down to the basement or you notice the bag of fertilizer in the garden shed has been ripped open. If you suspect your dog has gotten into something potentially toxic call the ASPCA animal poison control at (888) 426-4435 for immediate advice on what to do. A veterinary toxicologist may advise you to induce vomiting, seek immediate veterinary attention or simply monitor at home if the substance ingested turns out to be innocuous. Keep a bottle of hydrogen peroxide in the house at all times in case you are ever asked to induce vomiting.

6. Vomiting and Diarrhoea
Vomiting and diarrhoea are common problems in dogs and while they can be signs of a serious dog health issues the majority of cases are simple gastric upset that typically resolves within 24 hours. If your dog is otherwise acting fine then rest the stomach by withholding food for 4 to 6 hours and make sure your dog has access to plenty of water so they can stay hydrated. If she develops additional clinical signs such as lethargy, weakness or seems to be in pain then immediate veterinary attention is indicated. Also if vomiting or diarrhoea persists more than 24 hours OR you notice blood in the vomitus or the diarrhoeas then go see your veterinarian immediately. If your dog has a chronic medical problem such as diabetes and starts vomiting then it is not recommended to wait 24 hours and to seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.

7. Distended Abdomen or Abdominal Pain
If you notice your dog’s abdomen is distended and she seems to be in pain and/or uncomfortable then a serious medical problem necessitating immediate veterinary care is likely. Abdominal distension may be accompanied by dry heaves, retching, weakness, collapse and difficulty breathing. Abdominal distension can be caused by air trapped in the stomach which can cause the stomach to twist over on itself. This condition is known as gastric dilatation-volvulus—or commonly “bloat” – and usually occurs in large breed dogs. This is life threatening if not treated and the sooner you go to the veterinarian the better your dog’s odds for a positive outcome will be. Other reasons for abdominal distension can be fluid distension (ascites) from heart disease and hemoabdomen from internal bleeding such as a ruptured spleen.

8. Ocular Problems
Eye problems in dogs have a nasty tendency to deteriorate faster than problems in other areas. These problems can quickly escalate into loss of the eye and blindness if not treated especially glaucoma. Signs of ocular disease include redness of the eye, discharge, excessive tearing swelling, squinting and constant pawing at the eye. Even if it is just a foreign body in the eye or a superficial scratch on the cornea prompt veterinary treatment can prevent a minor problem from becoming a serious one.

9. Urinary Problems
If you notice your dog is not producing any urine then go see your veterinarian as soon as possible. While much more common dog health problem in cats than dogs, urinary blockages do occur and are life-threatening. If you notice difficulty urinating or blood in the urine then see your veterinarian as soon as possible because it may indicate a urinary infection or urinary stones that can escalate to blockage if not treated.

10. Whelping Emergencies
If your dog goes into labor and you notice that more than four hours pass without any puppies, strains for more than 30 minutes without results or more than two hours elapse between puppies then she may be experiencing dystocia. Call your veterinarian immediately for advice.

This list is by no means all inclusive of definite emergencies but is a compilation of the more common dog health emergencies seen. If there is something going on with your dog and you are not sure if it is an emergency or not, be aware that help is just a phone call away. Always have the number of your regular veterinarian, the ASPCA poison control and the number of your local 24-hour emergency clinic available. As a dog owner you know your dog best – if you suspect something is wrong do not hesitate to call. This one act can sometimes mean the difference between life and death. Never feel embarrassed about calling or being a worrywart because it is better to be safe than sorry.

Ceaser's Way

Dog bites two on US Airways Flight, forces early landing

2011-12-06T10:15:00.001-08:00

You can add dog bites to the list of things passengers and flight attendants have to contend with at 30,000 feet.

That was the case this morning on board US Airways flight 522 when a small dog travelling in the passenger cabin was let out of its carrier by its owner. The dog promptly bit a passenger and a flight attendant. An airline spokesperson could not confirm whether the bit passenger was also the dog’s owner.

US Airways said that the passenger was expressly told not to open the carrier door.

According to flight tracking website FlightAware.com the plane was west of Pittsburgh when the pilot of the Airbus A319 decided to divert the Phoenix-bound plane to Pittsburgh International Airport because of the canine bites. A US Airways spokesperson described the diversion as precautionary and said the captain did not declare an emergency.

Upon landing in Pittsburgh the plane taxied to a US Airways gate where it was met by law enforcement officials and the fire department. An airport spokesperson tells ABC News the dog, whose breed was not immediately known, and its owner were deplaned and interviewed before being released.

