PetRelocation.com

Name: Lynne
Pets' Names: Lucy, Lucky and Paco
From: Ennis, Texas
To: El Paso, Texas

I was very concerned about moving my 3 big dogs to a new location. They were used to some land to run around and had never really travelled before. I couldn't bring them with me in my car, so I asked the moving relocation service, NewPath Relocation, for help. They referred me on to PetRelocation.com and the arrangements were made easily and with obvious concern for my pets' welfare. The "kids" made the trip in one day and were absolutely wonderful when they arrived. They had been walked and given water during the trip, so they were not fretful or anxious. They just got out of the crates (which was also a new experience) and calmly walked around. The best experience I could have imagined. Thanks PetRelocation.com.

Pet travel is our business here at PetRelocation.com, and we often find ourselves clicking around the internet in search of fun and informative travel-related sites. Whether you seek info for a big move or a fun vacation, the more help and advice you can gather beforehand, the smoother that trip will be.

So if you’re contemplating flying with your dog, driving with your cat, or crafting the perfect pet-friendly vacation, here are a few sites we’ve discovered that might prove useful. Check them out and let the trip planning begin!

GoPetFriendly.com
Wondering about pet policies at hotels, RV sites and campgrounds across the United States and Canada? This website is all about discovering the most accessible and comfortable places for people roadtripping with pets. The founders of this blog have devoted themselves to researching and sharing an abundance of up-to-the-minute information, so following in their footsteps is a good plan. Find Go Pet Friendly on Twitter and Facebook.

Gadling.com
Though more of a general travel site rather than a pet-specific one, Gadling is filled with updated travel news, fun stories and advice for various kinds of travelers - including pet-loving ones. Add this one to your news feed for a constant stream of fresh travel news and keep your eyes open for the occasional pet-related story. Connect to Gadling on Twitter and Facebook.

Dogjaunt.com
We discovered this blog while preparing ourselves for BlogPaws 2010 West and continue to be impressed by the amount of specific information and advice you'll find here. The author often travels with her Cavalier King Spaniel and shares the lessons she learns, but any pet owner will find plenty of useful tidbits while perusing this attractive site. Follow Dog Jaunt on Twitter and Facebook.

HikeWithYourDog.com
This site offers specific tips for people who want their dogs to participate in, not just tag along on, their vacations. Exploring the expansive network of trails that exists throughout the country is obviously more fun with a curious canine in tow, and this is the place to find out what you need to know to make a hiking trip (or any outdoor adventure) a success.

BringFido.com
Here you'll find travel guides for thousands of different cities, including details about hotels, parks, beaches and any services you may need while on the road with your pup. Overflowing with facts and useful ideas, if it's not here, it might not exist at all. Find Bring Fido on Twitter and Facebook.

In preparation for next week’s BlogPaws 2010 West, we’ve been introducing you to a few of the panelists who will be at the conference. So far we’ve learned about a charity worker, a pet photographer, a blogging vet and a dog travel expert. Today we’re focusing on Vicki Boatright, an accomplished artist and the blogger behind Just Meowin’.

Boatright is known for her pet portraits and public art, and she will be putting her skills to good use at the upcoming conference. Throughout the weekend she’ll be working on a “Dialogues Mural” that will be inspired by the drawings and suggestions of BlogPaws attendees. If you’ll be there, you can watch as the collage takes shape and even pitch in with your own ideas. This collaborative effort sounds like a great way to capture the themes and spirit of the event – can’t wait to see how it develops!

Thanks for answering a few questions with us, Vicki. See you at BlogPaws!

What inspires you to create art, and have your artistic endeavors always been pet-oriented?

Many different things inspire me. I am inspired by various influences in my life, and whatever is influencing me at any given time somehow gets translated into the artwork. The driving inspiration in all my work, however, is a fascination with color, light, texture and other elements of creation. I have worked with children as a therapist for many years, and I have always admired how kids just seem to create for the pure joy of creating. I try to do the same.

I often say, "I paint cats because that is what I wake up staring at in the morning." I have always had pets in my life, and they are one of the greatest influences to making me the person that I am today. So, yes, animals have been a persistent theme throughout my life as an artist. That said, there are also other themes in my artwork that are not as well known. I have a whole body of work that I call my "Ripping Out the Seams" series, which are very self expressive collages that run the gamut in subject matter. These works tend to be more introspective with a somewhat self-assertiveness tone.

When and why did you decide to become involved in the pet blogging community?

