One of the reasons that I decided to buy my RV was to allow me to travel with my puppies instead of boarding them during my trips. (I said it was one of the reasons, not the only reason).  When you have your pets with you, you don’t have to worry whether they are being taken care of and they provide great companionship.  Here are some suggestions/tips when hitting the open road with your little friends.

First, you need to know your pet.  Traveling with a pet is much different than just having them around the house.  Do they travel well in a car?  Do they get car sick?  Do they need constant attention? Or are they alright on their own? I am lucky, both of my little ones love to travel, don’t get car sick, and do just fine alone when I am not around. Let’s meet them.

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This is Rudy and Ruby (don’t laugh, I didn’t name them).  They are both rescues that I have had since they were puppies.  Rudy (black schnauzer mix) is 9 years old.  Ruby (white poodle mix) is 7 years old.  They are both small, so that helps a lot with logistic since they don’t take up too much space.

Second, you need to know their medical needs (if any).  Luckily Rudy and Ruby are healthy and don’t take any medications or supplements.  If your traveling buddies do, you need to make sure you have what you need for the entire trip. (Getting pet refills can be difficult and costly – if in doubt, talk to your Vet).  

You also need to take care of their vaccination before you go and have a copy of their shot records with you (I carry both a paper and electronic copy).  Most campgrounds are pet-friendly but may require your pets to have the proper shots.  Depending on where you travel, you may also need to make sure they are protected from fleas, ticks, and any other bugs that exist in your travels.  

Third, know the rules and requirements of the places you’ll be staying.  Most places have extensive websites that will define their rules, local regulations, and breed restrictions (Yes, some parks exclude certain breeds based on a bad rap).  If you don’t know, call before you go.

Fourth, if your pet(s) love the outdoors, have a plan to allow them to relax outside while in camp. Every place I have been has a leash requirement and insist that you are outside with your pets, when they are outside. I also travel with a pet playpen so they are not chained to a tree or the bumper.

Finally, just some safety tips while on the road.  Microchip your pets – it’s cheap and you have a better chance to recover them if you get separated.  Also, they should always wear their collars with a tag that has their name and a way to contact you.  And while on the road, don’t let them roam freely in your coach.  I kennel my pups while driving – it gets awful bumpy on the road (I liken the back of my coach to an airplane in light turbulence – people can hold on to something – pets can’t!).  I also don’t want to be distracted while driving, worrying about the kids. One last thing, don’t forget about potty breaks and water – I try to stop every 2-3 hours for their comfort and mine :).

Follow these easy tips and there is a good chance you and your kids will have a great trip.  If you are reading this, you probably love to travel. So will your pets – they love to Do Fun Shit Always just like you.

#dofunshitalways #resist