We all love our furry family members and we want to make sure that they enjoy the RVing lifestyle as much as we do. So with that in mind, we have searched the internet, talked to our customers and employees and come up with some of the most important things to remember when taking a trip with your pets.

Practice Trip

Everyone reacts to long periods on the road in different ways and your pets will be no different. If you have a new pet or are new to RVing, make sure that you take a practice run to see how your pet responds to the idea of being in the motorhome. It might decide whether or not its a good idea to take them with you.

Pack What You Will Need

We all know that, like children, it is important to have everything you need for pets when traveling. The easiest way is by making a list. This list will vary depending on owner and pet, but in could contain:

  • Food & Water
  • Treats
  • Toys
  • Leashes or harness
  • Bed and kennel(s) at minimum
  • Animal insect repellant
  • Up-to-date tags and information
  • You vet’s contact information
  • Current photo (in case they get lost)

It is also a good idea to take the list with you, in case there are some items that you will have to purchase along the way. It will also allow you to edit your list and you go along, finding what items you missed or eliminating those that you might not need.

Proper Planning

Planning your trip with your furry companions require a little more attention they your average get away. Animals are creatures of habit (especially dogs), that means that they respond more favourably when they have a routine that they can follow. Planning stops for walks, bathroom breaks and feedings your pet will feel more at ease then if everything happened randomly. You will also want to do your research to try and find pet-friendly campgrounds and activities along your chosen route. Calling ahead and understanding their pet policies will drastically reduce the chance of headaches once you arrive. We know its hard not to load up in your RV and making a straight-line shot for your final destination, but remember that going for walks or spending time playing with your pet are some of the best times you will have.

Travel Safety

Since your motorhome is your home for the duration of your trip, it may seem natural to let your pets run free. However, that is extremely dangerous not only for them but for you as well. When in transit your pet should always be in the same vehicle as you (i.e. not in the trailer/5th wheel you are pulling). They should also be secured properly in either a seatbelt, harness or carrier (that is secured to the ground). This will eliminate both the hazard of distracting the driver while keeping them safe in case of a collision or accident.

Pet Etiquette

As a pet owner, proper etiquette is not something you are unfamiliar with. Most of the proper pet etiquette transfers into the RVing world, however it is never a bad idea to call ahead to any park or campground you may be staying at to learn their specific policies. Once you have done that the same general rules apply:

  • No constant barking
  • Clean-up any messes
  • Ensure they are not Peeing near others site
  • Ask your neighbours to inform you if you pet does anything to annoy them

 

You can read through the rest of the blog section for more helpful tips from us and other sources around the world wide web. In addition, don’t forget to check out our series of DIY Videos on YouTube.