RV travel with your pets can be fun and is a must for many! If you are looking to go on an RV trip with your pets, it is important to make sure they are safe, comfortable, and happy. Here are some things to keep in mind when traveling with your furry friends.
“In life, it’s not where you go, it’s who you travel with!” – Charles Schultz
Pack Thoroughly – From proof of vaccinations, medication, enough food and water, bedding, and cleaning products, to toys, treats, and their leash, make sure to pack everything your pet(s) needs or could need on the road.
Scope Out Local Vets – Before your trip, make sure to find vets near where you are traveling to, as well as along the route your are traveling, in case of any emergencies.
Ensure They’re Safe On The Road – Make sure that while you are physically on the road your pets have a place to sit or lay where they are not going to slide around. Whether this is a bed that will not move, or a crate that will stay in place, ensure the pets will be safe and comfortable.
Exercise – Remember to keep your pets healthy and give them the proper level of activity on the road. Additionally, make sure you are giving them ample bathroom breaks while driving.
Make Sure Your Campground Is Pet Friendly – Not all campgrounds are open to pets, so it is important to make sure when choosing one that they are pet friendly before you get there.
*Be Careful With Wildlife – You never know what animals you will encounter when camping. Even if you are in a campground, there can still be large animals. Depending on where you travel, you may encounter poisonous frogs or other poisonous creatures, bobcats, bears, panthers, racoons, animals with rabies, and more. Additionally, birds, a threat to smaller pets. Thus, it is important that every time your pets leave the RV, you are on alert. Furthermore, not only can these animals sneak up on your pets, but your pets may track them down. Pets, especially dogs, are prone to follow scents. You do not want them to follow a scent to a dangerous animal. In case of any potential run-ins with other animals, wild or not, make sure your pets are up to date on all of their vaccinations and that they are protected against fleas and ticks.
Weather- When traveling with pets, make sure to be prepared for the weather and how it could affect them. If it is hot, make sure to bring enough water and leave the air conditioning on if you leave them in the RV, if it is cold, make sure they are warm enough, etc.
Baby Steps – If your pets are not used to traveling in an RV, they may not enjoy the movement and feel sick, may feel cramped, or may have other problems with the process. Thus, it is important to take baby steps to get them used to it. Maybe don’t make the first trip you take with your pets last a month, but rather a few days. Additionally, keep in mind that some pets may never be comfortable traveling this way.
Be Responsible – Not only are you responsible for your pet, but also for the way your pet interacts with its surroundings. Make sure your pet doesn’t interfere with others unwelcomed, if you are staying at a campground, make sure you respect the ground’s rules, etc.
These are just some of the things you should keep in mind when traveling with your pets via RV, so that everyone can have fun! For more information, or if you are interested in one of our RVs, go to https://rvforamerica.com/.