Traveling with pets this summer?
Check out my latest article: http://www.rvwest.com/tips/travellingwithpets.phpy
8 Simple steps to ensure stress-free camping with your pets
by Carol Ann Quibbell
Your pets don’t want to be left behind—plan ahead and include them. When preparing for a trip in our RV we usually check the oil, make sure necessary repairs are taken care of, load up with supplies, buy a map and plan our route. Sometimes in the excitement of preparing our RV for the trip ahead, we forget that our pets may need some special attention too. Harrison Forbes, an animal behaviourist and host of Pet Talk—a nationally syndicated radio show—has provided us with tips about travelling with our family pets to ensure their trip is also stress-free.
Four-legged friends: Bringing your animal pals means taking important steps to ensure their comfort—photo courtesy Harrison Forbes
Do you know what the pet policy is at your destination park? Do they have restrictions that may not allow pets? Are there dog walking areas? What size of dog is allowed, and how many per campsite? By calling before you leave home and having these questions answered, there won’t be any nasty surprises when you arrive.
Identification
Does Fido have ID tags with up-to-date information? Put your cellphone number on the tag—that way they can reach you if necessary wherever you are. Hopefully your pet won’t get lost but whoever finds him will be able to reach you. Having a picture of your pet with you may also come in handy.
Vaccinations
Are your pet’s shots up to date? What is your vet’s name and phone number? In an emergency you will need to provide this information to the local veterinary hospital. Why not bring a copy of his medical records just to be safe? Some areas are prone to ticks and fleas—do you have what’s needed to prevent them from making your pet their new home?
Veterinary hospitals
Check out in advance where the closest veterinary facility is from your campground. It’s better to be prepared in case of an accident or sickness than frantically searching for a vet at the time of the emergency.
Insurance
Are your pets covered by an insurance policy in the event of an accident? Check with your insurance provider or pet medical insurance company.
Travel pack
This should contain everything from their favourite food, special bed, portable feeding/watering bowls, water, pet first-aid kit, leash, clean-up supplies, and lots of toys to keep them busy and out of trouble. It might be a good idea to have the pet kit permanently left in your RV and just refill items as needed.
Secure your pet when travelling
When pets are not restrained in the vehicle they can be a distraction to the driver and be injured if there is a sudden stop or accident. Keep them safe and secure either in a crate or harness.
Prepare for extreme weather
If you will be away from the RV for any length of time make sure your pet has enough water. Is there proper ventilation? Would it be advisable to have the air conditioning on? Remember your RV can get very hot in the scorching heat and will adversely affect your family pet.
Family vacations aren’t really complete without the family pet and by taking a few simple steps to make sure camping with your pet is fun and stress-free, your vacation will be even more memorable and Fido doesn’t have to be left at home.
Resources:
Harrison Forbes: An animal behaviourist for over 20 years, talk show host, police dog trainer, and author of his autobiography, Dog Talk, which is in stores now. He is the resident pet expert for the Live with Regis and Kelly show and is a monthly regular on the Fox News Network.
Oct 15, 2009 @ 19:08:59
Hi there!
I found your blog on Shelley Lieber’s Facebook page for Class to Ca$h members. This is great information! I do not have an RV, but I do camp and I always bring my dog. I always check to see that my old man can come with me, and often there is an additional fee for bringing him along. I am always happy to pay it because his happiness is important to me. If he is not allowed, I just simply do not go there!
Thanks for the information.
Pam Hauser
Oct 15, 2009 @ 19:22:52
Thanks Pam, glad to be able to give you some information you may be able to use. I hope you can do as much camping as possible since you seem to enjoy it. If you are interested I have a twitter account http://www.twitter.com/thetravellife and would love to connect with you.
Oct 15, 2009 @ 19:28:20
Hi Carol Ann,
I already signed up to follow you on Twitter.
Yes, I do love to camp! Maybe some day I’ll have an RV. For now, I love camping in my tent (with a mattress, cuz I am NOT sleeping on the ground!) Camping seems to be the only way I can get away and stop cleaning, organizing, building, etc at my home. I find it much easier to just swing in a hammock and look at the canopy of trees above me, to read a good book, to watch the embers of a camp fire, to take long walks with my dog, etc.
Camping rocks!
TTYL!
Pam