Pet Auto Safety

Animal Haven is the largest no-kill animal shelter in the greater Kansas City area. Their euthenasia rate was only 8% in 2008 because this shelter does everything they can to reunite lost pets with their owners and to find a happy home for homeless pets - even for homeless pets with health or temperament issues.

I recently made my first visit to the shelter and really liked what I saw. The entire facility was clean. There are volunteers everywhere taking shelter dogs for a walk or socializing with the cats. Animal Haven has large outdoor pens for the dogs to get more play room during the day. (The outdoor pens are only used during the day and during fair weather conditions. The dogs are housed in comfortable indoor pens at all other times.) The area for the cats was also clean and comfortable. During the day, some were let out to wander and play in the cat play area.

Animal Haven has a wonderful veterinary team. They will treat most sick and injured animals rather than euthenize them. Animal Haven has professional dog trainers train the dogs in order to help curb some bad habits or to do basic training. The dog training really makes the dogs more adoptable.

Animal Haven has many volunteer opportunities and has lots of other pet-related services to offer. Check out their website at http://www.animalhavenkc.org.

Come visit Camp Bow Wow on Saturday, May 16, 10-2 for the Doggie-Palooza event.  Pet Auto Safety.com will be there along with Animal Haven, tinkies, Second Chance Pet Adoptions, Spay and Neuter Kansas City, and The Pet Connection.  There will be a Dog Kissing Booth where Suezanne Law with Sympawtico Dog Training, LLC will be on hand to show you how to teach your furry friend to Kiss on cue.  There will also b food, fun, and more for you and your best friend!

Camp Bow Wow is located at 1150 W. 151st, Ste D, Olathe, KS  66061.  Call 913-322-2267 for more information.

The Easter Egg-Stravaganza at Woof’s Play and Stay Pet Hotel and Groomer was a lot of fun and a great success despite the weather. Because it was raining and sleeting, the event was held indoors. But lots of dog lovers and dogs came anyway. Pet Auto Safety.com was there and so was N2Paws, Precious Pets Memorial Center, Mariposa Veterinary, and Animal Haven.

Woof’s Play and Stay Pet Hotel and Groomer will be posting photos of the event soon at http://www.woofsplaystay.com/woofs-news-events.asp. Check out their site and visit their facility. Our dog, Maya, goes there for the Pet Hotel Day Play and she absolutely loves it!

Come to the Easter Egg Event for Dogs at Woof’s Play and Stay on Sunday, April 5th from 1:30 to 4:00.  Woof’s Play and Stay is located at 1-35 and 67th St. in Merriam, Kansas.  The exact street address is 6465 E. Frontage Rd.

Bring your dog for an afternoon of fun to benefit Animal Haven.  They will have eggs with treats, gift cards, free treats and drinks for pets and pet owners, free professional pet photos, discount vaccines, pet adoptions, pet vendors (including Pet Auto Safety.com), and door prizes and givaways.

Join us for lots of doggy fun at Woof’s Play and Stay!

