Flying with Fido

Who knew that jet-setting doggies needed to learn their manners before traveling? In a new article for GoNOMAD.com, travel blogger Jason R. Rich describes the ins and outs of airplane travel with his small dog, and provides readers with an airline by airline guide to carry-on dog policies.
Enjoy the excerpt below:

Dog Etiquette

On the day of your flight, show up to the airport two hours early for a domestic flight. You’ll probably need extra time at the ticket counter and to get through security with your small dog.

Instead of using the automated kiosks most airlines now have at their respective airport ticket counters, when traveling with your dog, you must check-in in-person, pay your pet’s airfare, and show the required paperwork related to your pet’s health.

Before entering the airport terminal, walk your dog. Once you pass through airport security, you’re technically not allowed to remove your dog from his carrier within in the airport, or at anytime aboard the aircraft.

What you do, however, within the airplane’s lavatory is your own business. During long flights, it’s a good idea to allow your dog to stretch out and take a small drink of water to avoid dehydration, which can be done in the privacy of the airplane’s lavatory. You might consider bringing along a disposable wee wee pad for your dog to use on extremely long flights.

See Spot Run

Spring has finally started to show its true colors in the New England area and after this past weekend of some warmer weather, people are finally going outside. Humans however, are not the only species ready to enjoy the sun... no our four legged friends are just as excited to get out of the house where they were cooped up all winter.

Today in the Boston Globe there is an excellent article on places all over New England where people AND pets can go. Check out a few of the places below from the article 11 places to roam with Rover

1. CAMP GONE TO THE DOGS, MARLBORO AND STOWE, VT.

Camp has gone beyond kids and adults, now it's for dogs too. At this camp you and your dog train in verdant fields with homemade meals and on-site veterinarians. And you get to bunk together. campgonetothedogs.com.

2. BRIDGE OF FLOWERS, SHELBURNE FALLS (my hometown!)

I can put in a few words of my own here --- a beautiful town, small and quaint with lots of art and sights to see. The Bridge of Flowers is a huge draw for the town which has over 24,000 visitors, many accompanied by four-legged friends. The Bridge of Flowers was built 100 years ago and many years later money was raised to turn the bridge into a suspended garden of sorts. Shelburne Falls Attractions

5. DOG MOUNTAIN GALLERY AND CHAPEL, ST. JOHNSBURY, VT.

Canines and art, a marriage centuries old. Here you see dog-inspired woodcuts, sculpture, furniture, and a children’s book by folk artist Stephen Huneck, who owns and operates the gallery and chapel on a 175-acre hillside in the Green Mountain State. Visitors are encouraged to post their memories and photos of their late pets on the chapel walls. The lively ones who succeeded them are welcome to frolic on the hilly landscape. dogmt.com

Please check out the rest of the places where dogs and people can walk free at the Boston Globe