Page 6 - Senior Times South Central Michigan June 2022 - 29-06

Page 6
Senior Times - June 2022
TRAVEL SAFETY FOR YOUR PET
By: Sherii Sherban, Publisher
Before you choose to bring your beloved
pets when you travel consider how much time you will actually be spending with them. Unless you'll be able to commit a significant amount of time with them, or at least as much time as you normally would, they will probably be happier at home than tagging along on your trip. As a rule, cats are almost always better off in their own home.
on your pets. This will keep you from ever leav- ing your pet alone in a car. A quick pit stop may feel like no time at all to you, but it's too long to leave your pet in a car by himself. Threats exist from the theft of your family pet to the hazards of heat.
When it's 72 degrees Fahrenheit outside, the temperature inside your car can heat
up to 116 degrees within an hour. On an 85-degree day, even with the windows slightly open, the temperature inside your car can reach 102 degrees in just 10 minutes. If you're held up for 30 minutes, you may return to a car that's 120 degrees inside and a pet who is suffering irreversible organ damage or death.
If you have decided it's best to bring your pet along, the safest and most comfortable way for pets to travel is inside a carrier or crate. Before you leave, visit your vet to be sure all vaccina- tions are up to date, then buy a carrier, and start to get them used to it.
and happy. Being in a crate may also reduce motion sickness in dogs. Place crates on the floor of the back seat or in the open storage/ trunk area, preferably not on the back seat.
No matter which way you travel with your dog, they should always wear a collar with an ID tag containing your contact information, in case they escape during an accident.
A first step is ensuring that your destina- tion welcomes your cherished pet.
A note about traveling by air. Air travel can be a quick way to get your pet from one place to another, but you should know that every airline has different rules about transporting pets. Some allow small dogs to travel in the aircraft cabin as part of your carry-on luggage allowance, while others will only allow pets to travel in the cargo area. Fees can vary from nothing at all to more than $500.
Whether you’re visiting family members or lodging at another special destination for several days make certain that bringing along the family pet is acceptable. The good news is that numer- ous lodging options exist that welcome your family pet.
Most cats aren't comfortable traveling in cars, so for their safety as well as yours, keep them in a carrier. It's important to restrain these carriers in the car so that they don't bounce around and hurt your cat. Do this by securing a seat belt around the front of the carrier.
When traveling by car leave the front seat for humans. Pets should stay in the back seat. If an airbag deploys (even in a crate), it might injure your pet that travels in the front.
Keep those heads inside! Pets should always be kept safely inside the car to prevent injury from particles of debris or made sick by having cold air forced into their lungs. Never transport a pet in the back of an open pickup truck.
Be sure to book early. And do not buy your ticket until you confirm that there is room for your pet. It is best to fly direct. When you arrive at your destination be sure to go for a long walk before checking into your hotel.
Crate pets when traveling in the car. According to the American Kennel Club, the safest way for your dog to travel in the car is in a crate, preferably made from a strong material such as aluminum, that has been anchored to the vehicle using a seatbelt or other secure means. Some crates even have padding for added impact protection. No matter which kind you choose,
be sure that the crate is big enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, and has proper ventilation. Always bring enough water and a toy or two to keep them comfortable
Schedule plenty of rest stops. Stop frequently to allow your pet to exercise and eliminate. But never permit your pet to leave the car without a collar, ID tag, and leash.
Visit https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/ home-living/dog-pet-airline-travel-guidelines/ for more guidelines on air travel and preparing you pet.
Bring along a human buddy. Whenever pos- sible, share the driving and pet caretaking duties with a friend or family member. You'll be able to get food or use the facilities at rest stops know- ing that someone you trust is keeping a close eye
Note: These guidelines are for dogs consid- ered pets. Most airlines allow fully-trained ser- vice dogs to ride in the cabin without a carrier. As of April 2021 airlines are no longer required to accommodate emotional support animals (ESAs) and they must travel as pets.
SENIOR TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES
ORGANIZATION
Alamo Transportation
Alpha Medical Transport
Battle Creek Tele-Transit
Battle Creek Transit - Fixed Route
Community Action Senior Transportation
JTC Transportation Service LLC
Mobility 1 Transportation
JNZ Transportation
AREA
Calhoun & Jackson Counties
Battle Creek Area
Battle Creek Area
Battle Creek Area
Calhoun County- Battle Creek
Calhoun County Area
Southern Michigan
Michigan
SERVICE CONDITIONS
Door-to-Door Service
Fixed Routes
Origination To Destination
Within 150 miles
Will Travel Out Of Michigan
PHONE
(517) 494-0029
(844) 895-4809
(269) 966-3474
(269) 966-3474
(269) 565-4144
(269) 339-6928
(269) 430-5055
(517) 879-0978
HOURS
M-F, 7am-5pm
By Appointment
M-F, 5:15am-mid- night, Sat, 9:15am-5pm
M-F, 5:15am-mid- night, Some Routes Sat, 9:15am-5pm
M-F, 8am-4:30pm
Daily 6am-8pm
By Appointment
7-days, 6am-6pm
COST
Bills Medicare/Medicad
Arranged through individual health insurance plans; direct pay not accepted
$2 one-way for senior/disabled, Personal attendants ride free, $7 adults ($5 after 6:45pm)
$0.60 seniors
$1 suggested cost share per ride, funded by Senior Millage
Wheelchair $45+$1.25/mile, Ambulatory $35+$1.25/mile after 20miles
Can bill some Medicad plans
Wheelchair $45+$2/mile, Ambulatory $30+$2/mile
NOTES
Must schedule more than 24 hours in advance
Reservation Needed, 10 punch pass for $20, 20 punches for $40
Must have exact change, 12 punch pass for $6, 48 punches for $24
Must schedule more than 24 hours in advance
10-15% Disc for ambulatory frequency
Albion Marshall Connector
Marshall, Ablion
Curb-To-Curb
(269) 781-3975 or (517) 654-3000
M-F, 7:30am-5:30pm
$1 one way for seniors, 60+; disabled & children 6-12,
$2 adults/children 13+
Must have exact change, can receive tokens for future trips if you overpay
Area Wide Transportation
Southern Michigan
(269) 679-6999
Available 24 hours/ day
Bills Medicare/Medicad
Rider responsible for any costs not covered
BC Go
Battle Creek Area
Ride Sharing
(269) 966-3474
M-F 6am-9pm,Sat 9am-5pm
Cost ranges from $3 to $15, depending on miles traveled
Additional passenger $3, call for additional restrictions
Branch Area Transit Authority
Branch County
Curb-To-Curb
(517) 278-5889
Daily
Half Fare for Handicapped & Senior Citizens Over 60
Weekly Subscriptions Available
Community Action Senior Transportation
Calhoun County- Albion
Origination To Destination
(269) 565-4144
M,T,W,F, 9am-2:30pm
$1 suggested cost share per ride, funded by Senior Millage
Must schedule more than 24 hours in advance
Marshall Dial-A-Ride
Marshall
(269) 781-3975
M-F, 7am-6pm
$1.50 one-way for seniors, 60+, disabled, children 5-12, $3.00 adults/children 13+
Free on Wed for seniors, age 60 and over
Ready Ride Transportation
Michigan
(616) 261-2400
By Appointment
Contact for Rates
10% Discount for Veterans
Senior Transportation, DC Services LLC
Michigan, Northern IN
(517) 677-9262
By Appointment
$0.50/mile
Starting from Tekonsha
Details subject to change.To have your senior transportation added or changes to your listing, Call Sherii at (269) 979-1479 ext. 2 or ssherban@scenepub.com.