Camping just isn’t the same without your fury friend by your side! RVing with your pet gives you the excitement of adventure and also the enjoyment of bring your companion along with you. With that comes a lot of responsibility and rules that you should be aware of to ensure you and your pet have the best trip possible.
We love pets just as much as you! So, we put together some tips and rules we thought every RVer should be aware of. Whether you have one, two, three or more pets with you, we want to make sure everyone has a safe and fun trip!
1. Pack for your pet
You want to make sure your pet has everything they need to live comfortably on the road. Just like people, your pet needs to essentials! We put a list together of what to pack for your pooch or feline friend:
- Leash
- Collar
- Bedding
- Toys
- Food bowl/water bowl
- Cleaning supplies for accidents
- Medication (if needed)
- Proof of vaccines
- Favorite treats
- Crate (for driving purposes)
2. Update tags & information:
There’s always a chance you could lose track of your pet. Make sure all their tags are up to date so if someone finds your pet they know who to contact. It’s also a good idea to put a cell phone number on the I.D tag since you won’t be by your home phone.
It’s also beneficial to keep all your pet’s information with you at all times. Vaccination records are important to keep on hand since a lot of campgrounds ask to see recent vaccination records, especially campground with public dog parks! Proof of ownership is another file you should keep handy in case a stranger come across your lost companion! And in the case where you are searching for your pet, keep photographs handy to show others.
3. Look for pet friendly campgrounds
Lots of campgrounds these days have pet parks readily available. It’s a good idea to plan a trip for a campground that isn’t very restrictive for pets, especially for dogs. Your pooch needs exercise and an area to run around, being restricted to your RV all day long can cause anxiety.
While scoping out the ideal campground, check to see if their is a vet office near by in case of an emergency.
5. Buckle up
Many people think its okay to let their pets wonder while traveling down the road, but doing this is not in the best interest of your pets safety, or yours! Look into using either a seat belt harness or a crate for your pet while driving. If you decide to use a crate or carrier, make sure that it is secured down, and won’t slide around on the road. Whatever safety precaution Whichever safe way you choose to buckle up your pet, it needs to be in the same vehicle as you. You should never put him or her alone in a camper you’re pulling – especially if they’re not used to traveling as often!
6. Make them feel at home
Make your pet feel comfortable by bringing a favorite toy, their bed or something else they love. This can be helpful to pets who are new to camping and traveling. Make sure to comfort them if they are nervous – this will help them grow more confidence by the next camping trip!
7. Campground Etiquette
Sometimes its easy to forget that not everyone is a pet person! It’s also a good idea to be aware of other pets around you, some are not as friendly as others, Remember to be a considerate neighbor and follow a few simple etiquette rules!
- Keep your pet on a leash at all times when outside your camper
- Don’t leave your pet outside unsupervised
- Pay attention to your dogs volume level – if your pooch is a barker try and keep it to a minimum
- Clean up after your pets!
8. Keep track of the weather
You may decide to venture outside of the campground leaving your pet behind. If you do so, be mindful that your pet is cooped up inside. Especially on a hot summer day when the heat is high, leave your air conditioner on so that your pet has a cool place to relax. If a thunderstorm shows up, make sure your pet feels safe, thunder typically terrifies dogs and sometimes cats too! You can help lessen their fear by bringing blankets and toys from home that will remind them they are safe.
Just remember to never leave your dog unattended outside – it could be a recipe for disaster!
11. Be prepared for a wild life run in
When camping there’s a high chance you’ll run in to some wild life, so be prepared because sometimes that wildlife is more than just a bird or a squirrel. Keep a close eye on your pet at all times, because you never know what they may cross paths with. This is also another very important reason to make sure your pets vaccines are up to date! Wild animals can carry many types of harmful diseases.
12. Exercise your pet
After being cooped up for hours while traveling, make sure you work in some exercise for your pet. If your RV is big enough to allow them to run around and play fetch – if there’s a park at the campground even better! Try and bring them along with you on a hike or a trip to the lake. It’s also always great to let your pet socialize with others if they are friendly!
Think of how much more fun you could have with your fury companion by your side. Its the best being able taking your pets to as many places as possible and letting them explore. They’ll even be happier with all the extra time they get to spend with you! By simply following these tips for RVing with your pet, you ensure that your buddy remains safe and healthy, and that everyone has a fantastic time!
