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Webvet Home Page Feed http://www.webvet.com/main This feed contains articles about Pets en-us Copyright 2010 Webvet, LLC 2010-03-01T21:35-05:00 advertise@webvet.com advertise@webvet.com Pets hourly Financial aid given for pets during slumping economy http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2173 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2173">Financial aid given for pets during slumping economy</a> Financial aid is being given by the pet company Advantage to help with preventative care during tough economic times.  Advantage is shelling out more than $250,000 in aid, dispersed in $20 vouchers.  The company hopes that pet owners will use it for preventative care for their pets, allowing them to keep the pets during tough times.  Click <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29227397/" target="_blank">here</a> for the full story. WebVet staff report WebVet staff report Pets Research will help animals find permanent homes http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2270 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2270">Research will help animals find permanent homes </a>   While animals may naturally exhibit exuberant energy or potentially destructive behaviors, some owners view these unwanted actions as a reason to give up a pet. In fact, behavioral issues are the number-one reason people relinquish pets each year. Experts who urge early intervention say small behavioral issues that go unaddressed account for millions of pets in shelters. These same experts applaud <a href="http://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/" target="_blank" title="Morris Animal Foundation">Morris Animal Foundation's (MAF)</a> research into the field. MAF works with world-renowned animal behavior expert Dr. Robert K. Anderson, diplomate of the <a href="http://www.veterinarybehaviorists.org/" target="_blank" title="American College of Veterinary Behaviorists">American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB),</a> and generous donors who are committed to finding solutions to this dire situation. Two years ago, Dr. Anderson worked with MAF to establish the R.K. Anderson Animal Behavior Endowment, which funds studies that will help us better understand behavior in companion animals. "This endowment will be critical to the advancement of behavioral knowledge," says Dr. Bonnie Beaver, an adviser to the endowment and a diplomate of the ACVB. One of the few foundations in the United States that fund behavioral research, MAF selects studies that directly impact the welfare of both pets adopted from shelters and those within homes. MAF's currently funded studies span the gamut of behavior topics from testing intake forms at shelters for better behavior assessment to identifying adoptability factors. "We need to find out the best manner in which to help owners and pets and to promote the most scientifically correct and humane training and behavior modification techniques," says Dr. Melissa Bain, president-elect of the ACVB. "We need to get the research out to veterinarians, who in turn educate their clients." Educating pet owners about behavioral issues and addressing problems early can enhance the human-animal bond, Beaver explains. Yet many pet owners are unaware of what constitutes "normal" pet behaviors or don't address concerns until problems reach unwieldy proportions. The result is an overcrowded shelter system where too many pets are <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/1535/med/0" target="_blank" title="Euthanasia in pets">euthanized</a> due to space and sometimes behavior-related issues that may not persist with new owners or could be eliminated through modification training. "I never realized how many animals were brought into the animal shelter system," says Traci Bond, a Veterinary Student Scholar whose research focuses on adoption factors. "I believe that more animal education and counseling for potential owners would be beneficial. If owners know what to expect when adopting an animal, maybe fewer animals will be dumped or brought to the shelter." Fortunately, when behavioral problems are identified and addressed early most can be mitigated, Beaver explains. The problem arises when behavioral issues fester. LEARN MORE Early intervention by experts who specialize in veterinary behavior can save lives. Find a directory of ACVB members at www.dacvb. By Heather Grimshaw for WebVet By Heather Grimshaw for WebVet Pets Canines inspire pet lovers to donate http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2269 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2269">Canines inspire pet lovers to donate</a> While the idea of funding future cures appeals to many people, pet lovers are actively pursuing implementation through grassroots fundraising efforts that support medical breakthroughs.A unique component of these efforts is that they harness the canine's innate ability to inspire