RVing with Your Pets

You know that sad look your pet gets when he realizes he isn’t going on the trip with you? Well, banish that look when you travel in an RV! Many pets are able to join your camper vacation. With a little preparation, it can be a positive experience for the whole family.

Imagine the fun when your pet gets to join you on the road trip! Long car rides are better with a furry friend present. Explore hiking trails with your pal by your side. Make memories as a whole family.

We created the following guide to traveling with your pets. If your trailer needs any parts or maintenance before your trip, stop by CampSite RV in Cresco, Iowa.

Introduce Them to the RV

You’ll want your pet to make a positive first impression with the trailer. This makes it easier to coax them inside at a future date. It also helps reduce their stress when they are inside the camper again.

Introduce them to the RV in a lighthearted, fun way. Take it slow and let them step inside when they are ready. Get the whole family to enter first and talk in soothing, happy voices. Play with their favorite toy inside. Give them a treat or two. Teach your pet to associate the trailer with fun.

Follow Their Normal Routine

Animals get stressed when things are out of the ordinary. After all, their instincts tell them that “something odd” means “something dangerous”. Try to keep things as normal as possible.

If you can, follow their typical schedule. Feed them meals at the usual times. Take walks as scheduled. Head to bed and get up in the morning as normal. This consistency will be comforting to your pets.

Pack the Essentials

Each traveler on your trip needs to pack their essentials and that includes your pets! Food is crucial of course. Bring their regular food (changing up a diet can be stress-inducing and be rough on their digestive system). Try to overpack to avoid having to pick up a new brand near the campsite.

Next, you will need their bed. While it seems easier to get a cheap separate bed you can leave in the camper, this isn’t ideal for your pet. They’ll prefer their normal bed as it already has their scent on it. Try to find a cozy spot for it. Near the fridge, for example, may be cold and loud. If it won’t interrupt your sleep, put their bed in your bedroom. Being close to you can be soothing for your pet.

Finally, make it a vacation for your pets too! Pack along toys (either their favorite ones or special ones they only get to use in the trailer). A bag of treats can also be fun to bring (and helps reward them for good behavior in the camper).

Keep Them Safe During the Ride

Letting your pet wander around in the RV while it’s in motion can be unsafe. They might interfere with the driver’s ability to focus on the road, whether they attempt to hop aboard their lap or get underfoot. If you take a turn too sharp or must break suddenly, they could get tossed around. A better solution to keep them secure in a crate or in a bedroom with a family member.

Traveling with a pet is a fun experience and a great way to travel. Before you head out on your trip, make sure your RV is ready for the journey. Get any new parts or service done at CampSite RV. We proudly serve those in Cresco and Cedar Falls, Iowa as well as Rochester, Minnesota and La Crosse, Wisconsin.