When I first started dabbling in Twitter, I was drawn to the amazing online community of people who rallied around pet interests. I met several great pet bloggers, including Caroline Golon (cofounder of BlogPaws) online. Caroline commissioned a portrait from me as a gift for a friend and we became great friends. We met in real life when she came to visit family in Columbus, OH, and she told me how she and a couple of other pet bloggers were tossing around the idea of BlogPaws. I helped out on the advisory committee for the first BlogPaws conference and became involved with many more bloggers through that connection.

What made you decide to blog from the point of view of your cat?

My cat (@BrewskieButt) will tell you very pointedly that he does his own blogging, thank you! He got onto Twitter and Facebook behind my back when I was at work sometime in December 2008 or January 2009. When I realized what he was doing, I let him continue, as he was doing a pretty good job of drumming up business for my fledgling artist studio. I did help him start his Just Meowin' blog earlier this year.

When did you realize social media would become so important to the pet community, and how have you learned to use the tools we now have?

I think I realized that something big was happening in the pet community as I made connections and developed online relationships through social media. As an artist and a therapist who has worked with non-profits my entire career, I have attempted to connect with people in other online communities, as well. None seem to have the passion and cohesion that the pet community has, however. I think that the way that pet charities, pet industries and everyday pet lovers have bonded online is perhaps one of the greatest marketing stories of all time, and it is relatively unknown to the world in other circles. It all comes together with a common interest - a love for animals - and a willingness to be creative and innovative.

I learned the tools by just jumping in there and doing it. Everything that I have learned about computers and online engagement I learned on my own. I researched things, I asked questions and I struggled through things until I figured it out.  Social media is a very "Pay it Forward" kind of community, so I had a lot of people give me tips and suggestions along the way.

Where does the name BZTAT come from?

I once had a cat named Beezie who was the greatest companion ever. In Tweety Bird style, I used to say to her, "I tawt I taw a Beezie-tat! I deed, I deed, I DEED tee a Beezie-tat!" Somewhere along the line I started signing my paintings "BZTAT" and the name stuck.

What are you most looking forward to at BlogPaws 2010 West?

Other than meeting up with good friends, I am also very excited about creating a "Dialogues Mural" entitled, "Hand to Hand - Paw to Paw: Celebrating the Worldwide Community of Pet Lovers!" Conference participants will be invited to scribe (on paper) their thoughts, ideas, reflections, drawings, etc. about their experiences at BlogPaws, which I will then incorporate them into the mural using collage techniques. I am looking forward to a great creative dialog with the many people and pets that attend BlogPaws.

What advice do you have for BlogPaws conference attendees?

People who come to BlogPaws are some of the greatest folks EVER. We all connect through our love of pets, and that is the most ice-breaking of connections there is. I encourage people to be unafraid and enjoy the adventure of connecting with new people from all over. Reach out to people from various connections and develop ongoing relationships. Be real and authentic. And have fun!

For the second year in a row, PetRelocation.com was listed on the Inc. 5000 list as one of the country's fastest-growing privately held companies.  We ranked #1825 out of the 5000 top companies in America and #39 in the Austin metro region against some pretty popular local companies like Birds Barbershop and UShip!

Despite tough economic times, and the rising cost of airline fees and charges, our customer base has stayed loyal thanks to our award-winning customer service that garnered a 94% net promoter score on a recent independent survey.

After experiencing a three-year growth of 150%, we're finishing out 2010 with a bang and looking forward to an even better 2011.  Thanks to everyone near and far who have helped us get to where we are today.

Being in the pet travel business has taught us that pet lovers tend to be an altruistic bunch, a fact made obvious by the wide array of animal-related charities, fundraising events and volunteer opportunities out there. Whether you're interested in giving time, money or moral support, there are plenty of ways to make the world a better place for our furry friends in need.

Ready to get started? Check out these fun and worthwhile causes that we've recently run across. At the very least, they should remind us of what's possible and serve as great motivators to stay active and involved in the animal community.


Never Shock a Puppy
Training your dog should be a pain-free process that inflicts no fear or emotional harm. This is the guiding principle behind the "Never Shock a Puppy" campaign, a fundraising activity to prepare for the No-Choke Challenge, which will officially kick off in November. Launched by the Humane Society of Boulder Valley, Colorado, this project (which launches Sept. 1) aims to educate pet owners about effective training techniques and will raise money to replace choke and shock collars with gentler alternatives.