Once the dog and its owner were off the plane the flight continued to Phoenix without them. JoAnn Jenny, a spokeswoman with the Pittsburgh International Airport, said the dog and its owner were later released to board another plane to Phoenix.

Airlines, including US Airways, United, and American Airlines, limit the number and type of pets allowed in cabins. Those banned from carry-on travel in the belly of the plane, where kennels are placed in a special pressurized and temperature-controlled section of the plane. In the winter, airlines may require documentation certifying that your pet is acclimated to temperatures lower than 45 degrees.

The Dog Files

Top 10 tips for flying with pets

2011-11-28T14:26:00.001-08:00

NEW YORK - Traveling with pets can be a nerve-racking adventure for first-time fliers - and even more so for their owners. But preparing ahead, from organized feeding schedules to vet visits, is a strategic way to guarantee you and your furry friend will be fine 35,000 feet in the air. Online travel adviser Cheapflights.com (www.cheapflights.com) offers its top 10 tips for flying with pets.

1. Calculate the costs
The charges associated with carrying pets onboard — whether checked or in the cabin — add up quickly. Research airlines' different rates ahead of time and factor the canine and feline fees into the total cost of airfare — both yours and your pet's — before pressing book. Delta Air Lines for instance, attaches a hefty $200 fee per kennel to check a pet for one-way flights; cabin riders do less financial damage at $125 per kennel. And a good rule of thumb: like general airfare, discount airlines like Southwest ($75) and JetBlue ($100) often charge less for pets.

2. Call the airline
Start by checking your airline's website for regulations, but also get a verbal confirmation that you and your pet are set to fly. Many airlines limit the total number of animals allowed within the cabin on each flight, so it's important that a reservation be made sooner rather than later — and confirmed 24-48 hours before departure. American Airlines, for instance, caps the number of four-legged fliers at seven per flight: two in First Class and five in Business and Coach.

3. Rehearse nearby
First-time fliers are sometimes overwhelmed — justifiably — by a 35,000-foot ascent, so it's important to schedule trial runs before the big day of flight. If you live in a city, take your pet for a ride on the subway or other modes of public transportation to familiarize it with both the movement and the crowds. Since the American Veterinary Medical Association frowns upon sedation — the combination of tranquilizers and high altitudes can prove fatal — it's best to travel with calm, drug-free pets.

4. Visit the vet
Some airlines, like JetBlue and US Airways, don't require vaccination or health and veterinarian documents for animals on domestic flights. It's still recommended, though, that pet owners visit their vet before trips and carry up-to-date medical records and a first aid kit (gauze, tape, eye dropper, etc.) on flights. Many airlines, like United, require you to carry a health certificate issued less than 30 days before departure. To play it extremely safe, get acquainted with local veterinarians at your destination in case your cat or dog gets sick or injured while away.

5. Prepare the kennel
Squeezing your dog or cat into the claustrophobic kennel you purchased when they were just wee ones won't do on a flight, whether short- or long-haul. Invest in a container that leaves your pet room to turn and stand up without hitting its head on the top of the carrier. Different airlines have different dimension requirements, though the USDA has laid out universal must-haves: food and water dishes, "Live Animal" stickers, upright arrows, bedding and other necessities. Remember to include objects that the animal is familiar with, whether it's a favorite toy or blanket from home.

6. Attach ID tags
In case of separation, it's important to mark your pet — as well as carrier— with proper ID tags. Attach to the kennel a note with your flight number, contact information and pet's name. Do the same on your pet's collar; remember that a reachable phone number is the most important detail. Many animals nowadays have microchips implanted that shelters can scan to identify the dog or cat within a national database. Tattooed IDs are also an option for pets, and handy when registered with the National Dog Registry.

7. Exercise the day before
Spoil your dog or cat the day before traveling with extra exercise, the goal being to wear them out. For dogs, that means longer walks and high-energy activities; for cats, a few extra games of Claw the Rope could do. Exhaust your travel companion so the next day's flight is met with relaxation.

8. Pack food and water
Just like us, dogs and cats get dehydrated on flights. A handy tip: Freeze water before you leave home to ensure your furry friend has water in his dish by the time you both pass through security. United reminds passengers that, according to the USDA, pets must be offered food and water within four hours of checking in for a flight. On United flights, a signature is required to show when your pet was last offered nourishment.

