5 Tips for Making Your RV Pet Friendly

There’s no better time than now to rally the family, load up the RV, and get out onto the open road for a final summer vacation. But things just wouldn’t be the same without the family dog or cat. So bring them along! Traveling with a pet in your rig doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, there are many things you can do to help make your RV more welcoming to your furry loved ones. For example, one of the best things you can do before a trip is to familiarize your pet with your RV. Let them explore inside the vehicle for a little while, sniff around, and allow them to find a few comfortable spots to lie down. This will help them acclimate to the space and feel more comfortable traveling and living in the rig when it comes time to hit the road.

In addition, check out these five tips to help make your RV more pet friendly before a trip:

• Create a safe space for your pet in the RV – Whether it’s a spot for a crate or a designated location for a bed or favorite blanket, select an area in your rig where your pet can lay down and relax. Animals can get anxious, particularly when they are in what they perceive to be abnormal situations, so having a spot for them to feel comfortable and secure is important. Be sure to bring a few of their favorite toys from home to help complete the space.
• Wrap table legs in plastic – In the event that your pet is a chewer – or likes to pee on things, especially when introduced to new surroundings – you may want to wrap table legs and other furniture that can easily be chewed or urinated on in plastic wrap. Additionally, have lots of towel or rags on hand so you can easily and quickly clean up accidents.
• Cover furniture with fabric or slipcovers – With any pet, shedding is bound to happen. To keep pet hair, dirt, and grime at bay and off your upholstery, cover pieces of your dog or cat’s favorite lounging furniture with slipcovers or fabric.
• Bring food and treats our pet is used to eating – This seems like a no-brainer, but is an important thing to remember. Your pet will feel most comfortable when they have access to the things that make them feel peaceful at home. This includes having regular meals eating the food they’re used to. Changing a pet’s diet (unless medically necessary as directed by a veterinarian) is never a good idea to do on a trip.
• Secure your pet in a seat belt, harness, or crate when the RV is in motion – While it may seem like your pet should roam around freely while the rig is in motion, it’s actually quite dangerous. Your pet could be a distraction to you or to whomever is driving or could get hurt if a sudden stop is necessary or if an accident occurs. Play it safe and properly restrain your pet while driving.

If you follow these tips, you’ll have a pet-friendly RV that the family animals will be happy to travel in with you. Have questions? Contact us today!