Tips for Keeping Your Pet Healthy, Happy, and Safe when Traveling in an RV

For many RV owners, pets play an important role in their decision to get an RV. As many pet owners know, finding pet-friendly hotels isn’t always easy and traveling by plane with a pet is stressful for both you and your animal. According to a survey done by GoRVing, 68% of RV travelers bring their pets with them on the road. If you plan to bring your furry companion with you on your next trip, there are some things that are important to consider to ensure smooth travels for both you and your pet.

Pre-Trip Planning

Keep your pet in mind when you are making your travel plans. It is easier to plan around your pet from the start than to try and rearrange accommodations after the fact. Don’t be afraid to ask questions regarding your pets if you are unsure of something.

Vet Checkup

If you’ll be traveling for an extended period, it is good to take your pet to the vet for a checkup before leaving. Pets should be up-to-date on vaccinations, and you should bring a copy of their records with you. While you are at the vet, you can also inquire about the area you are traveling to and whether the vet recommends any additional precautions. Better safe than sorry! If you are more of the weekend warrior type, stick to your pet’s regularly scheduled checkups and carry a copy of their records with you.

Campground Reservations

When first making your reservations at a campground, inquire about their pet policies. Even if you stay at the same campground every year, policies change, so checking in for your pet before every trip is wise.

Emergency Vet Care

If you have a destination in mind for your trip, research the local emergency veterinarian care options. Write down the address and phone number so that you have it in case of emergency - you don’t want to be doing a Google search in an area with bad reception when your pet needs care! Having your pet’s health records available can be helpful for the vet and get your pet the care they need more quickly.

Pet-Sitting

If you are planning excursions or day trips during your travels, you may need to find a pet care option so that your pet isn’t left alone for too long if you are unable to bring them along. Do a little research beforehand on places your pet can stay if necessary. If you are really like to plan ahead, you can even call and make appointments before leaving for your pet to ensure a space for them on specific dates if necessary.

Packing for Your Pet

Being well-prepared for your travels reduces stress for everyone involved, and we think that includes your pets too. Making sure your pet feels at home and comfortable should be important to you, so here are a few tips on how to make that happen while traveling.

Pet Crate & Bed

Traveling in a crate is the safest option for your pet while traveling in your RV. It’s even safer if the crate can be secured to prevent it from moving during the drive. Allowing your pets to move around freely in your RV while traveling can be dangerous, especially if you happen to drop a Cheeto down by the driver’s pedals. Your pet will appreciate some padding or a couple of blankets to soften up their crate and certainly a toy to keep them entertained during the trip. 

Food & Water

Bringing food and water is a no-brainer, but if you’re like me and pack strictly according to what’s on a list, don’t forget to write this one down! Bring a little extra food for your pet in case your travels last longer than expected. If you will be camping without water hook-up, be sure to account for your pet’s needs as you determine your water needs and usage. If your pet takes any medication, whether daily or monthly, be sure to bring that along too!

Don’t Forget the Toys!

Bring a few of your pet’s favorite toys to keep them entertained during the trip. If you have an RV with slide out features, keep track of the number of toys you brought. When it is time to pull the slides back in, gather all of the pet toys and make sure they are all there. A chew toy stuck in one of your slides can lead to expensive damage to your rig.

On the Road

The whole point of bringing your pet with you while traveling is to enjoy their company during the trip. You’ll want to spend time with them, but it is extra important to keep a close eye on them since they will be in a new area.

Keep Your Pet on a Leash

Even if your pet is well-trained off-leash at home, a new place can be overwhelming and affect your pet’s behavior. When traveling, it is always best to keep your dog on a leash for the safety of your pet and others. Your pets should have identification tags on their collars at all times when traveling, even if they have a microchip. If you are staying in one place for an extended period, it may be a good idea to make a collar tag with relevant information for the place you’ll be staying.

Temperature Considerations for Your Pet’s Health

If you are traveling to escape the cold, be cautious of how heat and humidity impact your pet. Humans produce sweat from glands all over our body to assist with evaporative cooling, but dogs sweat primarily from their feet which doesn’t do much to cool their body. Dogs do most of their cooling down through panting, which removes hot air through their mouth. In high humidity, this process is much less effective. Keep your pet well hydrated and cool by having water available and keeping your pet in the shade whenever possible. For more guidelines on keeping your dog safe in the heat, check out the Humane Society’s webpage. If you happen to be traveling somewhere cold, a doggy jacket and booties can help keep your pup warm. Booties are recommended in areas where salt is used to clear ice. The salt reaction can irritate your dog’s paws and lead to cracking or bleeding.

In Conclusion

If you own pets and an RV, you know traveling with your pets is one of the best experiences. In order to continue as an enjoyable experience, it is imperative to keep your pets healthy, happy, and safe during your travels. If your pet loves traveling in an RV as much as you do, check out this adorable RV doghouse novelty trailer to show your dog how much you love them!

Do you travel with pets in your RV? If so, what is your favorite thing about having your pet with you on your travels? Let us know in the comments!