As associates at McGuiness Norris and Williams in DC, Bill and Dr James Holt worked closely together on several AKC issues and Bill’s former experience as Chief Counsel of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture and Chief Legislative Counsel and Chief of Staff to Senator Thad Cochran proved invaluable to us.

A registered lobbyist, Bill specializes in federal government relations, and represents businesses and other organizations with public policy interests before the US Congress and federal executive branch agencies.

Planning and preparation are necessary when traveling with family pets. Consider whether your pet is comfortable when traveling. Some animals, like some people, function better in familiar surroundings. A car-sick animal can make a trip miserable for everyone. Some dogs and cats cannot withstand the rigors of travel due to illness, injury, or temperament. If this is the case, discuss options such as using a reliable pet-sitter or a clean, well-managed boarding facility with your veterinarian.

If you will be staying with friends along the way, be considerate. Find out in advance if the pet is welcome. The same goes for hotels, motels, parks, and campgrounds. Always check whether pets are allowed or kennel facilities are available. If the pet must be left alone in a hotel room, place a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door and inform the maid and the front desk. Consider bringing along a portable kennel for use in hotel rooms or the homes of friends or relatives who are not comfortable having your pet loose when no one is home.

A few general tips apply whether you travel by car or plane. Be sure your pet is properly identified with a current tag and/or a microchip. Grooming (bathing, combing, trimming nails) before a trip, plus having its favorite food, toy(s), and dishes available will make your pet more comfortable. Have proof of rabies vaccination and a current health certificate with you when crossing state or international borders. Keep a photo of your pet with you to help with identification in case your pet is lost.

Before undertaking any trip, consult your veterinarian to be sure that all required vaccinations are up-to-date and to receive a health certificate within ten days of travel.

Travel by Air

Air travel is of most concern to pet owners. The airlines sometimes update their regulations on pet travel including restrictions on breeds and size, and may charge for checked kennels. Most airlines require a health certificate issued within 10 days prior to travel. Check with the airline well in advance for their current regulations. Many of the major airlines allow cats and small dogs to travel in specially designed carry-on luggage that will fit under the seat.

Federal regulations require that pets be at least 8 weeks old and weaned at least 5 days before flying. Always try to book a nonstop flight and avoid plane changes and busy holidays whenever possible. During warm weather periods, choose early morning or late evening flights. In colder months, choose midday flights. Regulations associated with the Federal Animal Welfare Act prohibit airlines from accepting dogs and cats for shipment if the airline cannot prevent exposure of the animal to temperatures less than 45 degrees F (7.2 C) or more than 85 degrees F (29.5 C) for more than 45 minutes when the animal is transferred between the terminal and the plane, or for more than 4 hours when the animal is in a holding facility. However, the prohibition against exposure to temperatures below 45 degrees F is waived if a veterinarian provides an acclimation certificate stating that the dog or cat can be exposed to lower temperatures. Your veterinarian cannot give a certificate allowing exposures to temperatures above 85 degrees F for more than 45 minutes. Brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs may have more difficulty with air travel.

Reconfirm your flight arrangements the day before you leave to ensure there have been no unexpected flight changes. Arrive at the airport early, exercise your pet, personally place it in its crate, and pick up the animal promptly upon arrival at your destination. When boarding the plane, let the flight attendant know that your pet is in the cargo hold. If your pet will be traveling with you in the cabin, arrange to check in as late as possible to reduce the amount of time your pet will have to spend in the busy terminal.

Defective kennels are the most common cause of escaped or injured animals during air travel. Approved transport crates, available from most airlines or pet shops, must:

• Be large enough to allow the animal to stand (without touching the top of the cage), sit erect, turn around, and lie down in a natural position.
• Latch securely.
• Be strong and free of interior protrusions, with handle or grips.
• Have a solid, leak-proof bottom that is covered with plenty of absorbent material.
• Be appropriately and clearly labeled. Include your name, home address, home phone number, and destination contact information, as well as a designation of "Live Animals," with arrows indicating the crate's upright position. In addition, carry your pet's photo and health information with you on the plane for easy identification in the event the cage label is lost.
• Be adequately ventilated so that airflow is not impeded.

