Taking Your Pets On A Family Road Trip

Vacation season is here at last, and across America, nine million RV owners are getting ready to hit the open road. The great thing about an RV vacation is that there is no need to go through the expense and stress of being separated from your beloved pet. Dogs and even cats can enjoy an RV expedition just as much as their owners.

After all, it’s not a real vacation unless the whole family is there, and that includes the pets. But before you all pile in the RV and hit the road, there are some preparations to make and points to bear in mind.

Get them used to the RV

Dogs and cats are different in so many ways, but one factor they have in common is curiosity. If they are in the yard and the RV is parked there with the door open, you can bet they will both be inside in a matter of minutes! That’s perfect, let them explore it as much as they like. Cats are particularly territorial, so once they have established that the inside of the RV is “part of home” the battle is won.

Keep things cool

While you are out exploring, you will definitely be leaving your cat back in the RV. And even with a dog, there are times you’ll need to leave furry Fido to stay behind. Leaving plenty of water for them to drink goes without saying, but you also need to be extremely careful to keep things cool.

Animals die in hot vehicles. Sadly, it happens every year! An air conditioner is an absolute essential if you will be leaving pets alone in the RV, and it also makes sense to invest in a remote temperature sensor, just so you can be absolutely sure that your four-legged friends are cool and comfortable back at home-away-from-home base.

Sit down in back!

The idea of driving along the open road with your cat on your knee or your dog at your feet might sound like the perfect expression of freedom, but it’s really not worth the risk. All it takes is for the dog to shift across to the left, and you suddenly can’t get to the brake pedal. Or your cat sees something that spooks her and leaps out of your lap and straight across the steering wheel – it doesn’t bear even thinking about.

While driving, keep your pets restricted to the back of the RV so that you can concentrate on the road ahead. That way everybody, the pets included, will have a safe and enjoyable RV vacation.

People seem to be traveling with pets of all kinds and sizes in RV’s and at camp grounds. It’s definitely a great way to enjoy a break. Together! Just be sure to plan ahead and make it a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.