and warm the hearts of strangers. From <a href="http://www.netopthedog.com/" target="_blank">Netop the painting dog</a> whose work benefits his canine brethren to <a href="http://www.webvet.com/breeds/show/id/245" target="_blank">Great Pyrenees </a>walking from Austin to Boston to raise awareness of <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=15&med=1" target="_blank">canine cancer</a>, animal health messages are being conveyed in effective-albeit nonconventional ways. "We are surrounded by dedicated pet owners who want to make the world a better place for current family members and future generations," said Dr. Patricia Olson, president and CEO of <a href="http://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/" target="_blank">Morris Animal Foundation (MAF)</a>. "It is rewarding to see our mission-to treat, cure and protect animals-championed by the very people whose lives are enriched by these animals." Though their activities differ, pet owners around the country are united in their goal to cure canine cancer, a disease that kills 1 in 4 dogs. While these personal stories will tug at your heart strings, the overture to eradicate cancer through science is empowering. April 17, 2010 marks the third anniversary of the MAF <a href="http://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/special-campaigns/ccc/" target="_blank">Canine Cancer Campaign</a>, an unprecedented effort to find a cure. With pet owners and medical experts aggressively pursuing the issue our prospects for success improve dramatically. "We've known about cancer for over half a century and that we still don't know these answers [is] unacceptable to me," writes Luke Robinson, a pet owner who took to the streets in 2008 to raise awareness about the disease after his cherished pet died of <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=107&med=1" target="_blank">Osteosarcoma</a>. In a quest coined <a href="http://www.2dogs2000miles.org/" target="_blank">2 Dogs, 2,000 Miles</a>, Robinson and dogs Hudson and Murphy seek to rid the world of cancer one city at a time. His personal and touching story is published <a href="http://www.2dogs2000miles.org/Inspiration.html" target="_blank">online</a>. The genesis for the <a href="http://www.mdt-agilityability.com/pepper.htm" target="_blank">Pepper Memorial Cancer Fund</a>, which began in 2001, is similar. The annual agility event celebrates the life of Pepper, who died of <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/276/med/1" target="_blank">lymphoma</a>. It attracts a growing number of human and canine cancer survivors who recognize the need to band together; that there is power in numbers. In Kansas, several pet owners created a non-profit group known as <a href="http://www.greylong.org/about/about.htm" target="_blank">GREYlong</a> after their pets died from diseases that have no known cure. Because the goal is "to make a difference in the lives of our companion pets today and tomorrow," GREYlong sponsors MAF health studies. The organization's name is a nod to graying dogs and the hope that pets will live long, healthful lives; an objective supported through partnerships with M&M Designs. In North Carolina, a small dog named Netop and his owner channel their artistic energies into whimsical artwork, paintings and note cards that support MAF-funded research, local humane organizations and North Carolina firefighters who used their share of the proceeds to purchase pet oxygen masks for their trucks. Birds, bears and a variety of other animals take shape among Netop's brightly-colored broad-brush strokes. Muse and mentor Jacqueline Karch describes the work as impressionist, or perhaps minimalist, and says that while Netop enjoys painting she has learned to recognize when his artistic inclination has passed. "He paints the same spot on the canvas, usually the corner and drops the brush," she said. To paint, Netop uses a two-sided plastic tool, which grips a brush previously dipped into non-toxic food colors by Jacqueline and fits into his mouth. Sessions last anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes and are followed by treats and verbal praise for the dog whose work helps countless canines thrive and survive. "He brings a lot of joy to a lot of people," said Jacqueline, a visual artist and sculptor who taught Netop to paint using "touch" training techniques. "If I had been a musician I probably would have taught him to play the piano. Netop could do anything." Indeed, his fundraising and artistic feats are impressive. Across the country, grassroots efforts - from artistic endeavors to physical feats - are raising awareness about canine cancer and funding future cures through MAF. We applaud these initiatives and encourage pet owners to participate in the ongoing effort to find a cure.     