Before leaving on your trip, take time to accustom your pet to the crate in which it will be traveling.

Ask your veterinarian for specific feeding instructions. For your pet's comfort, air travel on an almost empty stomach is usually recommended. The age and size of your pet, time and distance of the flight, and your pet's regular dietary routine will be considered when feeding recommendations are made. It is recommended that you not give tranquilizers to your pet when traveling by air because they can increase the risk of heart or respiratory problems.

Travel by Car

If your pet is not accustomed to car travel, take it for a few short rides before your trip so it will feel confident that a car outing does not necessarily mean a trip to the veterinarian or an unpleasant destination. Cats should always be confined to a cage or in a cat carrier to allow them to feel secure and prevent them from crawling under your feet while you are driving.

A dog that must ride in a truck bed should be confined in a protective kennel that is fastened to the truck bed. Dogs riding in a car should not ride in the passenger seat if it is equipped with an airbag, and should not be allowed to sit on the driver's lap. Harnesses, tethers, and other accessories to secure pets during car travel are available at most pet stores. Accustom your dog to a seatbelt harness by attaching a leash and taking your dog for short walks while wearing it. Offer your dog a treat and praise at the end of the walk to associate a positive experience with wearing the harness. Pets should not be allowed to ride with their heads outside car windows. Particles of dirt or other debris can enter the eyes, ears, and nose, causing injury or infection.

Stick to your regular feeding routine and give the main meal at the end of the day or when you reach your destination. Feeding dry food will be more convenient, assuming your pet readily consumes it. Dispose of unused canned food unless it can be refrigerated. Take along a plastic jug of cold water in case other reliable water sources are not available. Give small portions of food and water and plan to stop every two hours for exercise. Remember to include a leash with your pet's traveling supplies. If your dog is has a problem with carsickness, your veterinarian can prescribe medication that will help the dog feel comfortable during a long car trip. Pets should not be left unattended in cars.

Travel by Bus or Train

Most states prohibit animals from riding on buses and similar regulations restrict travel on trains. Exceptions are made for guide and service dogs accompanying blind and disabled persons. Consult your local carriers in advance for information.

Camping With Pets

Traveling to country settings with your pet presents its own challenges. Skunks, raccoons, porcupines, snakes, and other wildlife can bite or otherwise injure your pet. Keep your pet within sight and on a leash. Be considerate of other campers. Be sure to ask your veterinarian about flea, tick, and heartworm prevention before you leave.

Additional Pet Travel and Health Tips

• When traveling by car, pack a simple pet first-aid kit that includes assorted bandages, antiseptic cream, an antidiarrheal medication that is safe for pets (ask your veterinarian to suggest a product), gauze squares, and the phone numbers of your veterinarian, a national poison control hotline, and a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital
• In addition to a standard identification tag (which should be labeled with your name, home address, and phone number), your pet's collar should include a travel tag with information on where you are staying while away from home. Should your pet become lost, this will allow you to be contacted locally.
• Perform a daily "health check" on your pet when away from home. In unfamiliar surroundings, your pet's appetite, energy, and disposition may change. Watch for unusual discharges from the nose and eyes, excessive scratching or biting of any body part, abnormal elimination, or excessive water consumption. Visit a local veterinarian if you are concerned about any physical or behavioral changes.

Showhall:
VFW Hall
5303 16th Street
Orange, TX  77630

Judges:
Edwards(A, Kovic(A, Harrison(A, Jones(A, TBA(SP),Savant(A, Mays(A, Whyte(A, TBA(A, TBA(SP)

Entry Clerk:
Sherry Kern
111 Caywood South, Lumberton, TX 77657
409-755-0447
kernelkatz@yahoo.com

Showhall:
Grand Resort Hotel and Convention Center
3171 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN  37863

Judges:
Chappetta(SP), E.Hammond(SP), M.Hammond(SP), S.Smith(SP),
Higgins(SP), Whyte(SP), Chisholm(SP), Manning(SP),
Savant(A, Ray(A, Webb(A, Whyte(A

