10 Ways to Make RVing with Pets Simple

Introduce Them Slowly

Instead of just tossing your pets into the deep end, so to speak, allow the dogs and/cats a bit of introductory time before heading out on a week-long trip. Take them to the RV and let them explore and become accustomed to the rig. Take a short drive with them to let them gain a sense of RV Life. Show them where their bed, toys, etc. are located. 

Provide for their Comfort

Make their home away from home just that; provide all the comforts they are use to in this new environment. Placing their favorite blanket or bed in a section of the RV will not only give them comfort but a sense of home. Bring along some of their favorite toys or buy duplicates to leave in the RV and let them know where the litter box or puppy pads are placed. Take them to their water and food dishes for the same reason. 

Some supplies specifically for dogs include a doggie rain jacket and paw booties. Potty breaks have to occur whether rain or shine, but a raincoat will help protect your dog from the rain, as well as protecting your RV from a wet dog. The booties are great for muddy locations, hot pavement or a variety of terrain you might come across on a walk. 

Purchase a Pet Monitor

Even though you may want to, it is impossible to take your dog with you at every stop. There will be times when the fur babies have to stay in the RV alone. For those times, the Waggle RV Pet Temperature Monitor provides peace of mind to you. Pretty easy to use, just set the temperature ranges that will provide comfort for your dogs or cats and rest assured that Waggle will send an alert to your phone if the temperature becomes outside of that range. The monitor will also alert users if the RV uses power. 

Give Them Some Kennel Time

Whether you are traveling with dogs or cats, kenneling your furry friend(s) is safe for a variety of reasons. For cats, kenneling them before you leave the RV for a period of time will prevent them from rabbiting when you open the RV door to return. 

For dogs, the same principle applies. By kenneling the dogs, you will be certain they can’t pull a Houdini and disappear once the door is ajar. Additionally, by keeping them secured, peace of mind will be found knowing nothing is being chewed, pawed, investigated, or otherwise destroyed. 

Another time to cage the fur babies is when you are driving. While some dogs and cats sleep the day away and aren’t a distraction, more active animals can indeed serve up distractions to even the most seasoned driver. By keeping them in a crate while in motion, you ensure their comfort and safety, while also allowing your attention to remain on the road. 

Give Them Some Free Time

Following up on the last point, as important as kennel time is, equally important is the ability for your furry travel buddies to stretch and move. A safe guideline to follow is provided a 15-minute break every two to four hours. Letting the dogs explore outside on a leash or at a local dog park will allow for the exercise time they need. 

While some travelers use a leash and halter on their cats while allowing them to explore outdoors, a trip outside for the felines isn’t as important. Free time within the RV is enough for them, and cage time can be a longer period than dogs. Cages large enough for a litter box, food and water will ensure all the cat’s needs are met. And, since cats tend to sleep the day away, they won’t even be too bothered with their time ‘behind bars’.

Bring Along Pet Records

Most RV resorts are pet-friendly, provided you have proof of vaccinations. Because of this, its important to bring along copies of your pet’s vet records. Additionally, on the off chance your fur baby gets sick, you will have records to take with you to a local vet office. 

It is also good to note that bringing pet meds with you for occasional allergies or restless spell is common practice. Since many state laws dictate that a vet must see an animal in person to supply a prescription med, the opportunity to purchase a left-behind prescription medication for your fur baby could be drastically slim. Getting an appointment with a local vet while on the road can be a challenge and getting necessary refills prior to setting out on the road would be a great preventative step. 

On the Leash

Whether for a quick potty break or a long hike in an area nature trail, leashing the dogs first is always a good habit. Even the most well-trained canines can forget their manners when something of interest catches their eye, (think squirrels, etc.)

Alternatively, some RVers set up a small fencing area that surrounds the entry door of the rig. This way, no leash is needed, and your dogs can have a bit of freedom outdoors without leaving the designated area. 

Don’t forget the Chips

On the off chance your four-legged baby gets away from you somehow, knowing they have a microchip or pet tags will provide some comfort. By having an ID tag on the pet’s collar with your phone number and/or having the pet marked with a microchip will help the reunited process a lot smoother. 

Prior to leaving on a trip, it’s suggested to make a vet appointment for a chip insert or to verify the chip is still scanning properly and that the information is up to date. 

Clean is Key

A shedding pet is a healthy pet. Similarly to home, vacuuming daily will help ensure the loose dog and cat fur stays under control. This is especially true for those pet owners traveling with huskies or Persian cats. 

Products That Provide Convenience

There are plenty of products on the market aimed at making a trip for you and your pets more comfortable, and a few key examples are listed here. They are:

• Folding Pet Cot-not only will Fido enjoy having his own bed, the indoor/outdoor cot will help ensure cleanliness by keeping them off the ground. They will likely stay cooler this way as well.
• Dog Play Pen-allowing your dog some off-leash time is an option when bringing along this camping item. 
• Outdoor Shower-This product will easily allow you to wash off any sand or dirt your dog may have gained during an outing in nature. Keep a couple of towels on-hand just for Fido and never have a messy dog inside the RV. 
• Doggie Shusher–Whether it’s anxiety from a thunderstorm or stress from being on the road, this, drug-free solution is the perfect pet anxiety product. Using a calming noise that eases stress and calms anxiety, the doggie shusher provides a noise at a calming-frequency levels that dogs hear and comprehend as a comfort. With a chew-proof outer shell and no sharp edges, this product can be left in the kennel with your dog. 

• If traveling with felines, consider the Breeze kitty litter system. Instead of litter that can be tracked and carried throughout the RV, this system uses pellets. There is a pad that helps control odor as well.
• For the bike riders, consider bringing along a bike tow leash. This product allows for safe biking excursions with your favorite K9. The strong, pre-assembled Bike Tow Leash prevents tips, tangles and sideways steering that happens with a traditional leash during bike rides. A standard clamp fits on the left side of the bike, with a single sprocket on the right side, allowing Fido to safely run beside you. 

Traveling with your favorite dog or cat can be a fun, rewarding experience. These 10 tips will hopefully help prepare you for the adventure, as well as provide some fun and comfort for the four-legged travel companions.