9. Withhold food
A silly suggestion, considering the aforementioned tip. Of course you can pack food and snacks for your animal's voyage, but it's also important to avoid giving any edibles to your pet for a matter of hours before departure. Nerves are a guarantee, and not just for finicky felines. Queasiness, on the other hand, doesn't need to be.

10. Prepare for the unexpected
Flexibility and patience are virtues that every traveler should possess. The same holds especially true when flying with pets. Whether your flight is delayed, your dog gets sick mid-flight, or your cat decides he can't wait for the kitty litter — taking pets up in the air can be tough. Bottom line: Plan for the worst and expect the best. Bon voyage!

Rex Express Portal

2011-11-24T13:13:00.001-08:00

Complete AVI services to all players in the travel industry. Based in London, Geneva, Paris and now Barcelona.REXEXPRESS offers travel providers and passengers a low cost, online solution for communication, reservation and AVI transactions worldwide.

Why use REXEXPRESS Portal Services?
REXEXPRESS provides full internet animal travel services at your fingertips.

REAL-TIME PASSENGERS BOOKINGS ONLINE E-TICKETING
PETS TRAVEL IN CABIN OR EXCESS BAGGAGE
DOCUMENT HANDLING AND MANAGEMENT
ONLINE E-CARGO/AWB
CHECK-IN WITH PAN MEMBER AIRLINES
LOCAL SERVICE PROVIDERS CONNECTED
CUSTOMS & CLEARANCE
PET FRIENDLY HOTELS ANYWHERE

www.rexexpress.com

DIGITAL SERVICES BY REX HANDLING

Digital services to passengers travelling with their animal reduces costs, boosts productivity, maximises competitive advantanges with an added traveller satisfaction. An AVI digital traveller uses airport and airline services quickly and efficiently.

E-TRAVEL PROVIDERS (AVISYSTEM SOLUTIONS)

AVISYS™ has developed the only online solution for AVI travel inclusive of its different services such as the Pet Travel Risk Assessment (PTRA) providing the single source for pet travel insurance. Our Pet Travel Network (PAN) can offer the various customs delivery shoping and hotel services at a local level worldwide.

www.avihandling.com

REXEXPRESS MISSION STATEMENT:

To united the animal travel industry with common platforms and coherent communication tools to explore business-to business and business-to-consumer models.

Emotional Support Animals

2011-11-23T13:15:00.001-08:00

Senator George Graham Vest, of Missouri, won a court battle over the shooting of a dog with a speech that included the line, "The one absolutely unselfish friend that a man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog." Read more of this moving eulogy at: http://www.warrensburg.org/drum.htm

Dogs have shared their lives with humans for at least 14,000 years and possibly much longer. During those millennia dogs have been man's helper, protector, and companion. According to the Humane Society of the United States, 39% of U.S. households include one or more dogs and 34% include one or more cats.

An Emotional Support Animal is a dog or other common domestic animal that provides theraputic support to a disabled or elderly owner through companionship, non-judgemental positive regard, affection, and a focus in life. If a doctor determines that a patient with a disabling mental illness would benefit from the companionship of an emotional support animal, the doctor write letters supporting a request by the patient to keep the ESA in "no pets" housing or to travel with the ESA in the cabin of an aircraft.

ESAs are not task trained like service dogs are. In fact little training at all is required so long as the animal is reasonably well behaved by pet standards. This means the animal is fully toilet trained and has no bad habits that would disturb neighbors such is frequent or lengthy episodes of barking. The animal should not pose a danger to other tenants or to workmen. But there is no requirement for fancy heeling or mitigating tasks since emotional support animals are not generally taken anywhere pets would not ordinarily go without permission (the exception being to fly in the cabin of an aircraft, even if the airline does not ordinarily accept pets).

For more information about the differences between emotional support animals and psychiatric service animals, read the related article at: http://www.servicedogcentral.org/content/node/76

It is important to note that having a diagnosis of a mental illness, by itself, is not sufficient to qualify a person for an ESA unless that illness is so severe it disables them. Only a judge can truly determine whether a person is legally disabled. However, a doctor can probably make a medical determination of a person's disability and on that basis prescribe an ESA. To qualify as disabled under federal disability rights laws, a person must experience substantial limitations on one or more major life activities because of their mental illness.