By Heather Grimshaw for WebVet By Heather Grimshaw for WebVet Pets The sex lives of ducks http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2156 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2156">The sex lives of ducks</a> Rape is not typically something you associate with those darling “duckies” who bob along the surface of the water to the delight of children and adults at the local pond. It’s a shock to discover that male ducks are the rapists of the bird world. Often, a gang of three or four of them attacks a female duck, sometimes resulting in her injury or death.  While ducks are not the only species in the Animal Kingdom to display <a href="http://webvet.com/main/article/id/2178/med/0" target="_blank" title="aggressive animal sex">aggressive sexual behavior,</a> they are the most aggressive of bird species. What could possibly be the reason for such behavior? <h4>Consenting adults</h4>Female ducks are just as interested as the next species in selecting a particularly outstanding partner for fathering their offspring. However, when a female makes her choice and ducks pair up, one or several males get left out of the mating opportunity. Since male ducks don’t share in the raising of their young, their programming doesn’t include protecting the mother of their children -- they only stick around until the eggs are laid. Their real interest is in copulating with as many females as they can get their feathers on. Competition in the insemination war is ferocious and if you’re not partnered up, any female is fair game.Why are ducks wired so differently from the 97 percent of bird <a href="http://webvet.com/main/article/id/2129/med/0" target="_blank" title="bird species with consensual sex">species who have consensual sex</a>?  The answer is that males, also known as drakes, are among the 3 percent of birds with a penis. Aquatic birds (according to one theory) may need penises to prevent their semen from being washed away. When you think about it, if you’re a bird, not having a penis makes sense. With all that flying about, it would create drag and could easily get in harm’s way. For most birds, the superior design is the joining of the individual male and female holes known as the cloaca. Sperm passes from the male to the female during “the cloacal kiss.”The need for cooperation of both parties to achieve this union has led to elaborate courtship rituals -- the call and response of bird attraction, moving the pair closer to the point of their mutual engagement.<h4>Is size really important?</h4>Ducks have enormous sex organs -- spiraling tentacles that can be as long as the drake itself. The Argentine lake duck’s phallus probably holds the record at 16 inches. If that isn’t bizarre enough, add the fact that in the fall, a drake’s genitalia will disappear, only to reappear next spring. Nobody knows why this happens.The reason for huge penises is better understood. The classic explanation is that it allows males to have sex without the cooperation of the female. However, a deeper understanding is offered by Dr. Patricia Brennan, a female behavioral ecologist. Studying these oversized phalluses led her to ask a question that no one had asked before. "So what does the female look like? Obviously you can't have something like that without some place to put it in. You need a garage to park the car."<h4>Feminine Wiles</h4>As reported in the May 1, 2007 issue of New York Times Science, Brennan concluded that the elaborate anatomy of female ducks had evolved in response to, and as a countermeasure against, aggressive males. “Once they choose a male, they’re making the best possible choice, and that’s the male they want siring their offspring,” she said. “They don’t want the guy flying in from who knows where. It makes sense that they would develop a defense.”Females protect themselves from undesired insemination through their long and complex oviduct (the equivalent of the vagina in birds). Brennan found that the vaginal tubes were not straight but had “all these weird structures, these pockets and spirals.” This served to impede the sperm’s fertilization mission; unwanted sperm could be stored in side chambers to be ejected later. The success of this design is proven by the fact that as many as one in three duck matings are rapes, but in nine out of ten of these, the offending sperm is eliminated, so 97 percent of all duck offspring are the result of the choice of the mother.<h4>Nature versus nurture</h4>As crazy as such extreme genital development seems, it makes sense in the context of an evolutionary struggle to control reproductive success. When it comes to <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/2104/med/0" target="_blank" title="Mating rituals: Birds do it bees do it">mating rituals</a>, birds are at the mercy of the purely physical solutions wrought by nature. We, on the other hand, have the ability to modify our nature with our minds and hearts. Nurture plays as significant a role as nature in our partnering. We are lucky to have behavioral choices that some of our bird-brained friends simply don’t have.