Traveling will be a breeze when you follow these top 6 tips for traveling with a pet.
One of the biggest benefits to owning a camper is that you can bring your Fur Babies or other pets with you when you travel. No more having to board the pet or have a friend take care of them for you. No more missing them when gone. Many people love to bring their pets with them when they travel. According to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association, more than 57 percent of recreational vehicle (RV) owners brought their pets along on road trips. If you want your RV trip to include your pet, planning ahead will make the trip easier and more enjoyable for all.
Take your pet to the veterinarian first
Tell your vet about the trip you are planning and ask if your pet needs any vaccinations or other medications before traveling. If you know your pet gets motion sickness, for example, the vet may be able to give you something that will help. She may also have advice about how to make the trip more comfortable for your breed of pet.
Practice
Before you head out on a journey across the country, bring your dog or cat along on short rides across town. Let your pet roam the RV on its own and explore at its own pace. This will help your pet become comfortable with the space. Consider bringing a crate or carrier along for a cat or dog you fear might bolt from the vehicle when the door is opened.
Identify
Get your pet a tag that preferably has your cell phone number on it so you can be reached if your pet gets lost.
It would be worth the investment in the new products on the market with GPS trackers that attach to the collar. If you don’t have a cell phone or are out of a signal area, use your veterinarian’s phone number. Even from thousands of miles away, your vet will be your best ally in this situation.
Gather your pet’s favorite things
Not only the dog bed or the scratching post, or that old pillow your pet loves — but also preferred foods, treats, toys and anything else it likes.
Choose a location, maybe a corner, in the RV that will be your pet’s own space.
Walking around in a “house” that’s moving all of the time can be unnerving. Pets should be restrained within a car or truck, but in an RV, it is up to you if you want your pet to be able to roam around. Some pets will feel safer crated in an RV, while others can handle more freedom. Put your pet’s bed and toys in the space. Have water available at all times.
Stop every three hours or so to give a dog a chance to relieve itself or get a little exercise. This won’t be necessary if you are traveling with a cat that is able to move around the RV and has a litter box.
Keep the temperature comfortable
Your pet needs ventilation and a consistent temperature, and can’t tell you if it’s too hot or cold. Don’t leave your pet inside the RV if you can’t adequately ventilate it. An RV will heat up or cool down just as quickly as a car.
Don’t tie your animal outside the RV unless you are very close
Find pet-friendly RV campgrounds. Before heading out, identify campgrounds that specifically mention they welcome pets. These facilities may have a dog park or may just be more tolerant of pets in general. Some campgrounds do not welcome pets because of the potential mess and noise and will charge an extra fee if you do bring a pet.
Be sure to bring your RV to Rocky Mountain RV and Marine for a check over to make sure you are set for the roads ahead of you.