Studies have shown real health benefits for those living with pets, including:

* lower cholesterol

* lower blood pressure

* lower triglyceride

* reduced stress levels

* reduced feelings of loneliness

* better mental health

* increased activity

* more opportunities for exercise

* more time spent outdoors (for dog owners especially)

* more opportunities for socialization

To read more about the health benefits of pet ownership and the human/animal bond, check the list of suggested reading on the Delta Society's website.

https://www.deltasociety.org/Page.aspx?pid=333

Why dogs bite...and how to avoid being bitten.

2011-11-18T13:27:00.001-08:00

By PETSTATION Editorial Staff

Over two million persons are bitten by dogs every year in the United States alone. That is either a lot of bad dogs or a lot of unlucky people. Our assessment would be that this situation is far more of a "people problem" than a "dog problem." Certainly there is no shortage of dogs poorly trained and/or socialized which might bite anyone, any time, any place... but these are still a distinct minority. Many bites are inflicted by pet dogs that have never bitten before and may never bite again... but just happened to have the wrong buttons pushed at the wrong time.

Any dog could potentially bite someone. No dog is absolutely, positively, one hundred percent bite-proof. All dogs have within them an "aggressive response" to certain conditions. And that's as it should be. These are, after all, the direct descendants of the wolf... and part of their lasting appeal to us humans is their wild heritage. And there could even come a time when we might wish that our affable little ragamuffin would exact retribution from the ankle of the burlgar making off with the stereo system. Still, when a pet dog bites it often comes as a complete shock to the pet's keeper. When this occurs, what has happened is simply that the dog's aggressive response has been triggered. It doesn't mean that the dog is bad, or perhaps even did anything wrong in its scheme of things... in fact, far more often it is human error that leads to dog bites.

A big chunk of this human error involves keepers placing their dogs in situations that could manifest the conditions to trigger the pet's aggressive response. Another big chunk involves humans placing themselves in situations where a dog's aggressive response could be triggered. Children are often involved in both of these scenarios. Of course, this will probably always be something of a problem -- kids being kids and dogs being dogs.

Consider a real-life story of a lovable Cocker Spaniel that could be cuddled and snuggled by the family children, but snapped at and nicked a neighbor kid who just reached out to touch it. A problem dog? A problem child? Neither, just an untenable situation between two creatures a bit strange to each other.

And how many times has a wayward ball or toy sailed over a fence into another yard, a kid clambors over to retrieve it, only to be nipped by the previously minding-his-own-business mutt in residence. The kid meant no harm, but very definitely intruded upon the dog's territory... an area millions of years of evolution have instructed this creature to defend.

The aspect of intruding upon a dog's territory is quite often part of a bite scenario. And it doesn't even have to be actually within the dog's terra firma. All dogs possess as well a "personal space" that extends beyond their skin and coat to varying distances... depending upon the "social rank" of the dog within its own "pack." Submissive or otherwise very docile dogs may only have a personal space of a few inches, and even this space can often be violated without dire consequences... but then there is always that one in a thousand instances where an otherwise gentle pet will cut loose on an encroaching human. Dominant or otherwise aggressive-prone dogs are far more volatile, having personal spaces that extend for many feet beyond their physical position. Anyone or any thing that penetrates this area is subject to immediate attack.

Dogs sometimes bite simply because they don't like someone. This may be hardly an acceptable excuse to the embarassed dog's keeper, but usually there is a very significant reason (perfectly obvious to the dog) why the pet does not want this person around. It could be a certain smell, or the dog's detection of some feeling or emotion on the part of the visitor. Dogs, like many animals, quickly pick up on human emotions of animosity, fear or otherwise unsociable attitudes. Indeed, the dog's capacity in this regard is virtually unbelievable. An illustration of this remarkable sensitivity is dramatically conveyed by the example of a man who could not understand why his Collie-mix always growled when a certain friend stopped by. This friend, a male, was the only individual among many visitors of both sexes for whom the dog held such clear disdain. Only years later did the friend confide that he was gay, and did once have "a crush" for the dog's keeper, a revelation that stunned the owner. The Collie-mix had apparently sensed all along that the gay man was an unwanted potential rival for the affections of its keeper.

So, taken all together, it is usually plain that dogs only bite for a reason... a good reason in their own minds. This reason most often involves protection... they are protecting their property, their family (pack members) or themselves. In resorting to biting, they are on the "defensive"... it is the human that was the "offensive" threat.

If we humans keep these dog "psychology" concepts in mind we will greatly lower our chances of being bitten. Of course, we must also keep an eye out for the idiot keepers who continually place their dogs in unstable situations. This includes a range of dimwits from the numbskull who trots his dominant-aggressive dog down a sidewalk crowded with children , to the elderly lady who fails to close off her toy breed when the Maytag repairman finally does have some work to do.