The GMC Acadia prevailed over two dozen other entries vying for the award.SAN DIEGO, Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ — The very attributes that make the GMC Acadia crossover one of the most comfortable and safest vehicles for people have been recognized by leading pet safety advocate Bark Buckle UP, which recently gave Acadia its Pet Safe Choice Award for 2009 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=il5A3veguX0The GMC Acadia prevailed over two dozen other entries vying for the award. Acadia features GM’s OnStar safety and security technology that includes emergency services and hands-free navigation; standard third-row bench seating for restraining pets and ample room behind the seats for pet crates; tinted windows, tri-zone climate controls and a large, power-operated sunshade for comfort; and top federal and insurance industry scores for crashworthiness.In addition, Acadia enjoys best-in-class fuel economy for owners who take their pets along for the ride, with an EPA-estimated 24 mpg highway for front-wheel-drive models.Sixty-three percent (or 71.1 million households) own a pet, according to the American Pet Product Manufacturers Association, and devoted owners spent more than $43 billion on pet products and services in 2008.”Many of our customers treat their pets like members of the family, and Acadia provides the pet-friendly safety and comfort features they are looking for,” said Cheryl Catton, executive director of advertising and promotion for Buick, Pontiac & GMC. Catton accepted the Bark Buckle UP award at the recent Chicago Auto Show, where dogs from the American Kennel Club S.T.A.R. program and the Kane County Sheriff’s Office helped demonstrate the importance of restraining pets in vehicles.”Not only does the Acadia provide first-class transport for our customers’ pets, it is filled with safety and security features that enhance pet safety — including technology such as OnStar, which can direct owners to the nearest veterinary clinic in the event of an on-road emergency,” said Catton. “In addition, GM has been a leader in urging that pets be restrained in vehicles and not be left unattended in parked vehicles.”"With so many pet owners traveling with their pets today, safety is key — not just for pets, but for humans who travel with them — to making a conscientious purchase,” according to Christina Selter, a pet safety expert and founder of Bark Buckle UP. “We believe the GMC Acadia has earned high marks in this area for its outstanding leadership in car design and function.”Selter said more pets are on the move than ever, with an estimated 300-percent jump in car travel from 2005. Unfortunately, statistics from the Traffic Safety Evaluation Guide show that 98 percent of pets ride unstrained, she said.The laws of physics mean that in a 35-mph crash, a 60-pound pet can cause an impact equivalent to 2,700 pounds, injuring itself and human occupants in the vehicle. In addition, an injured pet that is unrestrained can escape from a wrecked car, biting first responders or causing another collision.For more information on the GMC Acadia, visit www.gmc.com. To learn more about other Bark Buckle UP 2009 winners, visit www.barkbuckleup.com.General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), one of the world’s largest automakers, was founded in 1908, and today manufactures cars and trucks in 34 countries. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 244,500 people in every major region of the world, and sells and services vehicles in some 140 countries. In 2008, GM sold 8.35 million cars and trucks globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Hummer, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM’s largest national market is the United States, followed by China, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Canada, Russia and Germany. GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.SOURCE General Motors CorporationWebsite: http://media.gm.comWebsite: http://www.gm.comWebsite: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=il5A3veguX0Website: http://www.gmc.comWebsite: http://www.barkbuckleup.comContact: Debbie Frakes, Director, Buick, Pontiac and GMC Communications, 313-667-2579, debbie.frakes@gm.comMedia Bark Buckle UP, 619-239-BARK (2275) bark@barkbuckleup.com

2009 Pet Safe Vehicle of Choice 

Who Let The Dogs Out! Chicago Auto Show Goes to the Dogs 

So you’re saying Who Let the Dogs Out?  The Chicago Auto Show has truly gone to the dogs with Bark Buckle UP being featured for the second year, today announced the Pet Safe Choice Award Winners. With more then a dozen graduate dogs from the American Kennel Club S.T.A.R. puppies hopping in and out of cars, stealing the show, special first responder guests Kane County Sheriff Patrick Perez and Fire Chief John Schuldt, distinctive executives Christina Selter Pet Safety Expert-Bark Buckle UP, Cheryl Catton Executive Director of Advertising & Promotion, Buick, Pontiac & GMC, Robert Allegrini Vice President Communications, The Americas Hilton Hotels Corporation and Judi Gorman Manager Sales Promotions & Community Relations, American Airlines. The competition was colossal this year, nearing two-dozen auto manufactures registered and only ONE to take TOP DOG.“The GMC Acadia has earned the Pet Safety Award for 2009 and we’re thrilled to honor them with this distinction,” says Christina Selter, pet safety expert and founder of Bark Buckle UP.  “With so many pet owners traveling with their pets today, safety is key – not just for pets, but for humans who travel with them — to making a conscientious purchase. We believe the GMC Acadia has earned high marks in this area for their outstanding leadership in car design in function with this model.”Motorists often are simply unaware of the types of safe precautions they should take until it is too late.  An unrestrained pet can not only be injured, but can injure human passengers or first responders such as firemen.  An injured pet that is unrestrained can escape from a wrecked car, causing another collision, it can bite the first responder or be killed trying to run away.  

