7 Tips for RVing with Pets

RV life is a bit of a transition for anyone, but it’s an especially strange transition for animals.  They don’t speak English, so we can’t explain to them why they’re going from the shelter of a house on solid ground to bumping along the highway for several hours a day only to arrive in some unfamiliar place.  If you’re planning to bring your fur babies along on your next RV adventure, here are 7 tips for making that transition and life on the road as easy as possible for them—and for you.

Choose a Pet-Friendly RV.

The perfect RV will vary pet by pet.  If you have an older dog, you might want to keep that in mind while RV shopping.  Some RVs have narrower entryways or more steps to reach the door than others.  Temperature is another thing to keep in mind.  If you’re going to be in a hot climate (i.e. Texas), you want to make sure your pets will be cool if you need leave them in the RV for any length of time.  Choose an RV with good insulation and a quality a/c unit.  Only you know what kind of RV you and your pets need.  At Howdy Ranch RV, we have a wide selection of both New and Used RVs.  Stop by, and we’ll help you find a perfect, pet-friendly unit. 

Introduce them gradually.

It might be best not to throw your pet into the RV and go for a cross-country drive if your pet hasn’t experienced life on the road, yet.  Start with short trips—like a weekend camping trip at one of these parks.  See how your pet does on the short trips before committing to a long expedition with a very confused, unhappy animal. 

Make a list.

Before you hit the road, you will want to make sure you have everything you need.  That includes all the essentials for a happy pet on the road.  There is no better way to do this than by creating a list.  If you’re already in the habit of making lists for the things you need for yourself, this will be easy.  We advise that you start making the list well before your trip.  Last minute lists are always missing important items.

Plan, plan, plan.

While taking a pet along can make your adventure heaps more fun, it also adds extra variables.  Not all destinations are pet-friendly, so do some research and make sure your destination(s) of choice is one they will enjoy, too.  Look up state parks, campgrounds, restaurants, and any other locations you want to stop at before you punch them into your GPS.  You don’t want to arrive and find out your pet isn’t allowed. 

Buckle up!

Lots of folks like to let their pets roam around freely while on the road, but this is incredibly dangerous.  Just don’t do it.  You’re jeopardizing not only your safety and their safety but also the safety of everyone else on the road.  All it takes is a small distraction—like Mr. Pickles jumping from your lap onto the dash or Sparky deciding now is the time he wants your undivided attention—to cause you to veer into the next lane.  You’re probably towing at least a couple tons, and that plus your 5,000-pound truck could do some serious damage in a collision.  Make sure your pets are secured either by a seat belt (yep, they have those for dogs) or in a kennel.   

Stretch those legs.

You need exercise—and so does your pet.  Doctors warn us that too much sitting is bad for our health.  The same goes for your pet.  Being cooped for too many hours isn’t good for anyone, so pull over at those rest stops.  Stretch, go for a walk, and play with your pet.  If you are letting your pet out, though, make sure he’s on a leash—even if he’s a cat.

Prepare for your destination.

If your destination is a state park, a beach, or some other type of wild terrain, you’ll want to be prepared for all the things that can go wrong.  Make sure you keep a watchful eye on your pet if he isn’t on a leash.  Chances are, there are wild animals out and about to tempt your pet away from the campsite.  If you’re in bear country, keep an especially watchful eye.  Make sure your pet is up to date on all vaccinations and that you’re armed with tick and flea medication.     

Be considerate.

You aren’t the only one on the campgrounds, so be mindful.  If you have a barker, this could be a real bummer for your neighbors, so work on keeping the barking under control.  Also, make sure you’re obeying campground rules.  If there’s a rule that your dog must be on a leash, then keep your dog on a leash.  And when your dog takes a potty break, be prepared with plastic bag in hand.

Think you’re ready to hit the road?  These 7 tips will help you ensure you and your pets have a happy—and stress-free—RV experience.  Happy trails!

Still looking for that pet-friendly fifth wheel or travel trailer?  Come see us at Howdy Ranch RV!  We proudly serve Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Laredo, Rockport, and McAllen.