Your pet is going to have their own idea of how much they like or
dislike your imposing a move or trip on them. What we can offer here
are ways to help them acclimate to their new situation.
1. Keep Things Familiar
Your pet usually has a schedule at home. A food schedule, walking
schedule, a time that you come home, entertainment time and so on.
When you go on a trip, try to keep some of that schedule the same.
Bring the things they use from home such as their bedding, food and
water bowls and any toys that they like to play with. Make an effort
to feed them around the same time you usually do at home. This
isn't rocket science, but it might not cross your mind until it's too
late. Your pet(s) will appreciate your keeping some things familiar
to them. Your payback just might be that they don't bark or meow
incessantly. They will also settle in faster.
2. Exercise Your Dogs As Much As Possible
Dogs need stimulation. The best stimulation you can give them is a
structured walk. No, we don't mean taking them out to a dog park and
letting them run around with crazy energy. This is akin to letting
kids out to play at recess. When they come back in, they are even
MORE wound up than they were before recess. Dogs need a mental
challenge and a structured, calm, LONG walk is the #1 best way to
achieve this. It will get you off of the couch at the same time. What
are you doing on the couch on a camping trip, anyway?
3. Don't Put Them In Your Trailer While Driving
We understand that not many dog or cat owners out there use a
harness/seat belt for their pets when in transit. This was going to
be our #1 recommendation, until we saw a video about how many of them
fail. We still believe the car will be safer and more comfortable
than in your trailer. Why not in the trailer? First, you aren't
there with them so their fear factor is likely to rise. To them,
they are riding alone in what to them could be a building having an
ongoing earthquake. They don't know what's going on really, so why
throw them back there to be alone and scared?
4. Watch Where You Leave Them
As you hopefully are already aware, most RVs can quickly get hot
in the sun, much like a car can. If you are camping in an RV park,
and you have your A/C on, be aware that the power can shut off
without notice, leaving your pet(s) in a very deadly situation if
your windows are all closed and it's a hot sunny day. What can you do
to prevent disaster for your pets? First, never leave your windows
closed and fans not running if the temperatures are going to be even
as high as the low 70's. You should have a good idea of how
quickly and how much hotter than the outside temperature your rig
gets before you ever leave your pets in your rig at temperatures over
70.
5. Get Them Ready
If you never take your cat or dog in the car for trips, it's a
very good idea to acclimate them to the motion and feeling by taking
short trips before your big one. Start with a simple around the block
drive. Don't get all excited before asking them to get in the car,
stay calm and assertive. Praise them if they are behaving properly
but don't get too overzealous about it. Once they realize the car
isn't going to kill them, start extending the duration of your trips.
Treats may help them learn to associate the vehicle with positive
things, but only give the treats when they are being calm, not if
they are shaking or are barking/hiding.
6. Bring Their Medications And Vaccination
Records
This may seem like another no-brainer, but people do forget these
things. If your dog or cat needs a daily medication at home, he's
going to need it on the road as well! Don't forget these items. It's
just a good idea to have their vet records as well. Don't want to
haul the paper? Scan it into an app on your phone.
7. Get Them Microchipped
If you haven't done this already, now is the time. If your pet
gets out and runs away, their collar with name and phone number is
their best friend. However, if they lose their collar somehow or you
had it off, say to give them a bath, then the chances of you ever
getting them back is extremely low. Microchipping will be the only
hope if someone finds your pet and takes them to a vet to see if they
are microchipped.
8. Be A Good Neighbor
Let's be honest. If you have a dog that you KNOW barks
incessantly when you leave, you shouldn't be bringing them with
you to an RV park if you plan to leave them in your rig. It's just
totally inconsiderate.