I Love Rescue Animals
This website is all about supporting the plight of rescue animals, and it's also a great resource for finding out about various ways to help the potential pets that may need us the  most. For example, the 365 Days of Animal Advocacy project spotlights a diffferent cause each day. In just a few steps, you could be in touch with dozens of great organizations thanks to the kind-hearted efforts of the I Love Rescue Animals bloggers.

Best Friends Animal Society
Driven by social media and donations from people like you, Best Friends Animal Society operates with the lofty goal of ending animal homelessness. Education, animal care, fundraising and exhibiting endless compassion are a few ways they go about accomplishing this task, and a visit to their site will certainly turn up more than a few ideas for how each of us can lend a hand.

Ally Cat Allies
This one's for you, cat lovers. This organization has affected the lives of millions of cats by mobilizing individuals, instituting feral cat programs and bringing spay and neuter programs to communities in need of them. Though this is animal advocacy at its most organized, there's always more work to do. Connect with this group to find out how to help the lives of cats.


R.O.A.R. – Rescue Owners are Rockin’
Inspired by the energy and ideas generated by last April's BlogPaws conference, the blogger behind Fido & Wino has devoted herself to the cause of animal rescue. Her plan is to feature an adoption success story from every U.S. state and Canadian province over the course of the year with the hopes of helping to promote rescue pet adoption and discourage the business of puppy mills. Follow her blog, submit your stories and show your support for rescue animals.

The perfect antidote to the noise and chaos of daily life is making the time to dive headlong into a good book. For those of us with dogs in our lives (and especially those who might be moving with their dogs!) , these peaceful moments are perfect for learning more about what makes our pups tick; for as much as we love our dogs, they often tend to be confusing bundles of instincts, emotions, nerves and personality quirks.

Ranging from light-hearted to a little more serious, these dog-themed books will hold your attention, provide a break from reality and maybe, just maybe, shed some light on the complex creatures we've made our companions.


Am I Boring My Dog? by Edie Jarolim

It’s fun to have a dog, but it’s not always easy. Follow the journey of a first-time dog owner (who also runs the pet travel blog Will my dog hate me?) as she encounters the joys and challenges of bringing a pup into her life. Filled with useful information and delivered in a tone that doesn’t take itself too seriously, this guide is both entertaining and informative.



Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell and Know by Alexandra Horowitz

Written by a psychology professor and dog lover, this thoughtful book explores the interior life of dogs by viewing the world from their unique perspective. The things that drive dogs’ behavior – their incredible senses of smell, their endless tendencies to watch their human companions – are discussed using careful research and reveal a point of view different from the average dog guide. For example, Horowitz steers clear of anthropomorphism and disagrees with the oft-touted “pack approach” to dog training.

One Nation Under Dog by Michael Schaffer

Over the past few years, much of society has elevated the status of dogs from tolerated to celebrated, a fact that has created countless profitable pet-related industries and shaped the landscape of public spheres and private lives. In his investigation of America’s dog culture – the products, the pampering and the humans behind it all – author Michael Schaffer finds that we are indeed a nation obsessed with our “fur babies.”



The Difficulty of Being a Dog by Roger Grenier, translated by Alice Kaplan

Comprised of forty three literary essays translated from French, this isn’t your average dog book. It’s certainly worth picking up, though; lovers of literature should appreciate the poetic writing style and will enjoy learning about the connections that have been forged between various authors and their dogs. This essay collection looks at dogs with a sense of wonder and affection, something we bet many of you will appreciate.

Jessica Bush is a dog lover through and through. Not only is she a professional dog photographer, she also blogs about dogs and has three pups of her own: Singer, Sister and Judy. Jessica's blog is called Dogingham, and in addition to displaying the snapshots of her pet-enhanced life in the Birmingham area, it offers up general stories, tips and news that can be appreciated by dog lovers anywhere. 

We think Jessica does a great job with her site and we hope we have a chance to bump into her at the upcoming BlogPaws 2010 West conference for pet bloggers! Jessica will be serving as a panelist at the event; we'll be happy to hear her expert advice on how to take great pictures of our canine companions.

When did you realize that pet photography was your passion?

I began to notice a pattern of happiness. Every time I caught the personality of a friend's pet (or my own), I was beaming inside and out. Since animals don't speak, I felt that I was somehow tapping into their "inner voices" with my camera. It was the one true way I could participate in and record that connection. After that, I was hooked!
 
How did you become involved in the pet blogging community?

My first motto was "Being a dog owner has been the most rewarding experience of my life. And I want to share what I have learned with everyone."  So it was really a no-brainer. I had the images. I just needed them online. Dogingham was born.

