Nothing feels better than hitting the open road in an RV and enjoying the excitement of traveling while having the comforts of home. But many people feel that, to truly make the experience complete, they want to include their pets in this fun journey. Luckily, most campgrounds and RV parks allow pets, making it easy for you to bring your best buddies along.
When bringing pets on an RV trip, it’s important to plan ahead for both emergencies and day-to-day considerations so that traveling can be as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. Read on for the top tips on pet-friendly RV travel.
Get a clean bill of health – Before heading out on an RV trip, take your pet to the veterinarian and get a clean bill of health. Let your veterinarian know that you will be taking the pet on a trip, and ask if they have any health-related travel recommendations. If your pet is on any medication, be sure to stock up on enough refills to last the duration of the journey.
Establish emergency locations along the route – Once you’ve established a route and schedule for your RV trip, do some research on emergency veterinary facilities along the way to be prepared for worst case scenarios. While at the vet for the pre-trip checkup, ask for copies of vaccination records, medical history, X-rays and other paperwork.
Check campsite pet policies – Before starting out on your RV trip, call ahead to campsites and RV parks to confirm that they allow pets on the premises. Also, find out if there are any additional fees for pets or breed/size restrictions.
Designate pet space in the RV – Your pet probably has a favorite spot at home and creating a similar “comfort space” in the RV can help your pet to feel safe and comfortable during the new travel experience. Many RV travelers find it is best to crate the pet at first; stock the crate with familiar toys and plenty of water.
Lost and found – In the event that your pet gets loose or wanders away from the RV during the trip, it’s important to take every precaution to ensure your best buddy will be returned safely. Consider having your pet ID chipped prior to traveling, and be sure they are always wearing a collar tagged with your name and cell phone number.
Practice makes perfect – Even if your pet loves riding in the car, riding in an RV will be a new experience. To help pets feel more comfortable, take them on a few practice spins in the vehicle before embarking on an extended trip so they can get used to the new layout and smells.
Maintain good health – Try to maintain as many good health habits for your pet on the road as you would off the road. Invest in a portable grooming kit so that nail trimming, brushing, baths and overall pet hygiene is as convenient as possible. Also, since being in an RV may mean that your pet is less active than he or she would be at home, be sure to exercise your pet regularly.
Whether you decide to take your RV to the mountains, the beach or simply on some local sightseeing excursions, the journey will be all the more fun with the family friend tagging along for the ride!
