Traveling with Pets This Summer?

Chicago, Illinois ~ As your summer road trip plans are beginning to take shape, don’t forget to include your pet! According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), more than 21 percent of dog owners and about 3 percent of cat owners take their pets along on road trips.

“We have seen a growing number of companies catering to busy pet owners on the go,” said Don Tomala,Managing Partner of Matrix Partners, a brand strategy and communications firm focused on the pet industry.“ There has been an amazing shift in the industry toward the humanization of pets, treating them as part of the family, and vacation time is no exception.”

As you begin packing, don’t forget these essential travel items to ensure a smooth trip for you and your pet:

Safety First – IDTAG.com – One Call. One Click. Found!
We all know how important it is to have a pet wear an id tag, but what if you lose your pet when you are out of town?
Much more than a stylish tag, IDTAG.com is the smartest, easiest way to find lost pets fast! With a click of a mouse or a
phone call, an instant lost pet alert is sent to local shelters and rescues within 50 miles of a pet’s last known location.

IDTAG.com will notify customers which local shelters have been contacted, so they can follow-up personally.The service will also call up to seven emergency contact numbers to alert you when your pet is found. Available in fashionable designs for both dogs and cats, IDTAG.com is like an Amber Alert for lost pets!
www.idtag.com

Take a Summer Stroll Day or Night – flexi – Classic Mini All Belt and Leash Light Flashlight
(a LED flashlight attachment for all retractable leashes)
flexi, the global leader in retractable leashes, has just launched the Classic Mini All Belt.Designed for convenient carrying
in a pocket or a purse, this leash is perfect for the on-the-go pet parent. For use with small pets up to 26 pounds, this
leash extends 10 feet, is equipped with a two-button brake system and features the all belt design the entire length of
the leash.The Classic Mini All Belt also can be used on cats with a specialty harness.
www.flexiusa.com

Another special item for your pet’s suitcase is the Leash Light Flashlight.This LED flashlight easily attaches with Velco
to any flexi retractable leash.The attachable flashlight is ideal for night walks, especially when stopping for potty breaks.
www.finnypetproducts.com

Pet First Aid – NURTURED PETS – Anti-Lick Strip Prevent™
Since you never know when an emergency may arise while you’re on the road, it’s a good idea to keep pet bandages on hand. Clinically proven, the new Anti-Lick Strip Prevent™ by Nurtured Pets deters licking and biting of hot spots, granulomas and wound areas, even bee stings! These bandages are made with a 3M medical grade adhesive designed to peel-and-stick directly to your pet’s hair.The Anti-Lick Strip Prevent is made with all-natural active ingredients
including cayenne pepper.The strips are available in small, medium and large sizes, and come in a Retail Pack (6 bandages) or Trial Pack (2 bandages).
www.nurturedpets.com

Calm in a Bottle – PETZLIFE PET PRODUCTS, INC. – @-Eaze Calming Support for Pets Fresh Breathe and Cleaning on the Go – PETZLIFE PET PRODUCTS, INC. – Oral Care Spray and Gel PetzLife’s @-Eaze Calming Support for Pets can be applied directly or mixed with food or treats, to promote a restful, relaxed state without diminishing alertness.This product is perfect for nervous pets while traveling to relieve stress and anxiety.

PetzLife’s Oral Care Spray and Gel works fast and naturally to control plaque and tartar on the teeth of dogs and cats
on the go! This natural product, made of a blend of Grapefruit Seed Extract and other herbs, helps control the bacteria responsible for bad breath.

Both products are made with natural ingredients and are safe for human consumption. Both product lines are made in the U.S.A. www.petzlife.com

An Occupied Dog = A Good Dog – PUPPY PIÑATA LLC
Named one of the Pet Product Breakthroughs of the Year, Puppy Piñata is the only plush dog toy stuffed with tasty treats. This stimulating “2-in-1” product, which comes pre-stuffed with natural treats, is designed to satisfy your dog’s “inner wolf” instinct to search, hunt and work for food. A brilliant way to keep Fido busy on long trips! Available in two sizes.
www.puppypinata.com

About Matrix Partners
Headquartered in Chicago,Matrix Partners is an award-winning brand strategy and communications firm specializing in pet product advertising, publicity and promotions. Since 1987,Matrix Partners has created successful marketing campaigns for hundreds of consumer products that have accelerated brand growth. In the pet arena,we’ve helped improve sales for dozens of national brands ranging from pet foods, treats and supplements to cat litter, accessories
and grooming aids. For more information, visit www.matrix1.com.