Traveling With Pets in an RV

When you’re traveling in your RV, you want to bring the whole family with you. But some members of the family might be left out -- your pets! Often, you have to say a tearful goodbye to your pet, leaving them in the care of neighbors or with the vet while you adventure. Both of you would rather be with each other and that’s perfectly possible in an RV.

With a little planning and preparation, you won’t have to leave your cat or dog at home or with the boarding place. If you want to know how best to prepare yourself and your pet for RV travel together, read this guide prepared by Campers Unlimited. We are based in Gadsden and Oxford, Alabama, where we carry plenty of RVs for sale that can easily be made pet-friendly.

Familiarize Your Pet With the Motorhome

Your pet will recoil at a change of venue if you don’t allow them some time to become accustomed to your RV before you travel with them. Bring your cat or dog into the parked camper while it’s in your driveway so they can investigate the space and sniff everything. 

Providing a blanket or bed from your residential home that has familiar smells on it will help to comfort them, as will giving them treats and playing with their favorite toys while you’re in the motorhome. Use a soothing and encouraging voice when talking to your pet to help them feel safe and develop positive associations with your RV or motorhome. Taking the time to do this will prevent your pet from becoming too anxious on the maiden journey.

After you’ve allowed your pet to become acclimated to the camper, your first trip with your pet should be a brief one, maybe a weekend excursion to a park no further than two hours away. Longer trips can be taken with time and experience, provided your pet responds well to the initial short jaunts.

Pack All the Necessary Supplies

You’ll want to pack everything your pet needs on your RV instead of trying to find supplies as you travel. 

The most important thing to bring is your pet’s usual food in sufficient quantities for the journey, with a little extra just in case you’re delayed. Trying to change your pet’s diet abruptly will make them very sick and ruin the trip for the both of you.

Other supplies include plenty of fresh water if you’re boondocking away from hookups, their bed or favorite place to sleep, treats, their leash and harness and their favorite toys. Your pet’s comfort depends on them feeling secure in their environment, and having everything they have at home will help a great deal with this.

If you’re in search of a great RV for the whole family, including your furry friends, visit Campers Unlimited. We are located in Gadsden and Oxford, AL, and proudly serve those in Huntsville and Birmingham, Alabama.