For many people, hitting the road in their RV is all about family bonding. So why not bring every member of your family? Traveling with pets is a great way to provide normalcy while you’re out camping with the family and if you ever choose to live permanently in your RV, you’ll definitely want to bring your furry friends along. Your RV is perfectly equipped to provide you and your pets the same comforts of a home, but keep in mind that your pet may not be as inclined to the RV lifestyle.
You’ll want to make sure they’re comfortable in this new environment and that the sharp change from their daily schedule causes them as little stress as possible.
Here at Athens RV, we’ve provided a few ideas for keeping your pet comfortable and safe while you’re traveling. If you’re in the market for a new RV, maybe something a little bigger to give you and your pet a little more room, stop by our showroom to take a look at the models we currently have. We’re located in Athens, Texas, proudly serving the Nacogdoches and Lufkin areas.
Allow for an Adjustment Period
Don’t assume that your pet will take to your RV. Some pets don’t mind the new adventure, but the abrupt change in schedule and scenery can leave many pets nervous and stressed. Give them a chance to familiarize themselves with the RV before you leave. Take them inside while it’s not moving to do some exploring. Layout their personal items, including food and water bowls, so they’ll know where they are once you travel. Taking this extra step will help reduce stress levels during the trip, for you and your pet.
On the Road
When it’s time to hit the road, make sure your pet is well taken care of. Start by keeping them in the vehicle you are in. If you’re towing your RV, keep your pet in the tow vehicle. Due to high safety risks, do not place your pet in the open bed of a truck. Your pet also needs to be secured. This could mean being properly buckled in, trained to sit still, or placed in a crate. This keeps your pet safe and prevents them from distracting you while you’re driving.
Also, take lots of breaks, especially if you have a long journey. This is good for your pet and for you. Animals need the chance to relieve themselves, rest, and stretch their legs just as much as you do. Make sure your pet is leashed and that they have a chance to drink some water.
Safety
Above all else, you’ll want to prioritize your pet’s safety. Take them in for a checkup before you travel and inform the vet of your plans and where you’ll be traveling. This will help them know if your pet is going to need additional vaccines to protect them from diseases that may be more prevalent in other parts of the country. It’s a good idea to bring the paperwork for these vaccinations in the event you need to board your pet.
Consider potential consequences of leaving a pet unsupervised in your RV as well. It can get very hot in Texas, even in the winter, and it doesn’t take long to heat up a vehicle. On the flip side, vehicles can become very cold if the temperature drops outside. Make sure that if you leave your pets behind for the day that the temperature of the RV is safe and comfortable. If you cannot ensure their safety and won’t be able to bring them with you, find somewhere to board them.
Your pet is part of your family, so treat them with the consideration they deserve. They’re placing all their trust in you so you’ll want to make sure they’re safe and comfortable on your fun camping trip. If your RV needs servicing before you take off, schedule a maintenance appointment with Athens RV in Athens, Texas. Our location proudly serves the areas of Nacogdoches, Lufkin, Fort Worth, and Dallas, as well as Longview, Tyler, and Houston, Texas.