<h4>Coming attractions: Pet Sex</h4>Can we talk about the <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/2164/med/0" target="_blank" title="Animal sex: doing it doggy style">sex lives of our cats and dogs</a>? Is that like talking about the sex lives of family members? Ewww! (Or would that be Mee-oww?!) By Sally Schloss for WebVet By Sally Schloss for WebVet Pets Choosing the right pet sitter http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1977 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1977">Choosing the right pet sitter</a> When searching for the right pet sitter, you ultimately must find someone you trust to care for your  dog, cat or other animal. Margaret Verghese always takes her cats, Batman and Bella, away with her on vacation rather than worry about them under the care of a pet sitter or friend. "I'd like to leave them with a friend who knows them well, but most of my friends have animals and I'm scared that they wouldn't get along," she said. On the flip side, "A pet sitter knows what to look for in case something is wrong, but they could be watching lots of pets and might expose my animals to diseases -- and ... my pets can't talk and give me a review!'' Dilemmas like Margaret's have equally tested the limits of trust with family and friends, and fueled a $3 billion pet services industry.<h4>The Friend</h4>Edmund Roberts is always quick to volunteer when a friend needs someone to look after his or her pet. "I love dogs and cats but don't own one myself, so getting to spend time with an animal is a real treat," he said. This is also beneficial for pet owners who can rest easy, knowing their animal is with someone they trust. The arrangement is sometimes not only mutually convenient, but necessary. Michelle Morganti of Reisterstown, Md., said, "My recently adopted puppy responds well only to certain people, so I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving her with a stranger, even if it is a professional.''<h4>The Professional</h4>Karen Santiago, a self-employed pet sitter in Brooklyn, N.Y., finds that she gets many clients whose loved ones back out at the last minute and look to her for reliability. "I offer to call or text message new clients the first few days so they get a little news and are assured I am actually going and caring for their pet,'' Santiago said.Though it would seem getting truthful reports about your pet from a friend would be easier, that's not always the case. Roberts finds it difficult to give 100% honest feedback. "The dogs were horrible,'' Roberts admits of his friend's two bichons. "But they're her babies and I felt bad saying anything negative about them.'' Morganti finds professionalism crucial on many levels, especially because her elderly pug requires medical attention. ''Though plenty of my friends would watch Miko, it's important that the sitter has experience administering medicine.'' While not a legal requirement, thousands of sitters are certified through various professional associations and choosing a member ensures that the sitter has completed a course of study in animal care and health issues.<h4>Making a Decision</h4>Despite the convenience, trust and affordability of casual sitters, many pet owners prefer the experience and reliability of a professional, evident as the Bureau of Labor projects the employment of animal care workers will grow 19 percent during the next decade. No matter what type of sitter one chooses, there are some essential factors to consider:<ul><li>Make sure the animal's dietary, medication, outdoor and companionship needs are clear.</li><li>Consider if a sitter is going to be as comfortable with the animal as a friend or family member who has previously spent time with it. If you're using a professional for the first time, invite him or her to your home for an introduction to your pet; this will allow you to gauge how comfortable they are with each other.</li><li>Ask for references if you are hiring professional pet sitters. </li><li>Consider whether it would be best for your animal to remain in its own environment with a visiting sitter, or if it would be in its best interest to stay in the sitter's home.</li><li>Clarify what course of action to take in the event your pet becomes ill.</li></ul> By Barbara Sharnak for WebVet By Barbara Sharnak for WebVet Pets When buying pet insurance, consider pre-existing conditions http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2159 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2159">When buying pet insurance, consider pre-existing conditions</a> Understanding pre-existing conditions is essential to purchasing the right <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2109" target="_blank">pet insurance</a> policy for your dog or cat. Although most pets have health-related issues to varying degrees, pre-existing conditions can prevent pet owners from obtaining insurance. Just as with human health insurance, the degree and cost of pet health insurance is determined by the physical condition of the animal prior to purchasing a policy.