Beyond this awareness of dog and dog-keeper psychology, here are some other rules for lowering your chances of being bitten by a dog.

Don't rush up to strange dogs, gleefully presuming they will all be ecstatic to be fondled by you. Many absolutely will not be. And especially do not allow children to do this.

If you must connect with a strange dog, approach very slowly, deliberately, and extend your hand (palm up) so that the dog can sniff you and make sure you are a good human.

If you encounter a growling dog or one that appears potentially aggressive, slowly back away until you are out of the dog's territory or "personal space." As you back away, don't turn your back, do not threaten, scream or shout, avoid eye contact, and DO NOT RUN.

If you harbor an inner disdain, resentment, fear or anger toward dogs, don't go near any until you successfully deal with this personal problem.

With two million bites annually, there are ample reasons for everyone to be aware and perceptive regarding the potential of any dog to bite. For those who are bitten or mauled by dogs, even one bite is one too many. Yet we must also keep the big picture in mind.

Since there are over 40 million dogs in this country, obviously most canines are not to be feared. Indeed, no dog should be feared, but all should be respected. Considering the dagger teeth and snarling potential of each and every dog, the most striking point of all is how wonderfully, how peaceably, the vast majority adapt to the crazy swirl of human culture. For over 10,000 years these members of the wolf clan have amply demonstrated their marvelous capacity for training and trust. If only humans were as good at serving their "best friends" this would be a better world for both people and pets.

For more information on dog bite prevention and responsible pet ownership, send a business-size self-addressed stamped envelope to: The Human Society of the United States, Dept. D, 2100 L St. NW, Washington D.C. 20037-1525.

http://www.petstation.com

Animal friendly tourism

2011-11-17T12:36:00.001-08:00

Animal cruelty can be a by-product of tourism. Animal circuses, bullfights, ‘swim with dolphin’ programmes and poor welfare zoos are all examples of animal exploitation in the name of entertainment.

But if tourists choose to spend their money on cruelty-free attractions, rapid change can result. Ethical tourism has become a hot topic – the public expects the travel industry to set high standards for its activities. Ethical whale watching is one of the industries experiencing rapid growth as a result.

Make change happen

We are all responsible for ensuring that our actions abroad do not contribute to animal suffering.

Here are some straightforward tips on how to make a difference to the way animals are treated all over the world.

Before you go

Check if your tour operator has an animal welfare policy.

While you are away

Don’t accept culture as an excuse for cruelty. Cockfights, bullfights and the use of animals in religious or other festivals can all be considered part of a local culture, but culture is no excuse for cruelty.
Don’t be tempted to try the local cuisine if it includes wild animals. Avoid food items that are produced through cruel practices, such as foie gras, or involve inhumane killing, such as bushmeat.
It is best to view wildlife where it belongs: in the wild. Many zoos keep animals in poor conditions with their basic needs denied. If you decide to visit a zoo ask whether it adheres to the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Code of Ethics before you enter.
Captivity cannot meet the welfare needs of marine mammals such as dolphins and whales (read more >>). Facilities displaying captive marine mammals and activities like swimming with dolphins should be avoided – they may appear fun and educational but are unnatural and stressful for the animals involved.
Never purchase souvenirs made from animals. Avoid all products and souvenirs made from animals, including all fur, ivory, shells, seahorses, teeth, rhino horn and turtle shell products.
Never pay to have your picture taken posing with a wild animal. Many of these animals have been taken from the wild and their mothers killed. They may be drugged, harshly trained or have had their teeth removed to ensure they ‘behave’ around tourists.
If travelling with a group, check the itinerary doesn’t include activities that exploit animals. If it does, lodge a complaint with your travel agent or tour operator, who may be unaware of the cruelty involved with such activities.
It is possible to find ethical and humane equine (horse and donkey) and camelid rides, during which animal welfare is protected. However, please avoid any ride that gives you cause for concern about the animal’s welfare. At a minimum, check that animals have access to shade, water and rest.
Compassionate travellers should avoid riding wild animals such as elephants for entertainment, because these animals are often captured from the wild, inadequately cared for and usually trained using inappropriate and cruel methods.
Remember the farm animals. While free range organic food may be hard to come by in some areas, it is worth checking – if restaurants recognise a demand for cruelty-free food they may stock it in future.

What can you do if you see an animal suffering?

