RV Tips for Traveling with Pets

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RV Tips for Traveling with Pets
By Mark Polk

For many people one of the primary reasons for buying and
traveling in an RV is so their pets can go with them. If you're
a pet owner new to RVing or an RVer with a new pet there are
many things to learn and consider to make traveling with your
pet a pleasant experience for both of you....

We have a West Highland White Terrier (Gracie) and an Australian
Terrier (Buck). They are completely opposite of each other. One
good (Gracie), one bad (guess who). One shy (Gracie), one
aggressive (guess who). The only thing they have in common is
they both like to travel in the RV. We learned a few things about
traveling with pets the hard way when we first got them. When
Gracie was only a few months old we stopped at a campground to
spend the night. After a short walk we put her on a leash
outside the motor home. When we checked on her a while later the
leash and collar were there but she wasn't. Not sure what had
happened we started to look for her. Fortunately we found her
about three or four sites down from us visiting some other
campers. What we realized was if she would have gotten lost that
night, there was no way for someone to identify who she belonged
to.

When I wrote my "Checklists for RVers" e-book I included this
checklist on traveling with pets based on what we learned and
what other people have offered.

If you travel with pets certain precautions must be taken. An RV
can get extremely hot or cold inside.

- Always make sure there is some type of ventilation and / or
heat and air.

- Always have fresh water available for your pet. Please keep
this in mind if your pet(s) will be left unattended for any
length of time.

- Pets should always travel in a pet carrier or crate. There are
many unforeseen dangers for an unsecured pet.

-Campground pet etiquette is a must. Be considerate of other
campers where your pet is concerned. Always pick up behind your
pet.

- When making reservations be sure and ask about pets.

- Get a current health certificate from your veterinarian before
traveling.

- Always take the pets medical records and an updated color
photo of your pet with you.

- Update vaccinations before leaving on your trip.

- Take a proof of rabies vaccination.

- Take medications (flea, tick, heartworm etc.)

- Take your vets regular and emergency phone numbers with you.

- Food and food bowl

- Travel water bowl

- Walking leash

- Collar with identification or microchip. Along with basic
information such as your name, address and phone number.
Include travel contact information.

- Harness

- Tie out anchor and leash or chain. Give your pet plenty of
room to move but be cautious of traffic and obstacles that
they can get hung or caught on.

- Grooming tools

- Pet toys

- Treats

- Cat litter

- Cat box

- Plastic bags for pet clean up.

- Pet bedding / crate

- Old towels

- Perform a daily health check on your pet. When your pet is
away from home and off its regular schedule it can affect their
health. Watch for any signs that are out of the ordinary.

- When you arrive at your destination look up the number of a
local vet.

- Stop for pets to streach and relieve themselves every few
hours.

- An Emegency Pet First-aid kit

Some campgrounds offer kennels and boarding for pets. If your
travel plans include day trips or extended travel away from the
campsite, inquire about these services before making
reservations.

Happy Camping,

Mark

Copyright 2006 by Mark J. Polk owner of RV Education 101

RV Expert Mark Polk, seen on TV, is the producer & host of America's most highly regarded series of DVD's, videos, books, and e-books. http://www.rveducation101.com/

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