Entry Clerk:
Kim Chenault
1816 Boesel Ave., Kettering, OH 45429
937-367-4995
KChenault@yahoo.com

Info:
Stephanie Smith, 423-261-2049, holyfold@yahoo.com

Showhall:
First National Bank Exhibition Hall, Larimer County Fairgrounds
5280 Arena Circle
Loveland, CO

Judges:
Becknell(A, Yamada(A, H.DeVilbiss(A, Jacobsen(SP),
Kovic(A, Yamada(SP), Fisher(A, Mattingly(A

Other:
1 day, 8 ring alternative format show. 6 Allbreed, 2 Specialty rings.

Info:
Jackie Rose, cuddlebugpersians@msn.com

Showhall:
Mary Winspear Center
2243 Beacon Avenue
Sidney, B.C., Canada  V8L 1W9

Judges:
Patrick(A, Barrett(A, Rhea(A, Hawksworth-Weitz(A,
Patrick(SP), Barrett(SP), Rhea(SP), Hawksworth-Weitz(SP),
Patrick(A, Barrett(A, Rhea(A, Hawksworth-Weitz(A,
Burch(SP), Crockett(SP), Judge(SP)

Entry Clerk:
Lucy Robinson
lucy_robinson@worldnet.att.net

Other:
Alternative format; limited to 125 cats.

Info:
Alan and Marilyn McCorkindale, 250-642-2915

Flyer:
http://www.tinamcpeak.com/2008showhome.htm

Info:
Yumeko Katoh, 028-627-2050, yume_co@c9cc.org

Showhall:
Central Texas Room, Amon G. Carter Exhibits Building, Will Rogers Memorial Complex
3401 W. Lancaster Avenue
Fort Worth, TX  76107

Entry Clerk:
Cheryl Hogan
8800 Summit Point Ct., Ft Worth, TX 76179-3180
817-236-8111
Fax: 817-236-8248
Cheryl@glory2glory.com

Other:
8 Rings (6 Allbreed, 2 Specialty)

Info:
Joe Edwards & Caroline Fralia, 817-926-7822, Fralia@aol.com
http://www.ftworthfeline.org

Showhall:
West Warwick Civic Center
100 Factory Street
West Warwick, RI  02893

Judges:
F.Hicks, Madison, E.Hammond, M.Hammond, Knapp, Webb, Seliskar, S.Smith, Sessler, Manning

Entry Clerk:
David Nudleman
516-599-1708
brightstonerags8@aol.com

Other:
10 rings, all Specialty.

Info:
Clint Knapp, 860-267-0496, pentaclecats@sbcglobal.net

Flyer:
http://www.twocatsweb.com/mysticats

Showhall:
Arcadia Masonic Center
50 W. Duarte Road
Arcadia, CA  91007

Judges:
Ritzinger(A, Portelas(A, H.Roberts(SP), J.Roberts(SP),
Ritzinger(SP), H.Roberts(A, J.Roberts(A, Chisholm(SP)

Other:
Alternative format one-day show.

Info:
Don Wright, 562-697-2389, doggonrite@gmail.com
http://socalexotica.com/

Showhall:
School Arts Building, Expo New Mexico
300 San Pedro Blvd. NE
Albuquerque, NM  87198

Judges:
Tullo(A, Shields(A, Kajon(A, Unangst(A, Jacobsen(SP),
Harrison(A, Jones(A, Cunningham(A, Anderson(A, Stinson(SP)

Entry Clerk:
Jeane Camarena
jeane@webekatz.com

Info:
Pat Harding, 505-298-4513, catharding@cs.com
http://enchantedcatclub.com/felinefiesta.htm

Click Here for more information

What's special about cats?

Cats make wonderful companions. Their entertaining antics and affectionate behaviors have endeared these animals to millions of owners for thousands of years. Easily house-trained and relatively low maintenance, cats make good indoor pets and most will readily adapt to a variety of environments.

What choices do you have in cats?