<h4>Differing definitions</h4>“I think the biggest problem among pet owners is understanding exactly what [pre-existing conditions] are and how [they] might affect their pet’s policy,” said Darren Defeo, Senior Vice President of <a href="http://www.trupanionpetinsurance.com/" target="_blank">Trupanion</a>, a Seattle-based pet insurance company.One standard in the industry is that no pet insurance company covers pre-existing conditions. However, the definition of what constitutes a pre-existing condition can differ depending on the company. “A pre-existing condition can really vary among pet insurance companies,” Defeo added. “Essentially it is any condition that happened prior to the policy. To some companies this might mean any type of congenital disorder, and to others it’s simply a condition that occurs before the policy goes into effect.”<h4>Congenital disorders </h4>Congenital disorders are ailments that animals are born with and can arise at any time during the life of a pet. <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=55&med=1" target="_blank">Hip dysplasia</a>, for example, which occurs in larger dogs, is rarely covered under most policies. Reputable pet insurance companies should list any congenital disorders that are not covered upfront.It is the responsibility of the pet owner to research and understand what ailments are “breed specific” to their animal and inquire as to what will and will not be covered should the need for medical treatment arise.<h4>Adoption and insurance</h4>For pet owners who adopt, pre-existing conditions can present a significant obstacle when buying insurance. In some cases medical records are not available or are not comprehensive enough to evaluate the health of an animal before buying a policy.Michael Day and his wife, Cindy, are currently shopping for insurance for their two adopted Newfoundlands, Echo and Lani. The Days have adopted a total of four Newfoundlands during their marriage and have spent thousands on medical care for the dogs through the years.“It’s not just a cost thing,” said Day, who does not have children and considers his dogs part of the family. “We want to make sure that certain illnesses that are breed-specific are covered.”After paying “out of pocket” for blood work, knee surgeries, emergency room visits, and a particularly expensive heart procedure, the Days have become educated on what illnesses their particular breed of dog is prone to, and are factoring that experience into their search for the right policy.<h4>Asking the right questions</h4>“I want a company that realizes that we are responsible pet owners,” Day said. “We are willing to pay for comprehensive coverage, but we want to make sure that there are no surprises. The customer service has to be seamless.”Like Day, educating yourself on your pet’s medical history and asking the right questions can eliminate problems with coverage down the road. As insurers strive to be “transparent” with their policies, pet owners need to be as diligent when shopping for pet insurance in order to provide the best coverage for their animals. By Tom Kent for WebVet By Tom Kent for WebVet Pets Essentials for hitting the road with your dog http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2007 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2007">Essentials for hitting the road with your dog</a> Planning a vacation or relocating with pet family members? You are not alone. During the past three years, more than 29 million U.S. adults have taken a road trip of 50 miles or more with an animal companion, the Travel Industry Association reports.Packing for your own needs can be confusing. What will the weather be like? Where will we stay? You also need to plan for your pet's safety and comfort. Here are some expert tips for hitting the road.<h4>Before the trip</h4><ul><li>Consult your vet. Make sure your dog is physically and mentally equipped to handle the journey, particularly if it's long. Identify medications in the event of carsickness, diarrhea, or anxiety in your dog. Ask about the risks of fleas, heartworm, Lyme disease, giardia, and ticks in your planned travel zone.</li><li>It's essential for dogs to wear a <a href="/admin/controlPanel/Essentials%20for%20hitting%20the%20road%20with%20your%20dog" target="_blank">safety belt, harness, tether</a>, or other protective accessory while riding in a vehicle. Short walks with the harness will get dogs accustomed to wearing it. End each walk with a treat.</li><li>Gather relevant medical information on your dog such as a health certificate and list of vaccinations. Obtain recommendations for animal hospitals and veterinarians along the way.</li><li>Assemble a first-aid kit or buy one -- available at pet stores, vet offices and on the Web.</li><li>Make sure dogs have a current tag, microchip, or both. Make sure you have your pet's rabies tag and license numbers written down. Take along a photo in case they get lost so it will be easier to find them.