Consumers should know that·        in a 30 MPH accident a 60-pound pet can cause an impact of 2,700 pound·        50% of dog owners consider pet travel needs when selecting a vehicle. (APPMA)·        pet travel has increased 300% since 2005, 82% of dogs travel in the car and on vacation·        98% of dogs travel unrestrained in a moving vehicle. (Traffic Safety Evaluation Guide)·        63% of US households – 71.1 million homes - have a pet. (APPMA) 

Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Pet Safety, according to Bark Buckle UP officials awarded Hilton Hotels the Pet Safe Hotel of Choice for their recently launched PET FRIENDLY program designed to make traveling with pets easier and safer.  Pets are welcome at most Hilton Hotels & Resorts throughout the United States and Canada and in late 2008 internationally.  Each pet at check in receives special attention including food and water bowls with placemat, and an exclusive pet amenity kit complete with dog waste clean-up bags, treats, local dog runs, veterinarian and pet boutiques.  Hilton Hotels & Resorts earned Pet Safe Hotel of Choice.

American Airlines and Pet Safety, according to Bark Buckle UP officials the airline guidelines and regulations keep our pets safe.  Named Best North American Airline for 16 consecutive years, Business Traveler Readers gave American Airlines Top Honors, Global Traveler Named American Best In Domestic First Class and among some of the regulations enforced for pet safety is heat and cold if the temperature is not at regulation status pets are not aloud to fly.   America Airlines received the Pet Safe Airline of Choice.  

PetSmart and Pet Safety, according to Bark Buckle UP officials PetSmart carries the largest selection of pet travel and safety gear available and easily accessible to the public. PetSmart Inc., is the largest specialty pet retailer of services and solutions for the lifetime needs of pets.  They operate more than 1,075 stores in the United States and Canada, providing a broad range of competitively priced pet food and pet products; services including pet training, pet grooming, pet boarding and pet adoption services.  PetSmart take home the Pet Safe Retailer of Choice 2009. 

Bark@BarkBuckleUP.com for more info 

We loved the new facility at Woof’s Play & Stay. During our visit, we got to speak to the business owner and several employees. Everyone was obviously a huge dog lover. There was great food for both people and pets, fun games, and wonderful free prizes and spectacular door prizes.

We were greatly impressed with our tour of the facility. The day play areas were large and clean. An employee stood inside the play area to monitor the dogs. Cameras which can be accessed online were also monitoring the play area! We really liked this idea because we can watch our puppies online while they are having fun and playing. There were different play areas for different dogs. The dogs were put in different play areas based on their size, temperament, and activity level.

The night boarding kennels were well equipped and looked very comfortable. There were two types of rooms: The regular suites and the Penthouse suites. All the suites are private but the Penthouses offer a bit more home-like feel. The Penthouses had televisions, pet-themed wall paintings, more privacy, and luxurious bedding. One thing we liked about the night stay was that the day play was included in the cost of the overnight fee. We liked this because most boarding services charge extra for play time.

The full service grooming and spa services were also wonderful. It is a terrific way to really pamper your puppy at a reasonable cost. The Furminator de-shedding is also a great service that our own dogs could really use during those heavy shedding seasons.

Maya will be staying at Woof’s Play & Stay on Wednesday, July 30th. We will try to have a link to the online viewing so you can see her in action! For more information and pricing on the services offered at Woof’s Play & Stay, check out their website at www.WoofsPlayStay.com.

There’s a new business in town and it’s made just for dogs. Woof’s Play & Stay is a doggy day care, enhanced boarding kennel, and a pampered pet grooming facility all rolled into one. Their grand opening is this Saturday, July 26th from 11:am to 4:pm at 6465 E. Frontage Road, Merriam, Kansas 66202. Employees of PetAutoSafety.com will be there to celebrate. And we will be checking out the facility for a possible place for our own pets to stay for those times when we want to travel but can’t take our pets with us.

Sometimes taking your dog with you when you travel is not always the best thing for your best friend.  If you are flying, for example, airlines will often refuse to fly animals.  And sometimes they will not let you know this until the last moment.  This is because it is against regulations to fly animals when the weather is either too cold or too hot.  So if you want to fly to another state in the summer, your dog will probably not be able to go with you.  So what do you do?  There are many options available.  You can leave your pet (or pets) with a friend, leave them at home and hire someone to come by every now and care for your pet, or you can board them in a pet boarding kennel.  Each option has its own benefits and problems.  So before you travel, be sure to explore each one carefully.  My dog has never stayed at a boarding kennel before.  But this fall, leaving her with a friend or hiring a pet sitter may not be an option.  So I am going to check out this new Woof’s Play & Stay facility.  If you live in the Kansas City Metro Area, you are welcome to come by and visit too. Or check our blog in a few more days to see what we think.