HOUSTON and AUSTIN, Texas, July 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) and PetRelocation.com are reminding holiday and summer travelers to protect their pets from extreme summer heat during travel. The following guidelines will help pets stay safe and cool when flying this summer season:
- Choose the pet's airline carefully. Make sure the airline has a plan in place to protect animals from the heat, like climate-controlled vans and airport kennels. Continental Airlines provides this as part of their PetSafe program.
- To allow increased air flow, purchase a pet travel crate that has ventilation on all four sides and is one size larger than the typically recommended size. PetRelocation.com's educational video series offers advice on picking out the right pet travel crate: http://tinyurl.com/travelcrates or travelers can access Continental Airlines' website for details on 'how to measure your pet:' http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/content/travel/animals/petchecklist.pdf
- Acclimate the pet to his travel crate ahead of time. A pet that is comfortable with being in a travel crate will experience less stress, allowing him to breathe steadily and release heat more quickly from his body. Pet owners can watch a video on crate training at PetRelocation.com: http://tinyurl.com/travelcrates
- Professional under-coat grooming, rather than shaving, will keep long-haired pets cooler without removing the natural insulation that pet coats provide from the heat.
- Avoid putting thick blankets or beds in the travel crate as they restrict airflow and hold in heat. Instead use newspaper or absorbent puppy potty-training pads.
- Freeze water in the crate bowls the night before travel. As the ice melts, it will ensure the pet has water throughout the trip and will prevent water from spilling.
For daily advice and information on moving, traveling and flying with pets, visit the PetRelocation.com blog: http://blog.petrelocation.com or contact Continental's PetSafe Desk by dialing 1-800-575-3335 or +1-832-235-1541.
About Continental Airlines:
Continental Airlines is the world's fifth largest airline.
