How to RV with Pets

By eHow Travel Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Let your pet get acquainted with his or her home away from home before you hit the road. Dog and cats will need to examine the scents of every square inch of the vehicle, so be sure an article of your clothing is lying on a chair and put one of your pet's blankets in the RV as well. Spend a few minutes two or three times a week playing with your dog (with a treat to follow) in the RV until you can sense him or her starting to get familiar with the space. Your cat may or may not appreciate this activity, so use your best judgment.
Step 2:
Pack your pet's suitcase, which should include a dog crate or cat carrier, an exercise enclosure, paper towels, wet wipes, pooper scooper and bags, no-spill food and water bowls, leashes, small rugs, towels, pet shampoo, cat litter, toothbrush and paste, medication, including heartworm and flea and tick preventative, a pet first aid kit, food, treats, toys and your pet(s) health records and photo kit. All animals should wear a sturdy collar with ID information.
Step 3:
Provide plenty of stops for your dog when on the road. Like humans, canines need to take care of business and get in some stretches periodically when on trips. Be sure to visit a rest area before you stop for the day to avoid any accidents while you're trying to get checked in and set up. Let your cat out to use the litter box only after you've completed your rest stop and the RV door is shut tight.
Step 4:
Do not leave your pet alone in the RV while you take off on a local sightseeing trip. It gets very hot (or cold) inside a recreational vehicle, even with windows open/closed and air conditioners or heaters can stop working. Consider the services of a pet day care if you plan to spend considerable time away from the RV once or twice during your trip.
Step 5:
Obey the rules wherever you stay. Don't try to sneak your pet into an area where he or she isn't allowed. Don't permit incessant barking or whining. Please remember: places remain as pet-friendly as the last poorly behaved human allows.
Step 6:
Make your pet's health and safety a priority when traveling by RV. Never take your eye off them. Never allow your dog off leash (or your cat, if leashed-trained) and even when in their exercise pen, never leave them unattended. Don't let them eat or drink strange things and check them over every day for ticks.

Tips & Warnings

If you've decided to retire and travel for a year or two by recreational vehicle, you'll want to learn even more about traveling with pets and perhaps connect with other pet people who enjoy the RV lifestyle. Check out the resources provided here.

Resources

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