What are the biggest challenges of being a pet photographer? What do you love about it?

The biggest challenges of being a pet photographer often has little to do with pets. There are occasions when the owner can project their fears or insecurities on their pet. And your dog or cat knows when you are uneasy. It will show in their faces and ultimately, in the images as well if you aren't careful.
 
Two favorites: I love meeting new animals! They all have such different personalities and funny quirks. Who wouldn't love a snuggle session with a puppy? Secondly, I love to meet pet owners who are not only passionate about their pet but also treat them as a family member with their health and well-being in high regard. These pet owners don't know the meaning of an "outdoor dog or cat."

When did you realize social media would become such an important part of the pet community, and what are a few of the best ways to use the tools we now have?

I can't think of any better way to further express my love of animals. Using social media allows me to connect all over the globe (as does the blog) but with socials, it's in real time. So I can send out a question such as "What has your pet taught you about life?" and get an instant response from all corners of the world.

What are you most looking forward to at BlogPaws 2010?

Meeting new friends who are driven to make the world a better place for animals. And learning from the other speakers!

Thanks for talking with us, Jessica!

Here at PetRelocation.com, we love offering up-to-date information about pet moving and travel, picking the right dog crate, etc..., but we know that the pet community is interested in learning about bigger issues and charities around the world, too. On that note, we thought we'd tell you about Amazon Community Animal Rescue, Education and Safety (CARES), an organization that works to improve life for humans and animals throughout the Peruvian Amazon. Founded in 2004 by Molly Mednikow with the goal of working to protect the stray animals so often found in this part of the world, Amazon CARES stands up for the most powerless among us.

A Tennessee native with a background in business, Molly decided to pack up and move to Peru when previous charity work brought her there a few years ago. After witnessing the tragic amount of animal suffering in cities like Iquitos, Molly decided to sell her share of her family's business and put her money where her heart was. Thus was born Amazon CARES, which would eventually become a busy and broadly-reaching charity with several ongoing projects including a vet clinic, a no-kill shelter, rescue programs and volunteer opportunities.

We’ve asked Molly, who will be attending BlogPaws 2010 West next month, to answer a few questions about her experiences, her motivations and her advice on how to become involved. Thanks, Molly, and keep up the great work!

What improvements has Amazon CARES made possible since it began?

No domestic animal welfare organizations exist in the Peruvian Amazon, with the exception of Amazon CARES.  Since 2004 we have managed to stop local governments from mass culling of street dogs via poisoning or shooting.  We also forced a traveling circus out of the city by exposing their paying people for live domestic animals to feed their tigers. The number of abandoned and sick dogs on the street is greatly reduced.  In the beginning we had to beg people to sterilize their pets. Now, whenever we have a free mobile clinic, we have to deal with crowd control!
 
You lived in Peru for four years. What was an average day like there?

I still spend months of each year in Peru, and my day is much like another person’s day.  Except that I travel to work by boat instead of car! I live on the same property as our no-kill shelter and it is comfortable but rustic. We have a generator but my hours are very much dictated by the sun.  I live surrounded by exotic trees, plants, animals, and of course, dogs. The day starts early, before the heat sets in, and the “Guardian” for the property takes me to town via a 30 minute boat ride. 

We have a modern office with air conditioning in the center of town. The veterinary clinic is operated by a great team of professionals, all Peruvian. I work at the computer in the office. I usually do not take the two hour lunch break when the office closes from 12 p.m.  to 2 p.m. However, since I live in the jungle, I have to leave early each day, by 5 p.m. at the latest, to make sure we (the Guardian and me) don’t get lost in the dark on the Amazon River.

The food at the jungle shelter is delicious. I always prefer staying there rather than in town. At night, I usually read and go to bed early.
 
What are the biggest challenges or surprises you’ve encountered since this charity began?

After the charity had been open for six months, I began to realize that I had failed to deal with cultural attitudes towards animals within the Amazon CARES staff! I just assumed they understood what I understood.  After attending a Humane Society International conference I realized that I had to teach them about animal welfare and sensitivity towards the very animals they were being paid to care for. I used to scrub the kennels because I was dissatisfied with how others did the job. However, I had not taught them the WHY behind the WHAT.  Once they understood the high risks of NOT cleaning thoroughly, they changed. 

