Preparing Your Pets for Gustav

With hurricane Gustav barreling towards the Gulf Coast, pet owners need to make plans for their four-legged family members. Learning from Katrina, the state of Louisiana passed a law that mandates owners take their pets with them in the event of an evacuation. Check out my blog about Evacuation Tips for Pets. If you are traveling by air, you may also want to read Pet Travel Tips.

In honor of a band of dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly to reunite Katrina pets with their owners, my upcoming series will cover the amazing tales of how Elsa, Peaches, and Rocky finally made their way back to New Orleans years after Katrina separated them from their families.

And to all those on the Gulf Coast -- our thoughts are with you during this storm.

Yappy Meals to Go?

With many quick serve restaurants looking for fresh ideas to boost sagging revenue, an innovative writer for Ad Age suggested adding kibble and water to the drive-through menus. My pups usually accompany me on errand runs. They look forward to any errand that involves Starbucks or the Bank of America, where they know the friendly cashier will be waiting with a Milk-Bone for them.

Pet menus at the drive-through are not so far-fetched. If you've ever taken your pets on vacation, you know how hard it is to find pet-friendly dining while you're on the road. Dog snacks and car-friendly water bowls at the drive-through window would solve the hassle of unpacking bowls and pet food to feed them while enroute. Unfortunately, Buster, my Chi-mix, and Bella, my Coon Hound, would probably go on a hunger strike if we ordered kibble to go. They are used to sausage biscuits- or cheeseburgers-to-go when we are on vacation. A few unhealthy meals won't kill them. For more information on doggie dining ideas, check out McDonald's Could Sniff Out New Ground with Yappy Meals. Bone Appetit!

Pet Friendly Portland

After a very long cross-country flight, Buster and I finally arrived in Portland. My first mission was to find a grassy area for Buster, which is often mission impossible at most big airports. I was pleasantly surprised when I found a very well-manicured dog run, complete with pickup mitts, right outside the Baggage Claim door. Once that stop was checked off the list, we were ready to explore this city we had heard so much about.

Getting around

We were staying downtown and getting there was a breeze. The light rail system, called Max, stops right in front of the airport. Pets are allowed on all public transportation as long as they are confined in pet carriers. Most cabs, town cars, and shuttles will also transport pets. Getting around Portland on public transportation is easy and free in many areas. All of downtown is within the "Fareless Square", which means you can hop on for free whenever you like. The trains and streetcars run frequently, and we rarely waited more than a few minutes for a ride.

Where to stay

Buster and I checked in at the Westin Portland, which is conveniently located near Pioneer Square in the heart of downtown. It is easy walking distance to great restaurants, shopping, and the famous Pearl District, which has a lot of art galleries and micro breweries. If you stay at the Westin, be sure and reserve your pet's Heavenly Bed in advance. There were over 10 dogs staying there that weekend, and the beds were all given out by the time we arrived. Buster would probably not have slept on it anyway. When he is in unfamiliar surroundings, he becomes the Velcro Dog.

The Westin staff was very helpful and gracious, but there are other hotels that are more "pet centric", such as The Hotel Monaco Portland, The Bensen, and Hotel Vintage Plaza, which truly cater to the pet crowd. The Monaco and Hotel Vintage each have four-legged ambassadors in residence, and the staff is very knowledgeable about where your pet is welcome in the city. The concierges at the Monaco and Vintage Plaza provide lists for everything -- from where to shop and dine with your pet, to where to take your dog in the event of an emergency. Art, a yellow lab rescue, is the Director of Pet Relations for the Monaco. He had a well-deserved day off when we went by the Monaco, but Art's portrait and cushy pet bed were in the lobby, where he waits eagerly every day to welcome pets and their owners to the hotel. The Hotel Vintage also has a pet-in-residence, a lovable Havanese named Georgie.
The Benson Hotel is a beautiful old hotel that was pet friendly before the term was even coined and has hosted many celebrity pets. A bit of history...The Benson is where the famous Nixon Checkers speech (named for Nixon's Cocker Spaniel) was written.

