Companies cash in on pet travel boom

NEW YORK (Reuters) — From portable potty turf to disposable kitty litter boxes and pet passports, the growing number of traveling pets — estimated at 20 million last year — has spawned an industry dedicated to making the lives of road-weary animals a little easier.
Spill-free water gadgets, car booster seats and freeze dried pure organ meat are also among the hot-selling products fueling the booming travel segment in the $36 billion pet industry.

Even airlines are doing their part, enticing customers with frequent flier pet programs that allow animals to earn miles toward free flights.

"Pets are no longer pets. They're extensions of the family. Instead of leaving them at home during a vacation, now it's fun to take Fifi, Fido and Fluffy with you," said Bob Vetere, managing director of the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, a Greenwich, Connecticut-based trade group.

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