Traveling With Pets
Traveling with pets can be both challenging and rewarding! Dave and I have traveled with Levi, a 100 lb. Anatolian Shepherd, and Lucky, our 12 lb. tuxedo cat. Both have had mixed reviews to living in 400 square feet.
Preparation
Every cat and dog is different. Some may adjust easily to travel, while others never enjoy the journey, or the destination! The best way to help your pet get used to the idea of travel is to practice. To make your pet feel comfortable maybe you stay overnight with your pet in your RV in your driveway (no driving). Maybe with your pet you drive in your RV down to the local convenience store and turn around and go back home. Don’t start out with a 5 hour drive!
Bring items on your RV that are pet favorites, for example, his/her bed, a favorite blanket, favorite toys, etc. Travel can be difficult for many pets. Having the familiar smells from home are important.
Make sure you have airtight food storage containers for dry food. Airtight containers keep dry food fresh and protect it from mice and other forms of wildlife. And because digestive systems can be disrupted by travel, it is important you have plenty of your pet’s regular food on hand.
Make sure you bring your pet’s rabies certificate and a copy of recent vet records with you. In the event of your pet’s illness or accident your emergency vet will be able to treat your pet based on all the available information.
Unfortunately, pets can become very nervous traveling and can inadvertently run out an RV door without a collar or leash. Register your pet with a microchip. If your cat or dog does get lost, animal shelters can check the microchip to access your number and a permanent address. If your pet is already registered, be sure your information on the microchip is up-to-date with your latest contact information, address, and so on.
Dogs
As a dog, Levi was much more adaptable to new environments. He was always excited to just be with us. For him, he didn’t care where we went! Home was wherever his family and his food bowls were. He always liked the different smells and new locations to be able to “mark” new territory. He was as happy with the journey as he was the destination. Being about 100 lbs., he had a big bed and big food / water bowls meaning he took up a lot of “real estate” on a small floor print!
Pros:
• Companionship
• Walking your dog can help you meet new people
• Good exercise
Cons:
• They can’t be left alone
• They have to go out even in the rain or cold
• You have to be willing to pick up poo
Cats
Lucky, our black and white Tuxedo cat, is more finicky about everything. Lucky very much dislikes going down the road. And it took him a long time to find all of his hiding spaces in 400 square feet. He is more into bird watching at the destination.
Pros:
• Companionship
• You can leave cats alone in your RV
• Low maintenance
Cons:
• You get less exercise
• If they have claws they can destroy the interior
• You have to deal with a litter box
The Rules About Traveling With Pets
All campgrounds have rules about keeping your pet on a leash and picking up and properly disposing of pet waste. Many campgrounds have restrictions about the number, size and breed of dogs.
And by the way, although it is a violation of most campground rules, many people still will leave their dog alone in their RV while they go out to eat and sightsee. Our experience is most of the time when a dog is left alone in an RV, it will bark!!
Also, please, if you bring a pet with you to a campground, take it home with you!! Surprisingly we have seen abandoned cats and dogs in campgrounds! It seems to happen most often in state and federal parks.
Finding a Vet
Finding a vet when traveling with pets on the road has probably been the most difficult aspect of traveling. As Lucky has aged he has gotten reoccurring ear infections. We have had mostly unpleasant experiences trying to get him seen by a vet, for example, the time we spent 6 hours sitting in our Jeep in 97 degree heat waiting to be seen at the emergency vet clinic in Maryland (covid-19 restrictions said we couldn’t go inside to wait). Our best emergency vet experience was with Dr. Albert at the South College Veterinary Clinic in Auburn, Alabama. We got in quickly, Dr. Albert understood our unique situation of traveling, and Lucky was treated quickly and expertly. Great guy, great vet!
Summary
Camping or traveling with pets can be a wonderful experience. Preparation and being understanding of the stress your pet may face will help make the process easier.
Your partners in travel,
Kathryn, Dave and Lucky
RVing Nomads
It’s a Lifestyle!
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