Pet Airways, the new airline that only allows pets on board, took its first flight from BWI Airport Tuesday. I have to admit that I don’t have a pet so I was a little skeptical about the idea. But there seemed to be plenty of people willing to pay a little money to ensure their pets travel as comfortably as they do.

The airline, which is serving 5 major cities initially, is booked for the first two months. And there were plenty of the furry friends flying from BWI yesterday, including a Bernese Mountain Dog and four cats.

So, is there a niche for this kind of business? Read what my colleague Jill Rosen had to say about Pet Airways on the unleashed blog.

(Photo courtesy of Associated Press)

Posted by Andrea Walker at 9:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)
Categories: Airlines, Pets, Travel
        

We've told you before about disciplined doctors and medical professionals that have been sanctioned. But did you know veterinarians are also subject to similar oversight?

The State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, part of the Maryland Department of Agriculture, has revoked the license of Dr. Gary W. Dehne. The small-animal vet made home visits to patients in the Bethesda/Chevy Chase area of Montgomery County.

He is accused of ... 

Continue reading "Vet's license revoked: Naughty business of the week" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 12:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

A strain of Salmonella called Salmonella serotype Schwarzengrund has infected several brands and varieties of dry dog and cat food produced by Mars Petcare at its Everson, Pennsylvania plant between Feb. 18 and July 29, according to Consumer Reports safety blog.

The recall affects food distributed to 31 states and includes brands like Pedigree, Country Acres, Retriever, Doggy Bag, Members Mark, Natural, Ol' Roy, Special Kitty, Paws & Claws, Wegman's, Pet Pride, PMI Nutrition and Red Flannel.

Check out the full list of the tainted pet food brands at the Mars Petcare site here.

Continue reading "Argh. A Schwarzengrund recall" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 2:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Consumer safety, Food, Pets, Recalls
        

In keeping with today's animal theme, the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners of the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) just this month filed the following disciplinary actions between Aug. 16 and Nov. 20, 2007:

Benjamin Harman, D.V.M. (Allegany County) – On Nov. 20, the Board and Dr. Harman finalized a Consent Agreement and Order as a resolution of a complaint. A canine owner filed a complaint after her dog was diagnosed as having a gauze square left in its abdomen after surgery performed by Dr. Harman. As part of the Consent Agreement, Dr. Harman was assessed a $1,000 civil penalty and was placed on a six-month probation.

Frederick K. Adams, D.V.M. (Montgomery County) – On Oct. 25, the Board and Dr. Adams finalized a Consent Agreement and Order as a resolution of complaints filed by three pet owners. The Board concluded that Dr. Adams violated the Veterinary Practice Act by failing to provide basic care to the pets while under his care, providing false information to pet owners, and failing to take appropriate and timely steps to return pets despite frequent owner attempts to retrieve their pets. As a result, Dr. Adams’ license was suspended for six months, which was stayed. He was prohibited indefinitely from boarding and hospitalizing animals, and was placed on three years of probation.

Timothy J. Cujdik, D.V.M. (Baltimore County) – On Oct. 18, the Board and Dr. Cujdik finalized a Consent Agreement and Order as a disciplinary action for Dr. Cujdik practicing veterinary medicine without a valid veterinary registration.  Dr. Cujdik took steps to renew his registration for the 2006-2007 Licensing Year before the Board took disciplinary action on his license. He was assessed a $250 civil penalty, which has been paid. 

Continue reading "End of year Naughty Businesses" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 12:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Consumer protection, Naughty businesses/NBotW, Pets
        

Here's an interesting WSJ story about hotels catering more and more to pet owners. The story also talks about people with allergies or people who don't want to share space with slobbering dogs who aren't too crazy about the trend. Me, I'm a fan of that since I love taking my dog places with me. When he was a mere pup, a restaurant near my home used to let him come in and sit down at the bar like he was people. A nice couple even bought him a glass of wine once. (No worries. He didn't drink it.)

It was fun. We went every week with a big group of friends and probably spent a lot of money. Then someone complained about him being a dog in a restaurant (which is against health code rules) and we had to stop bringing him...  I understood, but as a dog owner, I started going out less often because I felt bad about leaving him at home.

This is not to say I am unreasonable about the rule. I understand some people have allergies. Some people don't like animals. Sometimes, they're a nuisance (the dogs, not the people... although, sometimes, that comment can apply to both). Even though he doesn't understand that some people aren't into him, I try not to inflict him on unsuspecting people.

With that said, we do frequent establishments that welcome him with open arms like the....

Continue reading "Hotels go to the dogs" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 9:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Pets