Purebred and mixed-breed cats come in a variety of shapes (head, ears, body, and tail), sizes, colors, personalities, and hair coats. Purebred cats have been selectively bred to enhance certain physical and behavioral characteristics that some owners find desirable, while mixed-breed cats have varied characteristics and also make wonderful pets. Veterinarians, cat fancy associations, and cat shows are good sources of information about the physical characteristics, personalities, and needs of various breeds.

What are the special needs of cats?

Feeding, exercise, play, and elimination are daily needs that must be met if you want a healthy, happy cat. Some purebred and mixed-breed cats have long and/or thick hair coats that require daily grooming to prevent matting and skin irritation. If you're not prepared to provide daily grooming, consider a short-haired variety that can take care of most of its own grooming needs. To reduce the risk of injury and disease, cats should always be kept indoors. A cat's litter box must be kept very clean so that the cat continues to use it. If there are multiple cats within the home, multiple litter boxes should be available in several locations.

Who will care for your cat?

Does a cat fit into your lifestyle?

Cats can adapt to most living situations if proper housing, food, grooming, and exercise are provided. To help decide if a cat is the right pet for you, answer the following questions:

• Do you rent or do you own your home? If you rent, does your lease allow you to keep a cat?
• How long is your work day? Do you frequently have obligations after work that would interfere with caring for your kitten or cat?
• Do you travel? Who will care for your pet in your absence?
• If you have multiple pets, will adding another cause you to violate restrictions on the number or types of pets where you live? Will your new cat get along with your existing pets?
• Do any family members have allergies to pet hair or dander?

Should you get a kitten, or an adult cat?

Kittens require additional time for litter box training and socialization, as well as more frequent feeding and supervision. If you can't make this commitment, consider purchasing or adopting an adult cat that is most likely litter trained and will usually adapt well to a new home.

Can you afford a cat?

The purchase price for a cat can vary tremendously by breed and source, and will just be your initial expense. Cats need high quality food, proper housing, mental stimulation (e.g., toys, playtime), and regular visits to a veterinarian for preventive care. Other costs may include emergency medical treatment, grooming, boarding, identification, licensing, sterilization (spaying or neutering), and accessories. Today, pet health insurance is readily available and may help you defray unexpected expenses resulting from illness or injury.

Where can you get a cat?

Purebred kittens and cats can be purchased from reputable breeders. Both mixed-breed and purebred kittens and cats can be adopted from animal shelters and rescue organizations. If you obtain your cat from a shelter, discuss with shelter personnel what they have observed about the cat's personality and try to learn why the cat was given up. Some kittens and cats are in shelters because of family lifestyle changes (e.g., moving, new baby), but others are given up because of chronic health or behavioral conditions that you might not want to manage. Some conditions may be treatable, but this will require additional investments of time and money.

What should you look for in a healthy cat?

A healthy kitten or cat has clear, bright eyes and a clean, shiny haircoat. It should not appear thin, overly fat, or show signs of illness, such as nasal discharge or diarrhea.

When choosing a cat, pick one that is active, inquisitive, and seeks affection and attention from people. Sometimes cats are uncomfortable in noisy or unfamiliar environments, so keep that in mind during your evaluation. An adult cat should allow handling and petting without hissing or scratching. A kitten should purr and be relaxed when picked up and handled. The best age at which to obtain a kitten is when it is between 7 and 9 weeks old. Your veterinarian can also provide information about health conditions and behaviors that may be common in a particular breed you are considering.

What must you do to prepare for your cat?

Before bringing your new cat home, prepare places for it to eat, sleep, and eliminate. Purchase necessary accessories such as a litter box, litter, toys, and food and water bowls. Pet-proof your home by keeping toxic chemicals and plants out of reach, and make sure windows are securely screened when open so that your cat cannot escape. Be sure to provide appropriate scratching materials, such as a scratching post, so your cat can stretch and sharpen its claws without damaging your furnishings.

Plan to spend time training your cat so that it becomes comfortable with handling and grooming, and learns how to play and interact with people. Provide different kinds of play with a variety of toys, balls, or even a climbing tower. Kittens need frequent attention to socialize them to people and acquaint them with new things and experiences. Careful supervision also helps the kitten learn the rules of the household.

