(Welcome to our weekly pet column, courtesy of Pet Connection Programs Inc. of Marilla. We post a new article each week, so be sure to check back on a regular basis!)

K9Fit Club, the nation's leader in canine and human fitness, is reaching out to pet owners across the country, asking them to Get Off Your Butt and Work Out with Your Mutt to raise awareness for National Pet Obesity Day on Oct. 8, and help their pets achieve wellness and greater vitality.

(Welcome to our weekly pet column, courtesy of Pet Connection Programs Inc. of Marilla. We post a new article each week, so be sure to check back on a regular basis!)

When moving to a new home, you make a checklist of the utility companies you need to contact for stopping and starting services. You also schedule all the volunteer or professional movers to pack, transport and unpack your belongings, and you let all your friends and family members know your new address. Additionally, you need to remember to make plans for your special family members, too — your pets.

According to the U.S. Office of Travel and Tourism, Americans took more than 61 million trips overseas in the year 2013. With more than 68 percent of all U.S. households owning a pet, it’s no surprise that our furry friends are more frequently joining in on the family vacation. Rules and regulations on live imports typically vary by country, so it’s important to be aware of these rules prior to your trip.