Pet lovers will want to take their pets on holiday with them. With limited space in an RV, will it be possible to take them all? As long as you do some planning in advance, you shouldn’t have any problems.
Here are some of our best tips
Before your trip, you’ll need to make sure that you bring along plenty of water. Being in a warm RV can sometimes cause the pets to get dehydrated.
It’s also important to take official documents, like proof of ownership and vaccination records. You’ll also need to check that the RV park will allow pets.
When going on vacation, you want to make sure that your pets are also having a great time. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best ways to stay safe and sane when traveling with multiple pets.
What Pets Are Good With Traveling?
Not all pets will cope well with being cooped up inside an RV for long periods. This can often be a problem with bigger animals. Thankfully, most common pets will be able to travel with you.
Most breeds of dogs and cats would love to go for a drive with you.
On a long drive, they might curl up on the seat next to you. There are plenty of other pets that you can take with you. For example: a turtle, snake and many more. You just have to take the necessary precautions.
These are very low maintenance pets. As long as you make sure the cage or tank is set-up properly and is secured in place, they shouldn’t have any problems.
Another option that you might want to explore is a hamster or a rabbit. They are ideal for small spaces, like an RV. You might also want to take a fish. They are very easy to care for.
You’ll just need to make sure that their cages are set-up properly.
How Do You Travel With Pets Safely?
Before you start Rving with pets, it’s important to do some preparations. This will ensure that your pets are kept safe during the trip.
Have a Place for Your Pet
When you’re at home, it’s fine for your pet to wander around. When you’re driving in a recreational vehicle, this can be a major problem. You don’t want anything that will make you distracted behind the wheel.
More concerningly, though, is what will happen to your pet if you have an accident. If they aren’t restrained properly, they can be flung forward. This can lead to serious injuries.
If you have a smaller pet, like a hamster or a snake, you’ll be able to keep them in their cage. If you have a dog or a cat, they will often want to sit in the chair next to you.
You’ll be able to give them plenty of pats during the ride. For dogs, they love to stick their head out the window. The best solution is to get them a seatbelt lead.
This keeps them secure while letting them move around.
Some dogs will grow nervous when traveling. If this is the case, they might need to be crated. This will give them a space where they can feel comfortable during the ride.
If this is the case, it’s a good idea to take a few smaller trips first. This will get them used to the idea of being in the RV.
Get Them an ID Tag and Make Sure They Are Microchipped
No owner ever plans for their pets to get loose during a trip. If they end up running away, in a location they don’t know, it can be a major problem. Sadly, some pets will never be found again.
But there are a few simple things you can do to give your pets the best chance of being returned.
First, you might want to get them an ID tag. This is something that you can attach to their collar. It tells whoever finds them their name, also lets them know your name and contact information.
You can also put your vet’s name on it. This should tell whoever finds them everything they need to know to return the pets safely.
You will also need to make sure that they are microchipped. This is what most vets and animal rescue organizations will check when they find a dog. It will tell them your name and contact information. You’ll need to see a vet to get them microchipped.
Keep the information on both the ID tag and microchip up to date. Though it will only take a few minutes, it can make a huge difference if your pet ever goes missing.
Take Plenty of Water
It’s important to make sure that you are prepared to take care of your pet. One of the biggest road trip risks is that they will get dehydrated. Except, of course, for the fish.
You’ll need to make sure that you give them a bowl, which contains plenty of water. To stop the water slopping around and making a mess, you can use a pet water bottle.
Carry Updated Information:
Before you leave for the trip, there are a few important records that you will need to pack. First, you’ll want to check that you have information on your pet’s vaccination history. If you’re planning on staying in an RV park, some owners will want to see these documents.
Next, you’ll need to have proof of ownership. This ensures that, if they run away, you’ll be able to prove that you are the rightful owner. Lastly, take some current pictures with you. These will come in useful if they run away.
Plan Plenty of Breaks:
When you’re driving, you want to plan several breaks along the way. You should aim to do this every few hours. Like humans, dogs and cats will also need a chance to stretch their legs.
This will also ensure that you don’t need to worry about cleaning up any messes inside the RV. When you arrive, give them plenty of time outside to explore their new location.
If possible, try to take your dogs to an off-leash area. This will allow them to burn off some of their excess energy.
Do Most RV Parks Allow Pets?
The good news is that most RV parks will allow you to take pets with you. However, not every RV park will. Most RV park websites list if their dog-friendly and some basic rules.
If a campground isn’t listed, you should call ahead. Most park owners will be happy to clarify their position on pets.
It should also be noted that some parks will only take issue with certain breeds. For example, they might not want to have Rottweilers or Pitbulls. They might also want to avoid larger dogs.
This is usually related to their insurance policies. If you have some of these dogs, you might want to call ahead and double-check that you can stay at the park.
Can I Leave My Pet Unattended at an RV Park?
Once you have your enclosure set-up, in front of your RV you should be able to leave them there. If not, you should be able to put them inside the RV.
But you’ll need to make sure that the air conditioning is on, on a hot day the RV can get very hot inside. They have been known to reach temperatures over 100 degrees.
There are some tools that you can use to measure the internal temperature. When it gets too hot, you will be sent an alert. This will give you time to get back to the vehicle and cool it down.
It’s a good idea to try and incorporate pets on your holiday.
Sometimes dogs can get lonely if left for a long time. As long as you give them plenty of affection when you get back, they will forgive you and it wont be a problem. In fact, cats will often enjoy some time alone.
Are KOA Campgrounds Pet Friendly?