I tried to help them see life throught the eyes of an abandoned animal, and made sure they knew that every moment spent outside of a kennel is a blessing for a dog or cat. Of course, I dealt with these same cultural differences within the Peruvian community, and changing those perceptions has taken more time, and will be a continuing effort.
 
What can the average person do to get involved in improving animal welfare?


-For a person that has NO TIME, the least they could do is shop through an animal welfare portal site.  We have one at http://www.amazoncares.we-care.com.  All you do is download a toolbar and then whenever you are on one of the MANY participating store sites, a percentage of your purchase is donated to the charity automatically.

-Another form of helping for people with little time is by donating pet food and supplies to shelters.

-Animal transport is always needed and sometimes the routes are convenient for a person anyway.

-One can be very active in helping animals without even leaving their house by utilizing the Internet to spread the word about animals in need of homes, or helpng reunite lost animals with their family.

-A great way to get outdoors and get exercise is to volunteer as a dog walker at a local shelter.

-Many people may have access to resources they are unaware of. Maybe your company is getting brand new copy machines. You might be able to influence where they end up (at local animal shelters). Maybe your boss would be willing to donate office supplies or sponsor an event for a shelter.

When did you realize social media could play such an important role in the work that you do?

I have always been an early adaptor. Heather McCallister of DIOSA Communications and her webinars and her blog have really helped me learn and stay up-to-date.  Working from Peru, I knew I had to get the word out to potential donors in the United States. Twitter is my favorite choice. I never feel like Facebook is really out to help non-profit organizations, and they are always changing their policies and formats. I knew early on that social media would be essential. In order to bring more exposure to Amazon CARES I make sure our blog focuses on our issues but is also very broad in writing about other topics, charities, etc.

We heard you’ll be attending BlogPaws 2010 West. What are you most looking forward to?

The workshops at BlogPaws are a highlight for me. They are focused and the speakers are not too self promoting.  There is a general air of sharing and learning that I have not experienced at other conferences. I also love putting a face to many names I know from social media. I am rooming with Katy McDougal of Teeny's Friends charity. Though we’ve never met in person, I already feel we are great friends!

We’re continuing our travels through the pet blogosphere in preparation for BlogPaws 2010 West, the conference we’ll be attending in just a few days. Earlier this week we interviewed Carol Bryant from FIDO Friendly Magazine as well as Dr. V. from Pawcurious.com, two bloggers and pet lovers with lots of wisdom to share.

Today we’d like to focus the spotlight on Mary-Alice Pomputius, the creator of Dogjaunt.com. Her site is devoted to dog travel, particularly from the point of view of small dogs and their owners. Mary-Alice and her husband are the proud parents of a cutie named Chloe, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who loves to hit the road with them. Packed with great information about dog flying and dog-friendly destinations as well as lots of fun stories, Dog Jaunt is a great resource for all you canine-adoring wanderers out there. 

Thanks for chatting with us, Mary-Alice. P.S., we love the new site logo!


What inspired you to start a pet blog?

Our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, named Chloe, came from a breeder in San Diego. We live in Seattle, so literally the first thing I had to do with our new puppy was take her on a two-leg plane trip. I went online to get advice, and found nothing useful. Things have improved since then, but at the time, the only available information was very general -- and I wanted detailed, step-by-step instruction!

During the first month we had Chloe, we took two additional big trips with her, and by the end of the month I had gathered a lot of information about plane and car travel that seemed too good to keep to myself. My husband, a computer guy, suggested that I put all that information into a blog. So I started Dog Jaunt, a blog for people who want to travel with their small dog -- whether it's just around town, or across the country, or around the world.
 
In all of your dog-friendly travels, do you have any particular memories that stand out?

It's fun traveling with Chloe for a bunch of reasons -- one is that it forces you to get out, on foot, and really see the area you're visiting, at the pace of a small dog. Another is that it allows you to interact with people when they're at their nicest and goofiest. I'm remembering a recent trip to New York, when Chloe and I were waiting for my husband outside a store. A large family (parents, kids, grandparent) came by, and stopped. They turned out to be from Norway, and they had a Cavalier back home, and they missed him terribly. Could they pat Chloe? Of course they could, and it was such a delight to see how happy it made them. Our entire visit was like that -- New Yorkers may be stand-offish at times, but not when you have a friendly dog attached to you.
 
Will you be attending BlogPaws 2010 West next month? If so, what are you most looking forward to?