</li></ul><h4>What should I pack?</h4><a href="http://bringyourpet.com/" target="_blank">BringYourPet.com</a> is one of many Web sites offering current listings of pet-friendly accommodations. This site suggests bringing along some of the following on your journey:<ul><li>Leash and extra collar</li><li>Old sheet or blanket for under the carrier for easier cleanup</li><li>Sheets to cover furniture where you intend to stay</li><li>Your pet's own bedding</li><li>Two gallons of drinking water from home</li><li>Food and water bowl set</li><li>Treats</li><li>Toys or chew items</li><li>Brush or comb and lint remover</li><li>Waste-removal bags</li><li>Old towels, disinfectant spray, and trash bags for accidents</li><li>Flashlight for late-night walks</li></ul>Bring enough of your dog's favorite food. You may not be able to find the same brand on the road.<h4>Pet travel market expands</h4>Two-thirds of pet owners travel with their pets these days, according to Packaged Facts, a marketing research firm. With the overall pet supply market projected to surpass $11 billion in revenues by 2009, look for an increasing number of convenient products to make traveling with pets more enjoyable.According to the Travel Industry Association, dogs are the most common pet passengers at 78 percent. Cats are a distant second at 15 percent; with small animals, such as ferrets and rabbits, at 3 percent; and birds at 2 percent. Favored modes of transport are, not surprisingly, cars and trucks, 76 percent. <h4>Music soothes the savage beast</h4>Consider packing some of your dog's favorite CDs. It has been scientifically proven that some music relaxes dogs, and a selection of music specifically for dogs, including "Through a Dog's Ear - Music to Calm Your Dog in the Car,'' is available on Amazon.com. Canine audiophiles seem to prefer this relaxing collection over Ray Charles' "Hit the Road, Jack.'' By Marilyn Soltis for WebVet By Marilyn Soltis for WebVet Pets Pet custody battles: Who gets the Chihuahua http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1919 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1919">Pet custody battles: Who gets the Chihuahua</a> Pet custody battles are becoming more and more common. While <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1347" target="_blank" title="Dogs and dating: how your pet can help you find love">dating with your dog</a> can help start romantic relationships, what happens when the dog is caught in the middle of the break-up? When married pet owners divorce, the animal they shared often finds itself at the center of their split. Monthly support payments, visitation rights, restraining orders, custody battles and legal fees: Sounds like the usual bitter divorce battle, right? Not so fast. This time Kramer v. Kramer also stars Missy the chihuahua, Sable the Keeshond, and Barney, a golden retriever-Lab mix. Welcome to the brave new world of <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2133http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2133" target="_blank" title="Pet mediators help with pet custody">animal custody law</a>. When Dr. Stanley and Linda Perkins began their divorce proceedings in San Diego County, Calif., it was unlikely that either of them anticipated a two-year custody battle over their dog, Gigi. And it's hard to imagine that Jennifer Kidwell of Montgomery County, Md., ever thought she would wind up spending $20,000 to keep possession of Sable, her 9-year-old Keeshond, two years after her divorce. But pet custody battles are no longer a rarity. <h4>A new trend</h4>According to an article on the <a href="http://www.aldf.org/" target="_blank" title="Animal Legal Defense Fund">Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) </a>Web site, in a divorce, the law has traditionally regarded a pet as just another item of property, like a sofa or a lamp. Under this principle, to speak about custody of a pet is as absurd as speaking about custody of a lamp. Ownership, rather than custody, is the appropriate term. This is still the general rule. But in recent years, many courts have begun to recognize that animals are conscious, feeling beings who should not be treated merely as pieces of property. Accordingly, there has been a growing tendency among judges to consider the best interests of the pet in making custody decisions. And even when applying the traditional pet-as-property rule, some courts are coming to recognize that different criteria should be applied to <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/1339/med/0" target="_blank" title="How animal law protects pets">disputes over pet custody</a> than are applied to disputes over the ownership of a car or a coffee pot. <h4>Are things out of hand?