Standards of animal welfare can differ greatly from region to region, but you don’t have to feel powerless when you witness animals suffering abroad.

If you see an incident of animal cruelty, note the date, time, location, type and number of animals involved. If possible, record what you have seen on film. Photographs and video footage are invaluable evidence, but never pay to take them.

It is vital to lodge your protests locally in the first instance. Report the cruelty to:

the local tourist offices
local police
a local animal welfare society
your tour operator
the zoo or aquarium management and – if you have serious concerns – the zoo association for that country.

When you return home, inform the country's embassy, your local politician, the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (if relevant) and fill in our online cruelty report form >>

Page tools:

http://www.wspa-international.org/helping/animalfriendlyliving/travel.aspx

Travel to London with your pet this Xmas?

2011-11-15T12:03:00.001-08:00

Thinking of travelling to London with your darling pet? Now that would be a trip to organise! The right documents, the correct vaccinations, many would be discouraged by the logistics. But not you, 'cause you're smart, you ask us, and we guide you through the process; arrange a door to door service, including collection and airport delivery, flight and freight arrangement for both you and pet, meet and greet at the airport, verification of your pet's documents, we'll even find a pet friendly hotel. We take care of the details while you concentrate on the shopping.

Somerset House, The Strand, London

Push for pet-friendly rooms makes hotels sit up and notice

2011-10-31T10:22:00.000-07:00

When the suitcases come out, Pepper goes into hiding.

She knows what it means: We're leaving, and she's not.

There are myriad benefits to traveling as much as I do. Leaving the dog behind is not one of them.

So when longtime friends put me in charge of finding a rental house for our biannual gathering at Deep Creek Lake, Md., I made an executive decision: The dog is coming with us.

Last year, a quarter of dog owners took their pooches on a trip that lasted at least two nights, according to a survey by the American Pet Products Association. And that number is expected to rise as more and more destinations cater to animals and their owners.

"Hotels have figured out there's a huge market of pet owners who want to travel with their pets," said Tracey Thompson, who founded petfriendlytravel.com in 2000 after she looked for a rental house on the California coast that she could share with her two large Leonbergers and couldn't find one.

"Attitudes have changed about pets," she said. "Pets never used to be considered part of the family the way they are now. You wouldn't leave your kid behind. Why would you leave your pet behind?"

In the decade that Thompson's site has existed, thousands of bed-and-breakfasts, rental houses and hotels around the globe have joined the pet parade, designating rooms or whole properties as Fido- and feline-friendly.

The most recent AAA PetBook includes more than 13,000 pet-friendly lodging options across North America.

New to the pet-friendly travel business is Gloria Cipri Kemer, who has owned the Emerald Necklace Inn in Fairview Park for a dozen years and recently designated one room for traveling pets and their owners. She's fielded calls for years from travelers who asked if they could bring their four-legged family members. Now she can say yes.

The experiment has gone well, she said. "People who travel with their pets are pretty intense caretakers," said Kemer, who charges an extra $25 for dogs, which covers the cost of a more rigorous cleaning after checkout. Pets are not allowed in the main rooms of the house, and they can't be left unattended in the bedroom.

Her location adjacent to the Cleveland Metroparks' Rocky River Reservation is a bonus. "It's a great environment for pet lovers," said Kemer, who offers guests a list of doggy day-care providers in case they have meetings or other appointments where their dog is not welcome.

But as far as the industry has come in accommodating pets, it could do more, says Gloria Turski of Mayfield, who frequently travels with her Chihuahua, Taco.

Fancy beds and dog treats -- offered by some upscale hotel chains -- are less important than close-by green space, pet-friendly dining, on-call pet sitters and a pool area where her dog is welcome.

Her favorite pet-friendly destination so far is Duck, N.C., in the Outer Banks, where dogs are allowed on the beach off-leash, and restaurants have abundant outdoor seating.

Frank and Diane Hoard of Brunswick recently returned from an eight-day tour of New England with Ginger, their 11-year-old Toller (Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever). Among their travel strategies: Check in advance for locations of Choice brand hotels (Comfort Inn, Clarion, EconoLodge and others), many of which are pet-friendly; scope out restaurants with outside eating spaces; and plan days around dog-friendly outdoor venues like parks and pedestrian malls.

"We plan trips so Ginger can go with us," said Frank Hoard. "She really is part of our family."

Among their frequent destinations: New York City, where they hang out in Central Park and stroll the streets of the Upper West Side. Stores frequently put water bowls out for four-legged passers-by; some shop owners even invite the dogs (and their owners) in.

