Petmate Traditional Vari Kennel Portable Kennel

Airline UsageThe USDA and IATA regulate transportation of animals such as dogs and cats. To prepare your kennel for airline usage, it must be marked clearly on the top and at least one side with the words "LIVE ANIMALS" in letters not less than one inch high. Arrows should indicate the upright position of the kennel. Clean bedding (such as straw or shredded paper) should be used in the kennel. Water should be available at least every 12 hours after transportation is initiated. Display feeding/water instructions even if your pet is to receive no food or water. Mark the kennel with your pet's name and a telephone number to contact at final destination. In addition to these instructions, IATA requires that both top and bottom hulls have rear ventiliation for all international travel. If you have any questions, be sure to contact your airline.Kennel TrainingDogs which have not been trained and properly oriented may initially resist confinement, particularly for long periods. Training should begin when your dog is a puppy. Once the dog accepts the kennel as its "den," you will have few problems getting the dog to enter the kennel or stay in it for several hours. There are numerous training aids available--tapes, books, articles--which can provide guidance in this area, but since it is important to begin a training routine immediately, the following basic tips will give you a start: Never push or shove a pet into the kennel or use it as a means of punishment. Coax it in with toys or treats and reward it with praise. Do not leave a puppy unattended in the kennel for more than two to three hours during the day. Young animals will need to relieve themselves often and do not like to soil their sleeping area or den. They will whine or bark so you can quickly take them outside. In this way the dog learns to tell you when it needs to go outside and that you approve. Place the kennel in your bedroom at night until the pet feels secure. Use old towels or blankets for bedding. Placing something in the kennel with your scent will help the pet feel more comfortable. When possible leave the kennel door open during the daytime in a restricted area so the dog can go in and out at will.CautionsPetmate kennels are engineered to hold pets safely and securely under normal use for many years of service. Used properly, Petmate kennels are an invaluable tool for travel safety and training. Please observe the following cautions and guidelines:When pet will travel by air, check with the airline at least two weeks in advance for their specific rules and requirements.Do not use Petmate kennels in place of outdoor runs or long term holding cages. Young animals should be allowed out of their kennel well before the limits of their bladder and bowel control will tolerate. Many adult animals will tolerate kenneling during a normal workday, but a midday visit for airing and socializing with the animal is strongly encouraged.To avoid strangulation, never leave a pet unattended with a choker collar on, including inside a kennel.Do not allow children to play in or around the kennel. Keep kennel door closed around children to eliminate the hazard of protruding hinge and latch pins.Periodically inspect the plastic shell for cracks, especially after exposing the kennel to severe shocks, changes in temperature, or other harsh or challenging conditions.Check and tighten latches and screws periodically, especially before moving your animal in the kennel.Discourage aggressive behavior in the kennel. Biting, chewing, licking, ramming, or pawing at either the plastic shell or metal wire parts may result in injury to the pet or damage to the kennel. These are excluded under the product's warranty. Exercise caution when closing and opening the kennel door to avoid catching pet's paws, tail, or snout in mechanism.Avoid excessive heat. Never leave pets in a closed car on a hot day or in direct sun. Car windows have a greenhouse effect; temperatures can rise to well over 100 degrees (F) inside a closed car within minutes. Similarly, never leave a pet unattended in its kennel in direct sunlight.