RV Travel: Tips for Traveling with Pets by Mark J. Polk of RV Education 101

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 Terrie (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 got lost that night there was no way for someone to identify who she belonged to.

When I wrote my "Checklists for RVers" e-book http://www.rveducation101.com/ebooks.htm?siteID=0
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.

- 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.

- 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.

Happy Camping
Mark

RV Education 101 is a North Carolina based Company that produces educational videos on how to use and maintain your RV. Mark Polk, the owner, started in the RV industry as an apprentice technician in the early 1970's. After retiring as a CW3 from the military (where Polk was an automotive maintenance technician, and was in charge of some very large maintenance operations throughout his career) in 1996, he got back into the industry he had a passion for. Polk has an extensive background in RV sales, service and management. He felt so strongly about educating the consumer that he left his position as an RV Sales Manager in 2000 to devote himself full time to his company. Mark’s program includes instructional videos and other materials to make your RVing lifestyle even easier. Mark also provides the RV Savvy segments for the RVTV program and can be seen on the Outdoor Channel. You can order Mark's complete line of RV Education 101 material from www.rveducation101.com or www.rvuniversity.com

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