Barking up the wrong tree

But traveling with pets isn't always a day in the park.

Thompson said pet owners frequently underestimate the stress their animals may feel in strange surroundings.

Many hotels that allow animals prohibit pets from being left unattended in rooms. Thompson knows why. Years ago, she left her dog behind when she went out to eat at a fancy resort. She returned to a very irritated message from the hotel management: "Your dog barked nonstop the entire time you were gone."

"I was mortified," she said. "Of course I didn't know my dog would bark."

The moral: "You never can be sure what your dog is going to do in a strange situation," she said. Previously nonaggressive dogs may become agitated and impulsive, and even the calmest dogs are probably going to make some noise when left alone.

Maria Dietz of Concord Township had a similar experience recently when she took Douglas, her Bichon Frise-poodle mix, to the Homestead resort in Hot Springs, Va. The dog shrieked and barked every time Dietz attempted to leave the room. So she had to hire a pet sitter to stay with Douglas while she enjoyed the resort.

"That was an expense we didn't anticipate," said Dietz, who also travels with Douglas on her frequent trips to Florida.

Keep your paws off

Not everyone, of course, is excited about the increasing number of four-legged travelers.

There has been backlash in some communities, particularly as restaurants and bars increasingly allow dogs. A controversial Florida law gives local communities the right to decide whether to permit dogs on restaurant patios.

And in New York City's drinking establishments -- where dogs were tacitly permitted but never officially sanctioned -- the health department recently began a crackdown on bars that allow dogs inside.

One woman, a frequent traveler from Shaker Heights, said she purposely avoids hotels that advertise themselves as pet-friendly.

"There is nothing like being awakened by a barking dog!" she wrote in an email. "I never had a dog and never wanted one, and I don't want one sharing my space, nuzzling me, licking me, barking at me or peeing on me."

Fortunately, the friends who joined me at Deep Creek Lake last month didn't feel the same way. I found a lovely house -- five bedrooms, overlooking the lake -- that welcomed 12 humans and one miniature poodle (albeit for an extra fee of $45).

Much of the travel I do -- rushing around, checking out new attractions -- is not conducive to taking a pet (and I am very lucky to have neighbors who adore my dog and care for her when we're on the road).

This trip, however, was different. Our days were spent leisurely exploring the erupting fall scenery of western Maryland. And at night, we crowded around the dinner table playing cards, soaked in a hot tub and roasted marshmallows around a backyard bonfire.

Wherever we were, Pepper was in the middle of it -- leading the way on hikes through two nearby state parks, on the lookout for squirrels and other wild animals in the backyard, forever hoping for handouts in the kitchen.

Exhausted from so much excitement, she collapsed in the van on our way home. She looked so very content, asleep amid the suitcases.

http://www.cleveland.com/travel/index.ssf/2011/10/push_for_pet-friendly_rooms_ma.html

Pet Scams

2011-10-11T10:28:00.001-07:00

PET SCAMS

Puppies - Kittens - Horses

While there are many legitimate websites offering pets for sale and pet transportation services, there are also many scams on the Internet and the problem is continuing to grow at an alarming rate.

What used to be "puppy scams" has grown to include birds, horse and other types of family pets.

Puppies, kittens or horses being offered for sale or given free (who do not even exist) and are to be transported by XYZ or by REX company (illegal use of our name).

You can recognize the scam immediately if they ask you to transfer by:

- Western Union
- Money Gram
- Cash

If the country Cameroon is mentioned then this should have your alarm bells ringing.

NO animals travel under these conditions.

If the company does exist, they may not even be aware that their company is listed as the shipping company. The unsuspecting buyer completes the payment for the puppy, kittens or horses then calls XYZ or REX company to find out when their puppy, kittens or horse will arrive. Only REX company has never even heard of the breeder who sold them. These puppies, kittens or horses are being offered at below breeder rates with mysterious pedigrees or given against good care.

Across France, US, Europe for only 170 Euro ($) or across Switzerland for CHF. 400.- or Horse by plane for 600 Euro and delivery within 48 hours. All these prices are bogus.

----- Do not even attempt to make contact -----

If you are in contact with any breeder, you must get copies of their vaccination papers, Chip number and any necessary paperwork. Do not send money by any means such as money transfer.