If you already have a cat and wish to add another, matching personality types may help the transition go more smoothly. For example, quiet cats should be matched with those of similar temperament. When another cat or kitten enters the home, introductions should proceed slowly with periods of isolation and separation until each cat learns to accept the other. If problems arise, consult your veterinarian for help.

Appropriate toileting areas are essential when multiple cats live together. This means at least one litter box per cat in more than one location. Food, water bowls, scratching posts, and resting areas should also be spaced throughout the home.

To ensure they live long, healthy lives, cats require regular veterinary medical checkups. Ask your veterinarian about a vaccination program and other preventive medical care appropriate for your cat's lifestyle and to protect against disease risks in your area. Your veterinarian can also help you learn how to detect subtle signs of illness, since cats are good at concealing when they don't feel well

When you acquire a pet, you are making a promise to accept responsibility for the health and welfare of another living creature for its lifetime. You also agree to be responsible for your pet's impact on your family, friends, and community. Choose your pet wisely, keep your promise, and enjoy one of life's most rewarding experiences!

Kitten Tips

• Seven to nine weeks is considered the ideal time for a kitten to move into a new home.
• Spaying or neutering your new pet is an important part of responsible pet ownership. Talk to your veterinarian about the best time to have your kitten spayed or neutered to prevent unwanted litters.
• When possible, meet the kitten's parents — their physical and behavioral characteristics may provide a clue as to how your kitten will be as an adult.
• If you already have a pet (or more than one pet) and plan to get a cat, remember that your other pets may be less enthusiastic about your new addition than you are Ask your veterinarian about the best ways to introduce your pet to its new animal family.
• String is NOT a good toy for cats. If a cat eats string (or ribbon), it can develop life-threatening intestinal problems. There are many safe toy alternatives available at pet stores.

— National Pet Week, May 4-10, celebrates America's more than 172 million companion animals, and the remarkable role they play in improving the quality of our lives. All across the nation, veterinarians, veterinary technicians and others will use this opportunity to educate the public on how pets improve human health, and how pet owners can return the favor.

Dr. Gary S. Brown, a candidate for vice president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), says his animal clinic will be busy doing public outreach programs during Pet Week. "It's a really fun atmosphere for both people and pets," he explains. "Along with discounted service, we have a poster contest for children. One of the things that makes this contest fun is that a couple of the anchormen from the local television station volunteer their own time to serve as the judges."

Public response is strong; Dr. Brown says that his clinic received 470 entries to its poster contest last year and people lined up waiting for the veterinarians to arrive for traveling clinics that he runs. Dr. Brown is just one of thousands of veterinarians nationwide offering educational, animal health and public outreach programs in honor of National Pet Week.

National Pet Week was established in 1981 by the AVMA and its auxiliary to promote responsible pet ownership and awareness of veterinary medicine, and celebrate the human-animal bond. This year, the theme is "Pets Jazz up Our Lives" in recognition of the AVMA convention in New Orleans July 19-22.

"I think the most important thing about National Pet Week is recognizing the strong bond between people and animals," adds Dr. Gregory S. Hammer, president of the AVMA. "This week endorses the strong role animals play in our lives, particularly those that we keep as pets. Anyone who has ever shared their lives with a pet knows how much they enrich our lives. The human-animal bond has never been stronger."

Educating adults and children about responsible pet ownership is one of the most important elements of National Pet Week. Teachers are encouraged to visit the National Pet Week website at http://www.petweek.org/educators/educators.html, where, any time of the year, they can download lesson plans and work sheets on everything from safety around dogs and service animals to veterinary medicine and veterinarians. The AVMA also offers educators a 29-minute DVD for students, grades 6-12, about careers in veterinary medicine (http://www.avma.org/products/classroom/career_dvd.asp).

"National Pet Week celebrates responsible pet ownership, and also reminds everyone how important pets are in our lives," explains Ginger Morton, of the AVMA auxiliary. "Pets touch our lives in so many ways."

For more information, please visit www.avma.org or visit www.petweek.org.