KOA campgrounds are a nation-wide campground. Because of this, they are a popular destination for many RV enthusiasts. They are pet friendly and will be welcoming to your four-legged friends.
But, to make sure there aren’t any issues, it can be a good idea to take a closer look at some of the rules you will need to follow.
First, they don’t have any tolerance for any dogs that behave aggressively. If yours acts that way, the owner of the park might ask you to leave. It’s possible that some breeds, like the Pitbull, might not be allowed.
It’s best to double-check this when you are making your booking.
Next, you will need to make sure that you are in control of the dog at all times. If you have it outside the RV, you’ll need to use a leash. You won’t be able to leave it tied unsupervised next to your camping equipment. You should be able to leave it in the RV.
Finally, you will need to make sure that you can control your pets barking. You don’t want it to bark all night. This will drive both you, and the other guests, crazy.
In these circumstances, the management might ask you to leave the park.
What are the Best Pet Enclosures for RVs?
If you intend on taking your pets on a trip, you might want to consider getting a pet enclosure. This will ensure that you don’t need to keep them locked inside the RV.
There are a few ways that you will be able to find the ideal enclosure for your pets.
First, you’ll need to think about how large your pet is. You’ll need to give them enough space to walk around comfortably. If you have more than one pet, you’ll want to make sure that there is enough space for each of them to have their own space.
It’s also important to consider how high it will be. You don’t want them to be able to jump over the barriers.
You don’t want to spend hours struggling to get the enclosure set-up properly. You’ll want to make sure that you find a design that lets you click the panels together. This will allow you to get it set-up in a few minutes.
It’s also important to make sure that you are picking the right design. You should be able to add or remove panels, depending on the amount of space you have available.
It’s also important to try and pick an enclosure that will be easy to transport. Because of this, you’ll want to choose something that will be lightweight. Ideally, the panels should be able to fold flat.
This will limit the amount of space they take up in the RV.
Lastly, it’s important to consider the materials that the panels have been made from. You will want to get something that will be resistant to corrosion. It’s also important to choose something that will be easy to clean.
Most importantly, the materials should be durable.
Best Pets for RV Living
If you want to spend longer traveling in an RV, it’s important to make sure that you are picking the right companions. There are plenty of options for you to choose from.
Cats are a very popular choice.
They are small and affectionate. But they are fairly low maintenance. As long as you put a litter tray in your RV, you shouldn’t have to worry about having to clean up any messes.
Dogs are also a great choice. Try to stick to smaller breeds.
They will be easier to handle and you won’t need to have such a large enclosure. It’s also important to try and choose a dog that has a more relaxed attitude. Too much energy in a small space will often prove to be a bad idea.
While dogs and cats might be the most well-known choices, there are plenty of other furry friends that can keep you company.
For example, you might want to think about getting some hamsters, rats, guinea pigs, or mice. These are all very small animals. This makes them perfect for RVs.
They won’t take up much space. All you’ll need to do is get a small cage, which is easy to keep clean.
You can also get reptiles
This can include things like lizards or snakes. These have a few unique benefits. First, they just require you to store them in a glass case. You might also need to add some lights to control the temperature inside the cage.
These animals tend to be very low maintenance. Sometimes, you might only need to feed them once every few days.
Are Pets Allowed in Rented RVs?
If you don’t own an RV you can just rent one, many companies rent RV’s so you can enjoy a RV holiday. There are plenty of companies that are pet friendly also.
In most cases, RV rentals will be pet friendly. Though, you should double-check this when you book. In some cases, the owners might want you to pay a little extra to rent the RV from them. “pet deposit”
A good example of a company that allows you to take pets is Cruise America. They have a large fleet of rental vehicles, in over 130 locations across North America.
They don’t put any restrictions on the type of pets that you will be able to put inside the vehicle. As long as you return it clean, you won’t face any additional fees.
RVing With Cats vs Dogs?
Dogs and cats are the most popular pets to keep in an RV. Although some breeds will react differently. Because they are smaller, cats will often fare better in an RV.
However, dogs will soon adjust to their new surroundings. It might just take a few days for them to settle down, particularly if they were used to having a big backyard.
Cats will be easier to toilet train inside the RV
They will be used to using a litter tray at home. Dogs, though, might be more likely to leave a mess. This is particularly likely if you have a long drive ahead and there is limited time for them to go outside.
You might need to learn to look for the signs that they need to go to the toilet. After a while, you’ll know when it’s time to pull over.
Regardless of whether you have a dog or cat, they will soon get used to being inside an RV. It might take a few trips, but you’ll soon find a routine that works for both of you.
How to Introduce Your Pets to the RV?
If this is your pet’s first time in an RV, it’s important to make sure that they feel comfortable in the space. There are a few ways that you will be able to do this.
First, you’ll want to introduce them slowly. Some pets will be hesitant to climb up the stairs. You can fix this by stepping up inside the RV first. This shows them that there is nothing to fear.
Sometimes you will need to use treats to entice them to walk up the stairs.
Once they are inside, give them plenty of time to make themselves comfortable.
Dogs and cats will often want to smell the inside of the vehicle. Sometimes you will need to encourage them to explore. Once they are confident in the space, you’ll be able to set off.
Another way to make sure that they are happy is by making sure that you give them plenty of toys to play with. These will help them feel comfortable. It will also give them something to do when you relax at the RV park.
Final Thoughts:
RVing is a great experience to share with your pets. The RV can be the ideal place for everything from a small dog to a fish or snake.
As long as you take a few precautions beforehand, they will be able to have an amazing trip. So, put these tips into place to keep your pets safe during your next RV vacation. Enjoy!