Tips for RV travel with your pet

Bringing your dog (or cat!) along on a journey can be a wonderful experience – and some human and animal road trips have even resulted in classic American books, such as Steinbeck’s Travels with Charley.

But before you take Fido out for the first time in your RV or trailer, there are some important things to pack, remember, and plan. Here’s a list of tips to help you prepare.

1.     Have a “get acquainted” session

If this is the very first time your pet has been in your RV or trailer, have a “get acquainted” session or two at home before your journey. Bring your pet into the vehicle and let them sniff, walk around, and explore so they become acquainted with the space before you ever hit the road.

Consider a test drive for a short distance in your area, too (but be sure to secure your pet first – more on that below!).

2.     Take along your pet’s usual food, water, bed, and toys

You may have noticed your own sensitivity to water in different cities – and your pet will, too. Water content varies greatly across the country, so consider taking along gallon jugs of the same water you give your pet at home to help avoid digestive problems.

The same goes for food and treats. You can usually find most brands at major grocery and pet stores, but it’s best to take along plenty of the brand you use at home.

And just like you love the comfort of your own bed, your pet does, too. Bring along their favorite bed and toys so they have familiar items to enjoy along the way.

3.     Visit your vet beforehand

Yes, they probably hate going, but you should take your pet to the vet prior to taking an RV trip to make sure vaccinations are up to date, you have all necessary medications, and that they’ll be protected against fleas, ticks, etc. If your pet isn’t already microchipped, you’ll want to have this done prior to departure.

Discuss your trip plans with your vet so they can provide additional advice for travel, such as whether you may want to use a dog harness during the trip. Also, ask your vet if they have any connections or colleagues in areas where you’ll be traveling or advice on how to find local vet care in an emergency.

4.     Check health requirements if you’re going to another state (or country)

Different states have different requirements for bringing in pets, so if you’re going to other states, be sure to check the rules and requirements for each one. You may need to get updated vaccinations for your pet and/or carry a health certificate copy.

And if you’re driving your RV into Mexico or Canada, things get more complicated, so you’ll definitely need to check the international requirements to ensure you’re following government guidelines for vaccinations – especially rabies ­– both when exiting and returning to the U.S.

5.     Crate or tie your pet while driving

For the safety of everyone, crate or tie up your pet every time before you start driving. This ensures that your pet won’t suddenly run under the gas pedal (or anywhere else) if it gets scared and you won’t be distracted while driving. Your vet can recommend a good travel-approved crate and how to secure it within your RV.

6.     Stop regularly during the drive – but always leash up before exiting your RV!

During a long journey, everyone benefits from taking regular breaks. In fact, some pets will not eat or drink in a moving vehicle, so taking a real break allows them to eat and drink as well as walk, sniff around, go to the bathroom, etc.

If you’re traveling on major roads, you can do a Google search on your phone for “rest area near me” to see how far away you are from a dedicated stop. Once you arrive, always leash up before opening the door. At home, your pet may be perfectly calm on walks, but going far from home could cause some panic (especially if there are other animals nearby).

With a little planning, you and your pet will both have many great RV adventures to come!

Need a place to store your RV or trailer between adventures? Contact the Max RV team in Clovis today.