</h4>Resolving these disputes in the context of divorce proceedings can lead to some extreme results. Some disputes over pet custody are fought with the same bitter determination -- and high legal fees -- as child custody cases. Veterinarians who specialize in animal psychology have been hired to testify as expert witnesses in order to persuade a judge that one or another spouse has the closer bond with the pet and should therefore be awarded custody. Adding the issue of pet ownership to the other emotionally charged issues of the typical divorce case is certain to make an already difficult, unpleasant, and expensive process even worse.<h4>What should I do if...</h4>The ALDF offers some practical advice for those who find themselves in a pet custody dispute. Here are some things to keep in mind:<ul><li>Divorce litigation is unpleasant enough without fighting over a pet. Talk to your spouse and try to work out an amicable arrangement.</li><li>If you have children who are attached to your pet, it may be best for the pet to go where the children go. </li><li>If the pet belonged to you before the marriage, you are more likely to be awarded possession.</li><li>It will work to your advantage if you can show the court that you have been the animal's principal caretaker and will have the time to properly care for it.</li></ul>ABOVE ALL: Consult an <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/1343/med/0" target="_blank" title="animal law attorney">animal law attorney </a>in your state who can properly advise you. The general remarks above are not intended as a substitute for expert legal advice.  By Peter Lopatin for WebVet By Peter Lopatin for WebVet Pets Airline travel with pets http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1989 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1989">Airline travel with pets</a> If you are planning to <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1584" target="_blank" title="A pet-friendly vacation: tips for a safe journey">travel by air with your pet</a>, make sure to check with the airline well in advance of your trip to learn of any specific travel requirements.  If you are flying on an airplane  going  internationally, also check with your destination country for any pet-related requirements.  Health certificates are often necessary to travel with your dog, cat or other pet, and some countries require a period of quarantine for your pet on its arrival.Before traveling with your pet, make sure to visit your veterinarian for a complete physical and to make sure that your pet is up to date on all <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=98&med=1" target="_blank" title="Vaccinations">vaccinations</a>.  You may need to obtain a signed health certificate, which can take additional time.<a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2048" target="_blank" title="Everything you need to know about shipping your pet">Whey flying your pet, safety is paramount</a>.  Check with your airline to be sure your pet carrier is an "airline-approved" crate.  Familiarize your pet with the carrier before your travel date to minimize stress.  The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around freely, but not so large that your pet can be tossed about during turbulence.  It must be well-ventilated, with walls that cannot be crushed, and have a sturdy carrying handle.  Follow all instructions for securing and identifying your pet and its crate during travel.Small pets can travel in the cabin with their owners.  Your carrier must be able to fit under the seat, and your pet cannot be allowed to disturb other passengers.  Most airlines charge an additional fee for transporting pets, whether the pet is traveling in the cabin with its owner or in the baggage compartment.You should book direct flights if at all possible!  Doing so will avoid the possibility of a missed baggage connection or your pet being exposed to extreme temperatures.  You should avoid airline travel when your pet may be exposed to (ground) temperatures below 40ºF (4 C) or above 80ºF (21 C).  Consider traveling at non-peak times so that baggage handlers will have the most time to handle your pet carrier.Airline travel may pose a risk for pets that have a medical problem, such as kidney or heart disease. Short-faced breeds of dogs (eg, English bulldogs, Boston terriers, Pekinese, etc) and cats (eg, Himalayans, Persians and Exotic Shorthairs) do not travel well in certain situations.  Discuss these issues with your vet before traveling.Do not feed your pet within 6 hours of a flight to reduce the possibility of vomiting.  However, water should be available to your pet at all times, including inside the carrier.  Do not tranquilize your pet without specific instructions from your vet.  Remember to take your pet's regular food and any needed medications on your trip.Many <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/2017/med/0" target="_blank" title="pet-friendly lodging">lodging facilities accommodate pets</a>, but be sure to check pet policies and make arrangements well in advance of your travel date. Susan E. Aiello, DVM, and John A. Bukowski, DVM, MPH, PhD Susan E. Aiello, DVM, and John A. Bukowski, DVM, MPH, PhD Pets