Yes, I will! I went to the first BlogPaws this past spring in Columbus, and I'm looking forward to seeing my friends from the blogging and Twitter community. The workshops in Columbus were all high-quality, so I'm looking forward to learning more. I'm not a person who's comfortable walking into a roomful of strangers and making conversation, but attendees' dogs are allowed (encouraged!) to attend BlogPaws, and when your dog is already licking a stranger, it's much easier to introduce yourself to them. It makes for a very comfortable, friendly atmosphere.
 
When did you realize social media would become such an important part of the pet community, and what are a few of the best ways to use the tools we now have?

I was a real newbie when I began. I had no idea, until I started my blog, that there were so many other pet bloggers out there. Now I realize what a valuable resource they are, providing advice and support on every aspect of pet care. I think the most valuable thing I've done with social media is join Twitter, and start tweeting about dog travel -- there's a big population of dog lovers on Twitter, and the quick, informal messages you send on Twitter make communication very easy. There are also weekly Twitter discussion groups (a different topic each week) that you shouldn't miss, including #petchat and #dogtalk, as well as frequent #pawpawties -- Twitter fundraisers for various pet charities -- that people participate in enthusiastically.


 
Do you have any advice for people nervous about traveling with their pets?

If it's the owner that's nervous, they should read all they can, on Dog Jaunt and elsewhere, about the logistics of traveling with their pet. There's a lot of information out there, and you can get a really good idea of what your travel day will look like, and how you can make it easier on yourself and your pup. If the owner is worried that their dog will be nervous, they should buy a carrier ahead of time and introduce their pet to it slowly -- associate it with positive things by putting treats and their pet's food bowl inside, and graduate to taking your pet in it to fun places like pet stores and the dog park. Shower your dog with treats while she's in her carrier! On the day of travel, make sure you give your pet a long walk before she goes in her carrier, and consider giving the carrier a spritz of ComfortZone with D.A.P. Although sedation is discouraged for dogs traveling by plane, if you really think that your dog will need it, talk to your vet about the situation.

Earlier this week we told you about our plans to attend BlogPaws 2010 West, a conference where pet bloggers can mix, mingle and share information about blogging, pet travel and more. Because they’re a knowledgeable, pet-adoring bunch, we’ve decided to spotlight a few of the conference panelists - first we interviewed Carol Bryant from FIDO Friendly Magazine and now Dr. V., the San Diego veterinarian behind the blog Pawcurious.com, has kindly answered a few of our questions.

Dr. V. has been a small animal vet for the past eight years, an experience that has brought about some fun stories as well as many educational episodes. Many of these anecdotes have been too good to keep to herself, so she decided to start a blog that would combine her real-world experiences with a humorous outlook on life. Check out our interview below and be sure to say hi to this well-informed pet blogger if you see her at BlogPaws. Thanks for sharing with us, Dr. V.!

How do you find a balance between being a vet and being a blogger?
 
I've found both are very important to me but in very different ways. 
Being a vet is my "day job"- although I love what I do, I don't have a great deal of control over what comes through the door. Blogging is a much more creative endeavor, allowing me to talk about an interesting health topic, vent about a frustrating situation I've had to deal with, post pictures of my pet, or just do something really goofy like the Pet Doctor Barbie posts. They complement each other very well.

What inspired you to become involved in the pet blogging community?
  
When I started out, I had no idea there even was a pet blogging
community. The rewards were very immediate, though. Just a few months
after starting the blog, my beloved Golden was diagnosed with lymphoma,
and blogging through the ordeal was so helpful and cathartic. The
support I received from virtual strangers- now my friends- was immense.

I was very fortunate that soon after starting my blog, I was contacted
by Dr. Janet Crosby at AboutVetMed.com, and she took me under her wing
and introduced me to people who were involved in this community. I was
inspired by Caroline Golon (staff at Romeothecat.com) to undertake a
challenge in honor of National Shelter Pet Awareness Week, and committed
to the 24 hour blogathon where I posted once an hour for an entire day.
It wasn't a traditional sort of way to get involved, but it's been
rewarding in so many ways and I have formed some fantastic friendships.

When did you realize social media would become such an important part of the pet community, and what are a few of the best ways to use the tools we now have?
 
To be honest, my husband is much more aware of these sorts of things
than I am. He's the one who dragged me kicking and screaming to Twitter,
and now I obsessively check it on my iPhone during my lunch hour or
waiting to pick up the kids from school.

Social media offers an immediate and fast way to connect with people.
You don't need to spend hours crafting a perfect blog post, you can just
throw a question or a statement out there and get responses. I use my
Facebook to point people to my blog, but in general it's much more
useful to start freestanding conversations all on their own.

