Camping is for the entire family, and that includes your four-legged friends! Many RV owners love taking their pets along for the adventure. However, it can sometimes be stressful to travel with your pets, but with proper planning and precautions, it can be an incredible experience.
Prepare Your Pet
The top concern for traveling with your pet is making sure they are comfortable and familiar enough with their surroundings to stay calm. Of course, you’ll be exploring new places in your RV, but you can help them get accustomed to your life in the RV before hitting the road.
Spend some time inside the RV with them; bring their favorite toy, blanket, bed, and treats to help them feel safe in the environment. Allow them to explore the space and recognize it as an extension of their home!
Another important way to prepare your pet for travel is to schedule a vet visit. You want to make sure they are healthy enough to travel, but you should also consult them about any local concerns in that area. Veterinary professionals will have a general understanding of geographical concerns such as diseases, pests, and environmental exposure. You may also be able to find solutions to reduce your pet’s stress during travel.
Being Safe on the Road
Once you determine your pet is ready to enjoy the RV life, make sure to travel with them safely. You may need to invest in a car harness, travel carrier, or something similar. If you have a towable Forest River RV, you should keep your pet in the vehicle with you, but make sure they are secured for safety and to reduce the risk of distraction while driving.
Beyond keeping your pet safe in the car or motorhome, you should make sure to make plenty of stops for bathroom, water, and stretch breaks. This is especially important if you are traveling with a dog.
Stay in Routine
One of the best ways to keep your pet comfortable while traveling is to follow their routine as close as possible. If you’re traveling within a different time zone, try to keep the feeding schedule the same as your home time zone. Although your travel might alter your dog’s outdoor schedule, you can maintain the frequency of potty breaks, access to water, and rest time! If you’re traveling with a cat or another type of pet, you should make sure they have access to clean and comfortable areas.
Be Prepared
You’ve packed their favorite bedding, food, and toys, but it’s also essential to bring items that would be necessary if there are any emergencies. If your pet needs medication, make sure to have it available when you travel.
You should also take a look at the emergency veterinarians in the area you will be visiting and make sure all identification is up to date.
Bringing your pet along for your RV adventures is a lot of fun, especially when you’re prepared for the trip. Our team at Meridian RV, located in Port Coquitlam and 100 Mile House, BC, would love to help you prepare for your next big adventure. We proudly serve the Vancouver and Kamloops areas.
