Modify Your Trip Itinerary to Include Your Pets
One of your first steps should be to revise your travel itinerary to leave plenty of room for your pets. Many first-time travelers make the mistake of assuming their pets will not affect their plans. You can save yourself the headache by making your pet a major focal point of your plans.
For instance, you should locate pet-friendly restaurants, campgrounds, RV parks, and other activities catering to your entire family (barks and meows included). With some research and patience, you can make all the necessary updates and finalize your pet-friendly trip itinerary.
Leave Time for Unplanned, Frequent Stops for Breaks and Walks
There are quite a few things you can plan when taking a trip to enjoy RV travel with pets. However, always remember to leave time in your travel plans for the unexpected needs that will arise. For example, your pet may need to take more bathroom breaks than you initially expected.
Furthermore, it’s essential to consider your pet’s comfort during the journey. Your pets might feel uneasy in the vehicle and require regular breaks to stretch their legs or enjoy a leisurely walk in a nearby park. By being attentive to their needs, you not only prevent potential discomfort but also create opportunities for both of you to unwind and alleviate the stress that often accompanies long road trips. This responsible and caring approach can make your journey enjoyable for everyone involved.
Prepare Your Pet-Friendly Gear in Advance
In addition to your luggage and personal items, you must prepare pet-friendly gear and equipment to bring. For instance, you should keep a pet temperature monitor for RVs to ensure your pet stays healthy throughout the trip. It is also helpful to remember any medications, vitamins, or supplements. Pack food, treats, water bowls, and drinking water that will help if your pet suffers an upset stomach on the road.
Remember that dogs must pack more items than cat owners for RV travel with pets. For example, a dog owner must bring a leash, waste bags, and even proof of vaccinations to meet the criteria enforced by certain hotels, campgrounds, and dog parks. Regardless of the type of pet, you should also ensure they have a current identification tag with your contact information just in case you two are separated.
Buckle Up for Pet Safety
It would be best if you always had your pets traveling with you in the vehicle. A common misconception – especially among first-time RV trip travelers- is that pets can stay inside the camper. In addition to the temperature issues your pet can experience in a camper, there is also a lack of support and restraint to consider. What would happen if you got in an accident on the road?
Your pet is highly recommended to be secured in a crash-tested carrier or pet-friendly seat belt harness. Keeping the pet secured with this gear will also prevent them from distracting the person behind the wheel. As the driver of several-ton vehicles, you cannot afford to take your eyes off the road for anything – especially a dog that wants to play or a cat that wants to cuddle.
Ensure you conduct a few “test drives” with the safety equipment before hitting the road.
These checks will help you ensure your pet is comfortable yet safe on the road. It will also give your pet a chance to get used to the harness before being restrained for several hours at a time.
Be Prepared for All Weather Conditions
One crucial RV pet safety tip for road trips and travel is to always be aware of the weather conditions. It’s essential to stay updated with the weather forecasts before and during your trip. As you plan your visits to campgrounds and RV parks, make a note of the storm shelters’ locations. This vigilance can significantly contribute to your pet’s safety during your journey.
Preparing for emergencies is a key aspect of RV pet safety. It’s crucial to have a well-thought-out evacuation plan and to familiarize yourself with safety routes. Investing in a pet temperature monitor for RVs is wise, as it allows you to monitor the vehicle’s temperature remotely, ensuring your pet’s comfort and safety.
When traveling during the spring and summer, keep an eye on the temperature spikes. It is easy to feel comfortable with cloudy and sunny forecasts without examining the temperatures (highs and lows) each day will experience. Even if the air conditioning system in your RV is first-class, you should never put too much trust in it – especially when you consider the abundance of scenarios in which the AC system can fail.
In addition to a pet temperature monitor for RVs, consider setting the generator in your RV to start automatically during an emergency. This modification allows the AC system to run even when no electricity is flowing into it.
Keep Good Notes to Update Plans for Future Trips
There are not very many experiences in life that can match the joy of a successful RV road trip. RV travel with pets may seem daunting, and you will only want to endure it once and never again. However, with advance preparation and detailed planning, your family will enjoy the experience and eagerly anticipate the next trip.
With that in mind, take great notes during each stage of your trip regarding what you can do differently the next time. This is an excellent tip for first-time trip owners who may find creative and clever ways to do things more efficiently for their next trips.
Taking good notes will also lighten the burden of planning for RV travel with pets in the future.