What are you most looking forward to at BlogPaws 2010 West?
 
Where do I start? Anyone who was at the April BlogPaws event will gush
about what an amazing experience it was. I feel so fortunate to have
gotten to be a part of Be the Change for Pets in April, and I'm so
thrilled we will be doing another session in September. The excitement
in the room after our presentation was palpable.

There's also a new track for veterinarians that will take place at
BlogPaws, and I'm really excited about getting to meet and network with
some fabulous vets I have gotten to know over the past two years like
Dr. Lorie Huston, Dr. Nancy Kay, and Dr. Cathy King (just to name a few!)

Any tips for attendees or bloggers in general?
  
For attendees, don't be shy about jumping on in and meeting people! (I should make note of that myself as I tend to be a little shy in large groups of people.) If you're waffling about attending, don't! You'll be glad you did. Tom, Yvonne and Caroline put together a top-notch event.
For bloggers, if you're just getting started out consider participating
in something like the Saturday Blog Hop (over at lifewithdogs.tv) to meet new bloggers. Get involved with Facebook and Twitter. Most of all,
have fun!

While we know our door-to-door pet travel services are top-knotch, we also recognize that they sometimes aren't be the best solution for everyone.  A huge factor when deciding whether or not to a pet relocation service is your anticipated budget, along with time constraints and individual travel logistics.  We often equate  the process of moving your pets with building a deck.  With the right supplies, information, planning and, yes, heavy lifting, anyone can build a deck.  However, most people don't have the time or resources to handle building a deck from scratch.  While it can cost more to hire a contractor to build a deck, ultimately you'll save yourself some struggle along the way.

But what if you simply can't afford pet travel services?  With a "Can-do!" attitude, moving your pet on your own is a possibility.  We read a post over at Wild Dingo today about a couple who moved their two dogs, Juno and Loki, from San Francisco to Geneva, Switzerland.  Their experience offered several lessons to be learned about how to move pets on your own, so we thought we'd recap them here:

1. Training, Training, Training.  While regular readers of our blog know how important it is to crate train their pets prior to travel, the Wild Dingo blog really drives the point home.  In San Francisco, to "escape the hustle and bustle of the airport" the dogs happily hopped into their crates.  They credited this with the crate "games" they'd played in advance.  Another more touchy situation came when, while going through customs clearance, one of their dogs slipped out of his collar.  Because their pets had been obedience trained, a simple "Come!" command sent their dog trotting back over to them. 
    
2. Ask for help.  In Mr. and Mrs. Wild Dingo's case, they enlisted the help of a couple of friends to drive the van with the dogs in it to the airport, while the pet owners followed behind in a rental car.  "Sure, they look a little unprofessional, but for the price of a few beers and a sushi lunch, you just can't go wrong," they wrote on their blog.  If you can't find a friend to help, there are always a lot of local pet relocation and pet taxi services who will arrange the origin (delivery to the airport) services for you.  Check out IPATA.com for a full listing.
    
3. Don't forget to have fun.  We've written a lot about how pets can pick up on your stress levels, which can often cause your pets unnecesary anxiety.  For Mr. and Mrs. Wild Dingo, their whole post recapping their pets' travel exudes a definite sense of confidence and calm, even in some particularly hairy situations!  In most of the pictures, Mrs. Wild Dingo is seen smiling and, despite a stressful situation, you can tell they were enjoying observing their pets' reactions to traveling.  This kind of attitude can make a world of difference in a pet's mental state.

We give the Dingo family an A+ for their excellent travel preparation and a fun recap to go with it!  With the right kind of attitude, even international pet moving doesn't always have to be stressful! 

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Looking for additional pet travel resources?  Check out MyPetRelocation, a free online guide to moving and traveling with your pets!

In preparation for BlogPaws 2010 West, a pet blogging conference that will take place in Denver in a couple weeks, we’re getting to know a few popular bloggers who’ve devoted their time and energy to discussing and celebrating their dog and cat companions. Get ready to learn more about some of the most active and web savvy pet lovers out there as they discuss pet travel, blogging and more – you may find that their stories, pictures and advice could come in handy.

First up is Carol Bryant, a pet owner, writer and the PR/Social Media director for FIDO Friendly Magazine. A panelist at BlogPaws 2010 West, Bryant has shaped her professional interests to accommodate the fact that she’s a smitten dog lover - she’s even choosing to drive across the country so that she can bring her cocker spaniel to the conference! Look for her there and ask how the trip was, or if you’re not going, be sure to visit the FIDO Friendly blog to keep up with the latest dog news.

