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RV Tips for Traveling with Pets For many people one of the primary reasons for buying and traveling in an RV is so their pets can go with them. If you're a pet owner new to RVing or an RVer with a new pet there are many things to learn and consider to make traveling with your pet a pleasant experience for both of you.... We have a West Highland White Terrier (Gracie) and an Australian Terrier (Buck). They are completely opposite of each other. One good (Gracie), one bad (guess who). One shy (Gracie), one aggressive (guess who). The only thing they have in common is they both like to travel in the RV. We learned a few things about traveling with pets the hard way when we first got them. When Gracie was only a few months old we stopped at a campground to spend the night. After a short walk we put her on a leash outside the motor home. When we checked on her a while later the leash and collar were there but she wasn't. Not sure what had happened we started to look for her. Fortunately we found her about three or four sites down from us visiting some other campers. What we realized was if she would have gotten lost that night, there was no way for someone to identify who she belonged to. When I wrote my "Checklists for RVers" e-book I included this checklist on traveling with pets based on what we learned and what other people have offered. If you travel with pets certain precautions must be taken. An RV can get extremely hot or cold inside. - Always make sure there is some type of ventilation and / or heat and air. - Always have fresh water available for your pet. Please keep this in mind if your pet(s) will be left unattended for any length of time. - Pets should always travel in a pet carrier or crate. There are many unforeseen dangers for an unsecured pet. -Campground pet etiquette is a must. Be considerate of other campers where your pet is concerned. Always pick up behind your pet. - When making reservations be sure and ask about pets. - Get a current health certificate from your veterinarian before traveling. - Always take the pets medical records and an updated color photo of your pet with you. - Update vaccinations before leaving on your trip. - Take a proof of rabies vaccination. - Take medications (flea, tick, heartworm etc.) - Take your vets regular and emergency phone numbers with you. - Food and food bowl - Travel water bowl - Walking leash - Collar with identification or microchip. Along with basic information such as your name, address and phone number. Include travel contact information. - Harness - Tie out anchor and leash or chain. Give your pet plenty of room to move but be cautious of traffic and obstacles that they can get hung or caught on. - Grooming tools - Pet toys - Treats - Cat litter - Cat box - Plastic bags for pet clean up. - Pet bedding / crate - Old towels - Perform a daily health check on your pet. When your pet is away from home and off its regular schedule it can affect their health. Watch for any signs that are out of the ordinary. - When you arrive at your destination look up the number of a local vet. - Stop for pets to streach and relieve themselves every few hours. - An Emegency Pet First-aid kit Some campgrounds offer kennels and boarding for pets. If your travel plans include day trips or extended travel away from the campsite, inquire about these services before making reservations. Happy Camping, Mark Copyright 2006 by Mark J. Polk owner of RV Education 101 RV Expert Mark Polk, seen on TV, is the producer & host of America's most highly regarded series of DVD's, videos, books, and e-books. http://www.rveducation101.com/ Sign up for your free "RV Education 101" Newsletter http://rveducation101.com/email/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Polk |
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