Other sites regarding theses scams
http://www.petsonthenet.co.nz/scam
http://www.qualitydogs.com/scams.asp
http://www.terrificpets.com/scams/
http//www.fraudwatchers.org

Arnaque Chiots

2011-10-11T10:17:00.001-07:00

ARNAQUE CHIOTS

Hund - Kats - Pferde - Tier

Im Internet gibt es viele legitime Webseiten, die Tiere verkaufen oder transportieren. Leider wächst auch die Rate von Betrügern die mit Tieren unsaubere Geschäfte machen.

Sie erkennen den Betrug sofort, wenn sie fragen Sie per Überweisung:

- Western Union
- Money Gram
- Cash.

Keine Tiere reisen unter diesen Bedingungen.

Es werden Welpen zum Verkauf angeboten (welche nicht mal existieren) und werden mit der Firma XYZ zum Transport angeboten. Den Namen dieses Unternehmen kann reine Erfindung sein oder tatsächlich existieren. Falls es ein existierendes Unternehmen ist, ist es gut möglich, dass diese keine Ahnung davon haben, dass sie als Versender angegeben wurden. Der ahnungslose Käufer überweist den Betrag für den Welpen und ruft dann die Firma XYZ oder REX an um heraus zu finden wann der Welpe ankommt. Nur REX hat noch nie von diesem Züchter gehört. Diese Welpen werden unter dem normalen Züchterpreis angeboten und zu unglaublichen Transportpreisen (z.B. für EUR 170.00 durch ganz Frankreich). When coming accross such an e-mail or internet page do NOT contact.

Falls Sie in Kontakt mit einem Züchter sind, fragen Sie vorab nach Kopien der Impfzeugnisse, Microchip-Nr. und jeglichen anderen benötigten Unterlagen.

Arnaque Chiots

2011-10-11T10:16:00.000-07:00

ARNAQUE CHIOTS

Chiots - Chatons - Chevaux

Vous recevez un email tel que:

Je suis un éleveur Afrique centrale, Bénin, Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, Cameroon etc qui ont des chiots, perroquets, juments, chevaux, des bouledogue anglais tout de race pure, ils ont 13 semaines,males et femelles vaccinées,tatoues, ont leur pedigree et ont aussi toutes leurs certificats de santé.

Vous pouvez reconnaitre l'arnaque tout de suite car il demande un transfère par:

- Western Union
- Money gram
- Cash.

Ceci n'existe pas dans le monde du transport animaux.

Ou je vous donne mon chiots, cheval contre bon soins, adopter les pour 300€ - 400 Euro ou des chevaux par avion pour 600 euro avec livraison inclus par société XY ou (REX Transport). Utilisation illégale de notre nom.

Des trajets en 24 heures à travers, l'Europe, les US, la Suisse ou la France pour seulement 170 Euro ($) ou CHF. 400.- ou Euro 600 pour des chevaux par avion

...............Tout cela n'est qu'une arnaque.............

Ne faîtes AUCUN versement d'argent par Western Union

Ne répondez surtout pas à ces emails. Si vous êtes en contact avec un éleveurs, demander toujours, les copies des vaccinations, numéro de la puce et faites des vérification.
Pas de site, nom bizarre, pays tel que Cameroon ou autres attention.....

About Rex Express

2011-10-04T11:23:00.000-07:00

About REX

With a transport industry growing at 200% per year, the animal world suffers from a lack of laws which have an effect on proper care during transit. Our philosophy and determination is improving on and adding to existing procedures. The core business of Rex Express is the transportation of animals and ensuring their transition is as smooth as possible.

Ethics in any business is a powerful subject for debate. REX entered the field of animal transport for specific reasons.

The animal world is intricately intertwined with the human species. Every action we take against nature has a reaction in the animal kingdom and every action the animal makes has a direct impact on our life.

Over the Pacific, an area hit by the "Global Warming" which changed the temperature by just 1 degree. That degree eradicated the plankton that certain types of fish feed on. No fish means no food or business for the local fisherman. These changes show how our lives can really benefit by learning how to protect the living creatures of this planet and thus ourselves.

To better understand is to be better informed. Collecting information is vital and we combine the data with our ever widening experience of transporting animals; noting and observing positive and negative effects during transit. This flexible approach allows us to adapt to the needs of each creature in our care.

REX develops this concept to constantly update our knowledge and experience in order to be in a better position to change attitudes. We follow regulations to the letter and work to create new regulations regarding care in transit and displacement effects which are our primary objectives.

What we do know is that it will be better for any animal to travel with us than in the cargo hold of any airline or trucking service whose core business is not animal transport.