Thanks for talking with us, Carol. Have you always been an animal lover? What pets do you currently have?

I grew up with a dachsund and always had a passion for dogs. Even as a little girl, I fondly remember paging through books of dogs and just gazing at the photos. I once read that you don’t pick a dog; that the dogs in your life pick you. How very true that resonated on December 19, 1993. The moment our eyes locked amidst the barking and chaos, I was hooked.

Brandy Noel ignited the passion I have for dogs in every way possible. My little girl lived 15 ripe years and we battled many illnesses together. I decided on a home-based career to be with her. Since her passing in October of 2008, little Dexter has come into my life. Dexter and Brandy are both cocker spaniels. I love them dearly and see the world through the eyes of a cocker: spunky and full of life. Oh, and I like my tummy rubbed, too.

How did your desire to become involved in the pet community turn into a career?

I'd always loved dogs and wanted to do something career-wise to make a difference in the lives of dogs. For 16 years or so, I have traveled with my dog. I loved talking to people about it, learning and reading about dogs, and then being able to help people who needed info or had a dog in need. I even started looking for lost dogs in the newspaper and successfully reunited 12 dogs with 12 grateful owners.

When the company I had worked for and was dedicated to sold out in 2009, I was part of the "let gos." I felt hurt and upset but realized it was a blessing in disguise and time to follow my heart, passion, and talents.

The magazine I work for (FIDO Friendly) did not have a strong social media presence. I came on board to create one. In addition, I am a writer, active in dog rescue, and eat, sleep, and breathe dog. My dogs rescued me. I’ve been writing as long as I’ve been speaking basically.

When did you realize social media would become such an important part of the pet community, and what are a few of the best ways to use the tools we now have?

Super question. I love to read and stay current on technology. Over the past few years, I noticed how many companies were going online, social media was growing, Facebook and Twitter were saving dogs' lives! I had to get on board that train of momentum. So I learned. And read. And learned and read some more. I took classes, applied myself, and educated myself. I talked to people in the know and made personal goals to get things done.

What you don't know: learn. Don't try to be a part of every single social media medium out there. Some may disagree with me and that's okay. What works for me is to be known in a few social media outlets than to spread myself thin in tons of them. Foster and nuture your relationships. Make connections that make sense for you and your personal and professional goals.

What are you most looking forward to at BlogPaws 2010?

Having been at April's BlogPaws Ohio, I can say I anticipate more of what I experienced and then some: networking, meeting new people and familiar faces, learning, and being able to speak at this event. It is a great opportunity for so many pet lovers to come together in the name of animals. I am driving cross country, cocker in tow, to do so!

Any tips for attendees or bloggers in general?

Absolutely. Don’t wait for people to come to you. Go out and interact. If you blog from home, that does not mean never leave the home. Mingle, network, connect, interact. Attend events. Go to conferences you can afford. Look for animal-related activities in your community. Talk to people at the dog park. Stop to smell the roses and hand out a tummy rub or two. Most of all, have a sense of humor. Look for topics daily and befriend people with similar interests. Guest blogging rocks, too. You learn a lot and expand your network. Try new things.

Hi Brandon,

Thanks for your question regarding relocating rabbits from Colorado to Malaysia!

I have some information for you, from our website: www.petrelocation.com that outlines specific rules and requirements for importing pets into Malaysia.

Regarding an estimate for the door-to-door relocation for the rabbits, I will  have an International Specialist contact you via email.  

Thanks again and hope you have a great rest of the week!
Molly

We love keeping up with all the latest online pet news (even if it's not directly related to pet travel), so we're excited to be attending BlogPaws 2010 West, a conference that will let us mingle with some of the best pet bloggers out there. This event will be held Sept. 9-11 and will feature panel discussions, networking opportunities and contests.
The most high-profile of these contests will be The Petties, awards for the top pet bloggers in four different categories. Whoever receives the most votes wins, and we all have the chance to vote. What's your favorite pet blog? Are any of them in the running for a Pettie?

Let us know if you'll be in Denver (we're always happy to talk about pet shipping or anything else pet-related), and if you can't make it, show your support for the online pet community by casting your votes for best dog blog, cat blog, cause-related blog and overall pet blog. The winners will earn bragging rights and, better yet, $500 to donate to their favorite pet-related causes.

It looks like voting ends Friday, Aug. 20, so cast your votes today. May the best blogs win!