Things to do around Portland

You'll never be bored in Portland. There is something of interest for everyone. The city is well known for its wide variety of cultural attractions, outdoor sporting activities, and vibrant waterfront along the Willamette River. Whether you are a specialty or bargain shopper, there are plenty of shops and boutiques to explore. A lot of the night life, art galleries, and hot restaurants can be found in the Pearl District, an area of rejuvenated lofts and warehouses. Be sure and stop by Lexi Dog Boutique and Social Club while you are in the area, which carries a wide assortment of chic pet gear and fun treats.

Another spot worth checking out is any of the eclectic coffee shops that seem to be on every corner. My favorite was Stumptown Coffee on Stark Avenue, which The Benson concierge told me was the best coffee you will ever drink. He was right! It was the smoothest brew I've ever tasted. Next door to Stumptown is Kenny and Zuke's Deli ,which serves up some awesome deli fare and has won many local awards for its creations.

Many of the Portland restaurants have outside seating areas, which makes for great people watching. While not officially sanctioned by the Health Department, many restaurants will allow your pet on their patio. We were welcomed everywhere we went, but always ask the staff first if it is okay to sit outside with your pet. Buster and I spent many hours enjoying the constant parade of Portlanders and their pets, many which stopped by to say hello to Buster. Another favorite spot is Typhoon, which has also won many awards and has been written up in all the major foodie magazines. The kind waiter at Typhoon brought a dish the chef whipped up just for Buster -- a tasty bowl of brown rice topped with chicken and covered in a savory broth. There are many other great restaurants all within walking distance of the hotels around Pioneer Square or a short trip on Max or the street car.

Nob Hill (a quaint neighborhood of Victorian homes and shops), Chinatown, and the Pittock Mansion, which is the early 1900s estate of the pioneers who helped found the city, are other major attractions worth checking out.

As far as entertaining Rover, there are plenty of options. There are close to 50 dog parks all over the city, which is very big on green space. Washington Park has a fabulous arboretum and the oldest and largest Japanese and rose gardens in the U.S, which were breathtaking. The arboretum has many rare species of trees and includes an living memorial to Oregonians who served in Vietnam. It is easily reached via Max, which allows pets in kennels. Dogs are welcomed in the park if they are leashed.

The beaches, which we didn't get to visit on this trip, are just 80 miles away. Cannon Beach is one of the most famous ones and is dog friendly. Dogs can bound in the surf unleashed as long as they respond to voice commands.

Be sure to stop by the Visitors Bureau in Pioneer Square. The staff is very helpful and has information on all the area attractions and just about any interest you may have.

Au revoir

Portlanders really love their pets and go out of their way to welcome visitors who are traveling with their four-legged companions. We had a fabulous weekend, but it was time to bid adieu to Portland.

We'll be back

Buster was exhausted from the long trip and being constantly on the go, but he is already begging for another trip back. He has a thing for that little minx Georgie at the Hotel Vintage!

Handy links
TriMet public transportation (Max light rail, streetcar, and bus information)
Portland Pet Parks
Free-wheeling Portland (USA Today article about visiting Portland)

Making your trip hassle-free

Traveling with a pet takes a little advance planning in order for it to be enjoyable for everyone. Buster travels in a soft-sided, airline-approved carrier that will fit under most airline seats. Drs. Foster and Smith carries a similar one that is made by Sherpa and approved for pets traveling in the cabin. You will need a hard-sided carrier if your pet must be checked in the cargo bin. I also pack along Buster's Sherpa Tote-Around-Town bag, which is lightweight and can be folded flat in my suitcase. While not suitable for air travel, it is great for toting him into restaurants and shops that don't normally let you waltz in with a pet. It zips shut and looks like a tote bag with mesh sides for ventilation. The Sherpa Tote-Around-Town bag can be found at Petco

Check with your airline on the dimensions of the space beneath the seat to be sure your kennel will fit. And beware-- airlines frequently change equipment, so what may fit on one aircraft may not fit on another -- which is another reason to get a pet carrier that fits on most types of planes. For more information on what to pack for your pet and things to know if you are traveling by air, please see my blog on Pet Travel Tips. You will also want to check with the airline on what documentation they may require for you to bring your pet onboard. Also check with the Veterinary Board for the state you are traveling to, to see if a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) is required. You may never be asked to produce it, but a number of states (including Oregon) require it and have different time limits on how long it is valid. An airline may also ask you to produce it, in order to verify that you have the proper documentation for travel. I also take along a copy of Buster's latest shot records and rabies certificate.