Pets And RVs
Meooooow, Ruff, who was the wise guy with the idea to move us into this small house on wheels and where is my litter box and my bed? If your pet has attitude and doesn't like change, there are things that you can do to make him/her more comfortable and safe in your RV. You can make the trip less stressful for your pet.
Pet friendly campgrounds, restaurants, and off lease parks:
A great website that includes worldwide information on all of the above.
Travel Safety: I recommend that cats travel in a carrier, and that dogs be fitted with a pet friendly seat belt if sitting in the vehicle with you. If he or she is lying on the sofa in the RV some people like to use the lap belt. This not only protects your pet in case of an accident but also prevents him/her from distracting you as you drive. Try testing out this safety equipment on shorter drives first to get your pet used to it.
Pet beds: Try to place your pet’s bed in an area similar to what he/she is used to at home, for example, in your bedroom, or on the sofa.
Stock up on pet food: just in case you can’t find their usual brand when you are out on the road. However, if you are crossing the border there are some rules you must follow:
- The pet food must be in its original package
- Weight must be under 20kg
- The package must have the label with a clear list of ingredients and the place of origin
- Some animal bi-products are not allowed
For full details see the website
Watch the temperature in your RV. One of the most common threats for pets in RVs is heat exhaustion. Depending on where you are parked you may be able to adjust the temperature by opening or closing windows. However, if the place where you are staying is especially hot I would recommend you have a pet temperature monitor installed in your RV so that you can monitor the temperature in your RV remotely from your phone. This website has some good options: https://www.weatherstationadvisor.com/best-rv-pet-temperature-monitors/
Check in on your pet if you are on a long drive: Allow extra travel time for potty breaks and short walks, this will ease the stress for both you and your pet. Also, keep a window open a crack. This may help prevent motion sickness.
- Constant whining
- Excessive drooling
- Constant yawning
- Talk to your vet about motion sickness medication
- Bowls for food and water
- Food and treats
- Scratching post
- Litter box and litter
- Baking soda (sprinkled in the litter pan keeps the smell down)
- Bed/ pillow
- Name tag with your contact information on it, collar and leash if you use one
- Toys
- Medications if applicable
- Flea treatment
- A record of his/her date of birth, allergies, current vaccines, and tattoo number
- Nail clippers and brush
- Name and address of vet in the area where you are travelling
- Hand-held vacuum or broom and dust pan
- First aid kit
- Photos of your cat in case he/ she gets lost
- Bowls for food and water
- Food and treats
- Poop bags
- Nail clippers, brush
- Favourite blanket/bed
- LED harness if you like to walk at night
- Collar, leash and name tag with contact information on it
- Toys
- Medications if applicable
- Flea treatment
- Towels and shampoo
- A record of his/her date of birth, allergies, current vaccines, and tattoo number
- Name and address of a vet in the area whereyou are travelling
- Hand held vacuum for broom and dust pan
- First aid kit including rectal thermometer and lubricating jelly
- Outdoor bathing tool if your dog likes to jump in puddles etc.
- Photos of your dog in case he/ she gets lost
Remember a happy pet means a happy life so follow these tips to keep your cats purring, your dog's tales wagging and enjoy the ride.
Ramona Stevens
