Press Releases

TAKING THE STRESS OUT OF SUMMER TRAVEL WITH FAMILY PETS
Comfort Zone® Provides Simple Steps to Ease Vacation Plans with Pets

June 2008 –As summer approaches many families are preparing to set out on family vacations. Whether their destination is the beach, camping at a national park or a road trip across the United States, for many families the trip would not be complete without the company of their beloved pets. However, embarking on a trip with the family pet can become an extremely stressful experience for both pet and pet parent if the proper steps are not taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.

"Changes to a dog or cat's environment and normal routine, which often occurs when brought on family vacations, can cause extreme amounts of stress for these pets often leading to uncharacteristic negative behaviors," said Debra Nickelson, DVM, Central Life Sciences. "By taking the appropriate measures to prepare pets for travel and anticipating their needs during a trip many potential issues can be avoided."

Here are some easy steps to ensure a safe and comfortable trip:

For Car Travel

• Acclimate your pet to the vehicle prior to the trip to help familiarize them with this new setting and determine if problems such as motion sickness or excessive excitability occur requiring treatment from a veterinarian.
• Secure your pet in a pet seatbelt harness or carrier to ensure your dog or cat is safe in the event of an accident or sudden stop and to prevent a possible distraction to the driver.
• Keep your pet on his normal feeding schedule making sure to feed him one hour prior to departing and immediately following stopping for the day.
• Never leave your pet alone in a car. Extreme cold and hot temperatures (even if a window is left partially open) can be fatal in just a matter of minutes.

For Hotel Travel

• Most hotels will require you to provide proof of vaccinations, so be sure to have these on hand when checking-in. Call ahead to find out which vaccines are required.
• Avoid food provided by hotels. Pack plenty of your dog’s normal food and keep his eating schedule and habits as consistent as possible.
• When packing, include some of your pet’s creature comforts such as favorite bedding, toys, food dish and crate for times when he will be left unattended. These items will help your pet feel comfortable despite new surroundings.
• Utilize the “Do Not Disturb” sign when leaving the room to keep out unexpected hotel staff and leave a television or radio on at a low level to drown out unfamiliar noises and voices.

* Additional tips for traveling with pets and a directory of pet friendly accommodations can be found at www.officialpethotels.com.

Pets Included in Family Vacation Plans

"Traveling with your pet can be a wonderful experience but can also lead to added frustration if you are not properly prepared, turning a vacation into a nightmare," said Animal Planet Pet Video trainer Traci Theis. "However, if pet parents plan ahead appropriately, follow simple measures and utilize pheromone-based therapies, a fun and relaxing trip can be had by all."

All-natural pheromone based products, such as Comfort Zone® with D.A.P.® (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) for dogs and Comfort Zone® with Feliway® for cats can also be effective tools to help pets during stressful travel situations and when visiting the kennel. Comfort Zone® with D.A.P.® helps reduce stress in dogs, typically felt due to changes in their environment and normal routines, significantly reducing related negative behaviors including excessive barking, general hyperactivity and inappropriate soiling.

Comfort Zone® with Feliway® helps reduce a cat’s territorial instincts, eliminating their urge to scratch and mark — issues often seen when removed from their home. Both Comfort Zone® products are available in two applications, a spray handy for on-the-spot uses such as on a pet’s bedding, carrier or dog’s bandanna and an electric diffuser useful for helping pets adapt to their new surroundings once a final destination is reached.

Despite many pet parents’ attempts to bring their pets along for every trip and vacation, most will inevitably have to place their pet into the care of a boarding kennel at some point in time. Nickelson recommends taking the following steps to ensure trips to the kennel go smoothly:

For Trips To The Kennel

• Take a trip to the kennel prior to dropping your pet off and inspect the premises including the kennel area. Ensure that the facility is currently registered with the American Boarding Kennel Association, the facility is clean and sanitary, the staff is friendly and patient with the pets and the kennels are well ventilated and large enough for your pet’s needs.
• Be prepared to provide your pet’s proof of vaccinations and flea and tick treatment, as all kennels will require this.
• Bring your pet’s normal food from home to avoid a change in diet and a few creature comforts, such as toys and blankets, from home as the scent will help keep them calm.

About Central Life Sciences:
Central Life Sciences, distributors of Comfort Zone® with D.A.P.® and Comfort Zone® with Feliway®, combines the best of Wellmark International and Farnam Companies, Inc. Our new name — one part life and one part science — introduces an enterprise committed to discovery and innovation. Wellmark’s leadership in Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) and Farnam’s strengths as one of the pet industry leaders in the animal care field demonstrates our dedication to the health and well-being of companion animals, humans and the environment. Imagine the perfect blend of technology and market responsiveness — we did, and it’s called Central Life Sciences. For more information about Central Life Sciences or Comfort Zone® pheromone-based products call (800) 234-2269 or visit www.centrallifesciences.com and click on Farnam.