ON JAN. 1, THE American Kennel Club began recognizing the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje and the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen, bringing the total of AKC-recognized breeds to 192. To earn that status there must be a minimum number of dogs distributed throughout the U.S., and an established breed club. — Pets+, 1/11/18
Dog Flu Spreads to 46 States
Canine flu has affected dogs in all states but North Dakota, Nebraska, Hawaii and Alaska, according to DogFlu.com. Dog flu causes symptoms similar to human flu, such as lethargy and coughing. It cannot spread to humans, and it is not often fatal. The spread has boarding and day-care facilities debating whether to require flu vaccinations. — Sacramento Bee, 1/12/18
Delta Tightens Leash on Pets
As of March 1, Delta Air Lines will tighten rules for passengers flying with “emotional support” animals. In addition to health and vaccination certificates, passengers must present letters from a doctor stating the need for the animal as well as a letter stating the animal is trained to behave without a kennel. The airline says the 700 assistance animals that fly daily are increasingly misbehaving. — USA Today 1/19/18
Dog Care Franchise Has Nationwide Plans
The Dog Stop, a 10-location franchise that offers daycare, grooming and other services, has signed franchise agreements for more than 40 stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Louisiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas. The company plans to open 10 to 12 new locations this year and as many as 75 within five years. — Pets+, 1/19/18
Travel Industry Looks to Pets
More and more, travel companies are looking to cash in on Americans who travel with their pets. More than 60 percent of hotels accept pets, up from less than half a decade ago. That pet-friendly number has risen to 80 percent in the luxury segment, which is offering more pet packages for additional fees. — Boston Globe, 1/18/18
New Mexico Considers Pet Food Tax
State legislators in New Mexico are floating a bill that would create a tax on pet food to raise $800,000 annually for spaying and neutering cats and dogs. Robert Likins of the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council opposes the legislation, saying it would “disproportionately punish smaller businesses and less wealthy pet owners that are less able to absorb the cost.” — Santa Fe New Mexican, 1/2/18
Drive to Extend Food Stamps to Pets Gains Steam
Nearly 80,000 people have signed a petition to extend food stamps to pet food. The reasoning is that it could keep tens of thousands of animals out of shelters and prevent low-income people from giving their own food to pets. Food stamps have specifically excluded pet food since their inception in 1964. — The Washington Post, 1/23/18