RV Traveling with Your Pets

Your pet is part of the family, right? Here are some tips on bringing your pet along so everyone can enjoy the trip! If you need any equipment or further advice, please reach out to us at Rte. 125 RV & Marine ten minutes south of Rochester, New Hampshire, on Gonic Road, near the Maine border. 

Is Your Pet Adaptable?

For successful travel with your pet, it’s best if they are calm, confident, and adaptable by nature. Most of the pets that go traveling with their human family are dogs, but some people bring cats, birds, and other animals. The following advice is centered on dogs, but if you want to bring another type of pet, it largely applies to them, too. 

You can help keep your pet calm and secure. Try to stick with your usual routines. Pets appreciate schedules and structure. Aim for regular meal times, nap times, walk times, and medication times. Bring your pet’s favorite foods, toys, and a blanket with their scent on it. 

Give your dog (or cat, hamster, bird, snake) some time to get used to traveling in an RV. Give them time to sniff around and get used to the space while it’s stationary. Take them on a few trips around the neighborhood to get them used to your rig when it is moving.

Be Heat-Conscious

If you’ll be leaving your pet in the RV unattended, it’s critical that you are aware of how hot it will get. It’s very dangerous for any animal to overheat. You need to think about the time of day and the season. Use shade, air-conditioning, and ventilation to ensure that your RV remains at a safe temperature for your beloved pet. 

Planning Your Pet-Friendly Trip

Consider heat and the climate when you make your travel plans. Also, be aware that pets are restricted or forbidden on many trails in National Parks. Check restrictions for your planned itinerary, and use resources such as pet-friendly travel books and websites. 

Get the OK from Your Veterinarian

Bring your beast to the vet for a thorough check-up. Make sure all vaccinations are up-to-date and bring a record. Pack any essential medications.

During the Drive

Your pet needs to be where you are. Don’t put it in a trailer; keep it in the tow vehicle with the family. Some pets will do better in a crate or carrier while you are in transit. It’s important to make sure a loose pet is calm and under control, otherwise, it might disrupt the driver. The last thing you want is a small pet under the driver’s legs, interfering with braking. 

Take plenty of breaks to give your pet a chance to get out, go to the bathroom, drink some water, eat some food, and sniff the exciting new smells.

At the Campground

Most campgrounds require that you keep your pet on a leash or otherwise confined. Some travelers like to bring folding pens or fences to keep their pets secure in their campsite. Be considerate towards other campers and keep your pet from barking, and always pick up pet waste immediately. 

Having a pet along for RV trips can be enriching for the family and the pet! We are here to make your RV experience as good as possible, so never hesitate to contact the team at Rte. 125 RV & Marine in Rochester, New Hampshire, near Massachusetts.