Your pet loves an adventure as much as you do. Here are seven tips to make it fun, safe, and rewarding experience for you and your pet.
Traveling in your RV doesn’t mean you have to leave your dog, cat, or other pet behind. We’ve always had dogs (up to three, now just one) and for a long time, we didn’t take our cats with us (now we do). Traveling with a pet can be stressful, but there’s nothing better than bringing your furry friend along with you on your adventures. It just a bit of planning and preparation.
Pack for your pet
You want your pet to have as good of a time as you’re going to. That means a little extra packing to ensure that they feel just as home as you do in your RV. Some things to consider:
• Food, of course, and maybe a bit extra just in case you’re gone longer than you planned
• Leash and collar (if your pet goes outside for walks or recreation)
• Bedding, if necessary
• Non-spill food and water bowls (trust us here). It’s even a good idea to have a second, larger water bowl if you and your pet will be spending time outside your RV.
• Cleaning supplies, for accidents (because they do happen)
• Medications or other needs, like flea powder, treatment, etc.
Stay at a pet-friendly campground
Few people take their cat (or bird, reptile, etc.) out for a walk, but a lot of RVers bring their dog(s). Make sure the RV park or resort you are staying in allows pets. Almost all do, but there are some that are very strict with their rules.
Many RV parks will ask for the breed of your dog. Yes, your dear Fido may be a big teddy bear, but there are some breeds that RV park owners don’t want in their park — and it’s their right to turn you away.
Keep them safe while traveling
Our dog (and when we had more than one) spends her time traveling in the back seat of our towing truck. Our cats, however, stay in the camper (we tried them in the truck but almost pitched them out the window once because they wouldn’t stop complaining for hours on end).
No matter how well-behaved you feel your pet is, keep it in a safe place — not on your lap or allowed to roam all over the RV, where it can become a distraction and cause a major problem while you are RVing.
Find local vets
It’s always a good idea to check ahead of your travel plans to see what veterinarians are in the area where you will be traveling through and staying. Make sure you bring along health and vaccination records for your pet (and get everything up to date before you leave). If there are any medications or prescriptions your pet takes, be sure there is an adequate supply (especially if you may be traveling or camping longer than anticipated).
Get out and exercise
Fido may spend his days lazing around your house and occasionally going out to do his business. But you’re upsetting his (and yours) normal daily routine, so be sure to get out for walks and enjoy the new sights and scenes.
Be cautious with other dogs or pets, and even wild animals that you may encounter. Fido may be okay with the neighbor’s dog, but experiencing something new may get him excited or upset.
Think about the weather
Your pet is out of his element when traveling in your RV. Thunderstorms, lightning, and thunder can all be upsetting, especially since everything will be so “close” and the situation will be unfamiliar. Take care not to leave your pet alone in severe weather, bring familiar toys or other comfort items, and give reassurance when bad weather rolls in.
If it’s especially hot or cold, make sure that your pet is comfortable and if you have to leave them, that you consider what could happen if the power goes out. Home monitoring systems that work with a smartphone app that include cameras and temperature sensors is always a good idea. And, if needed, leaving word (and a key to your RV) with the park office may be a prudent precaution.
Be a good neighbor
No one likes a dog that barks all night (or day). So be mindful of your neighbors and pay attention to how your pet is doing. It may be confused at the new or unfamiliar surrounding and may act out.
There will be plenty of new distractions, especially if your pet is outside, so take care to keep it under control. Negative experiences at the campground can ruin things for everyone. Just be sure to not to disturb your neighbors, obey the RV park’s leash laws, and always clean up any droppings or accidents that happen.