RV 101® / RV Education 101®

One reason RV travel is so popular is you can travel with your pets. Today I would like to offer some tips to make RV travel with pets as comfortable as possible for you and your pets.

Consider the campground you are staying at. Are they pet friendly? Do they even allow pets? It is unfortunate, but some areas or campgrounds you plan to visit might have Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) or ban particular breeds of dogs. We always call the campground in advance to check the pet policy prior to making reservations.

• Always keep in mind RVs can get extremely hot or cold inside depending on the outside temperature. Always make sure there is some type of ventilation and heat or air available when pets are left in the RV.

• Never leave your pets in an RV for long periods of time without  checking on them periodically.

• Always have fresh drinking water available for your pets. You never know the quality of the drinking water when you travel so it’s a good idea to take a container of water from your home that your pets are accustomed to, or use bottled water. Don’t forget to take the brand of pet food your pet is accustomed to.

• Pets should always travel in a pet carrier or crate for personal safety.
• Get a current health certificate from your veterinarian before traveling, and take the pet’s medical records with you.

• It’s a good idea to have some photographs of your pets in the event they get lost or separated from you.

• Update all vaccinations before leaving on your trip and take a proof of rabies vaccination.
• Take flea, tick, and heartworm medications if you will be on extended RV trips.
• Take your veterinarians regular phone number and emergency phone numbers. Get the phone number for a local veterinarian when you arrive at your destination.

• Your pet’s collar should include identification along with basic information such as your name, address and a cell phone number. You can include an e-mail address too. Microchip your pets so people know how to contact you in the event your pet gets lost.
• Take a harness, tie out anchor and a leash or chain. Give your pet plenty of room to move, but be cautious of traffic and obstacles they could get hung or caught on. We use portable exercise pens.Make sure there is shade. Never leave pet unattended.

This doesn’t cover all the information and concerns involved when traveling with your pets, but it’s a good start.