When choosing your family's veterinarian, use the same care and criteria that you would in selecting a physician or dentist. Think about what is important to you. Location? Convenient hours? Range of medical services? Friendliness and commitment of doctors and staff? Payment options? Your goal should be to find the veterinarian who you believe can best meet your pet's medical needs and with whom you feel comfortable in establishing a long-term relationship.

The veterinarian you select will want to maintain an ongoing history of your pet, including health records that detail immunizations, reactions to medications, surgical procedures, behavior traits, etc. He or she will also advise you on the best preventative care program available to maintain your pet's health.

Where to Look for a Veterinarian

Ask a Friend
Animal-owning friends are generally a good source of information. Ask them why they chose their veterinarian. If you believe their expectations of service are similar to yours, you may want to schedule a visit to the facility.

Breed Clubs
If you have a purebred dog or cat, area breed clubs can be a good source of information. They have often established a strong relationship with a practice that is very familiar with the potential health-related problems for your particular breed.

Local Directories/Internet
Turn to the business pages of a phone book or yellow pages for contact information on local veterinarians. Also check the Internet for listings of veterinary association Web sites - many state or local veterinary medical associations maintain lists of area practices.

Your Current Veterinarian
If you are relocating to another city or state, ask your current veterinarian if he or she can recommend a practice where you will be living. Many times they have colleagues in other towns whose practice policies and services are similar to theirs. Your current veterinarian should also give you copies of your pet's medical records to take to the new practice to ensure your pet's medical history is available to the new staff.

When to Look for a Veterinarian

It is a good idea to start thinking about selecting a veterinarian before acquiring a new pet. In fact, a veterinarian can assist you in selecting a pet that complements your personality, work schedule, and home life.

If you have recently moved to a new area, locate a veterinarian before your pet actually needs one. Don't wait until your pet becomes ill or requires emergency care. It is best to have secured a doctor's name and number and become acquainted with the practice and staff in advance of such situations. Consider scheduling an initial visit soon after arriving at your new home. Your veterinarian will suggest ways to help your pet become accustomed to its unfamiliar environment.

Pay a Visit

When deciding on a veterinary practice, first schedule a visit with the veterinarian to discuss your pet and ask questions about fees and services. You may want to visit several practices before making a final selection.

Tips to Keep in Mind When Visiting a Veterinary Practice

Office Hours

• What are the regular hours?
• Are they compatible with your schedule?
• Will they accept e-mails or appointments electronically?
• Who covers the practice when the doctor is unavailable?
• What is the average wait time for making a non-emergency appointment?

Professional Staff

• How are telephone calls handled?
• Can you request an appointment with a specific veterinarian?
• Does the staff dress and act professionally?
• Do you feel comfortable talking with the doctor? The technician?

Fees and Payment

• What methods of payment are accepted?
• Does the hospital treat patients of clients that have pet insurance?

Services

• What is the range of medical services that the practice provides?
• Does the hospital have educational materials for pet-owners on a variety of topics?
• Are there non-medical services such as boarding, grooming, and training classes?
• If necessary, does the veterinarian have a network of specialists for referrals?

Emergency Care

• How are emergency calls handled during regular office hours and after office hours?
• Is there an emergency facility in your area should you need it?

Facility

• Is the building environment clean and orderly?
• Are there any unpleasant odors?
• Can you take a tour of the non-public areas?

Professional Affiliations

• Are the doctors members of a professional veterinary association such as the American Veterinary Medical Association or a state or local veterinary association?
• What is the hospital policy regarding continuing education for the professional staff?

Your Responsibility As a Pet Owner

In order for your veterinarian to maintain your pet's good health, it is important for you to schedule regular checkups and practice preventive care at home. At each appointment, be sure to communicate clearly your pet's behavior and habits. Since many signs of illness are subtle, even minor changes in your pet's behavior can give your doctor valuable information on what might become a serious health issue.

Remember that veterinarians care as much about you as an owner as they do about your pets. They are available to give you the information and resources you need to take the best possible care of your animals. By taking the time to select the veterinarian that you feel confident can provide for your needs as an owner and the medical needs of your pet, you will establish a rewarding partnership.