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Seventy five percent of RVers travel with pets. Most have dogs, some cats, birds and other unusual animals, like Potbelly pigs. This page deals with some pet projects.

Petiquette 

Pets are not irresponsible, only some pet owners are. Read the rules of the park and respect them.

RVing with pets is important to many people. They would not be able to travel otherwise. You must train your pet to live according to the rules. If you don't you will make it difficult for others who have pets. Some parks do not allow pets, or they limit the size by weight. Others disallow certain breeds. Rules, rules, rules .... it gets disgusting, but rules are made because of those inconsiderate people who ruin it for all.

Hey, if you do it right you can enjoy your pet almost anywhere. Just be considerate of others. 

Some parks have rules that do not allow you to leave your pet alone. If you do leave your pet alone in your RV on a warm day be sure it has plenty water and windows open or leave the A/C running. On a nice day the fan should be on. It's a good idea to have a small fan for the pet. We carry a 6 inch metal fan that we got at Camping World and mounted it on a small board. It's 12 volts and when we must leave our dog in the truck (with the windows open) we turn the fan on. We are very concerned with the heat and do not leave valuables in the truck so that we can leave the windows open. 

Long leash vs short leash

Many campgrounds require short leashes. With a short leash you can definitely control your pet better. Dogs learn to walk next to the person walking the dog. With a long leash the dog ends up walking the walker. After learning to tether the dog with a short leash he or she will cooperate much better and will obey other commands better too. The dog learns who is in charge. Most people think the dog or cat enjoys the freedom of a long leash. You may have to wean them off of the long leash, but it is worth it in the long run. If you enjoy walking, the short leash will allow you to walk without stopping every ten feet. The dog will walk along the side and dogs who are not usually under control will become tamed by the short leash and allow you to enjoy a brisk non-stop walk. You will know when the dog needs to stop. Don't forget to take the bags!

Pet peeve   

Do pick up the do-do that dogs do. If you have a dog, clean up after him, not just at campgrounds, but public parks, schools and neighborhoods. No one wants to see your dog's crap in the grass. Did you ever step in it? Then you know!

It is a simple task to pick up the doggie mess with a cheap sandwich bag. Put your hand into the bag like a glove and pick it up. Then grab the bag envelope flap and turn the bag inside out  which will put the stuff safely in the bag. Carry it to the trash container. Some people use those accumulated Wal-Mart bags. You do not have to get any mess on your hands. Deposit the bag in a garbage can.

Most RVers are considerate about their pet and clean up after them. It is interesting to know that more than 66% of RV-travelers have pets along for the ride. RVers at any age and their pets are on-the-whole a good lot. 

While on the subject, find a good place for you pet to "go to the bathroom". Not on the flowers, playground or next to the pool. Control them with a TIGHT SHORT LEASH. They will wait until you get to the best spot. Keep the leash short until you get into a wide open area. When you see other pets or people, shorten the leash. Teach your pet to heel. This is good obedience training. Pets are much like children, they have to be watched and taught correctness.

Try to be polite to irresponsible pet owners. Let the pets meet and greet. This will break the ice and you can tactfully discuss the rules about petiquette. Try to be positive and friendly. They are more likely to take your advice if you don't accuse them of wrongdoing or preach. Speak generically, as if it is not them you are trying to correct.  Of course there are times that one must be direct, but try to leave that up to the management if possible.

Use a plastic film can to hold plastic bags for collecting dog droppings. Attach it to the leash.

Packing for Pets

•   Leash and collar with ID tag.

•   Vaccination Records

•   Restraint harness 

•   Paper towels and disinfectant cleaner

•   Favorite toy

•   Adequate supply of pet food and smacks.

•   Can opener

•   Food and water bowls

•   Pet bed or crate

•   Grooming aids

•   Medication (flea and heart)

•   Refuge bags or "pooper scooper"

•   Towels to dry pet

•   Pet Shampoo

The Ford Truck Split Bench seat allows for folding the center. Adding a board 
covered with a pet pad makes a great pet place. The water dish has Velcro 
attached to hold it in place. 

Alaska and National Parks warning: Be alert with your pet in the wilds. There are stories about wolves, bears and eagles scooping up pets and carrying them off. Think about how tragic that would be. Keep an eye out for wild animals. Always keep your pet on a leash. Don't leave your pet alone in a portable fenced area.

Why Neuter Rover?

Most people can see the benefits of spaying a female dog - avoiding unwanted litters - but don't know the many medical and behavioral benefits of having their male dog neutered:

Neutered dogs are healthier. Neutered dogs are less likely to develop prostate problems and testicular tumors. By eliminating most roaming and fighting, neutering reduces the risk of injury and infection, saving you expensive veterinary bills.

Neutered dogs are more content and better behaved. Neutering reduces the annoying and embarrassing urge of male dogs to "mount" furniture or people's legs. Neutering reduces aggression against other animals. A mole sensing a female in heat nearby may break down doors and jump fences and will roam the neighborhood searching  for her. Neutering relieves this sexual frustration and lets the dog relax and enjoy being part of the family. Dogs have no psychological sex drive. They feel no need to reproduce, and are happier when they're neutered.

Neutering is a relatively safe and painless operation done by a licensed veterinarian. In some areas, neutered dogs are eligible for reduced license fees which soon make up the cost of the operation.

By neutering your dog, you enhance its chances of living a long healthy life, save yourself a great deal of potential trouble and cost, and make your pet a more content family member.

Provided by the American Humane Association

Hiking with your pet.

The pet pouch in this picture was purchased at Pet Smart. Once 
you get your pet used to the pouch it works great. You can enjoy 
your hike more and the pet enjoys being with you. It is easier than 
dealing with trying to keep your pet on a leach and having to make 
him jump over rocks or logs and pulling him along.

Biking with your pet.

You can train your little pet to sit in the bike basket. 
He will enjoy the ride and you don't have to leave him in the RV.  Our Crimson loves to go along and it  is surprisingly easy for him to sit and watch the sites pass by. The bikes fold and we put them in the back seat of the truck. We are always ready for hiking or biking.

Some links we like....

Veterinarian Locator - Click this link to find veterinarians in the USA and Canada. 

Pet Shelter - PetShelter Network was created in 1997 to promote the adoption of shelter animals and save homeless animals' lives. Shelters who join the PetShelter Network are literally overflowing with homeless companion animals. To put it simply, there are too many animals and not enough homes. Millions of adoptable companion animals are euthanized (humanely put to death) in shelters across the nation every year because of the companion animal overpopulation crisis. Puppy mills (factory-like breeding facilities), "backyard" breeders, and accidental litters all contribute to this tragedy by bringing more animals into the world when there aren't enough homes for the ones who are here already

Town & Country Pet Expo - Washington State University is bringing together pet experts from universities, veterinary clinics, pet organizations and the pet industry to answer pet owner questions May 11 and 12 at the Town & Country Pet Expo in Monroe

Pet Finder - Make Your House a Home...Adopt a Shelter Dog! Looking for a little more love in your life? Consider adopting a dog!

Travel Dog Lots of information about how to travel with your dog.

Tips for RVing with Pets

Many recreational vehicle owners prefer to take their pets for their RV camping. However, this is a challenging task. Firstly, you pet may not enjoy travelling in a recreational vehicle. In fact, cats hardly enjoy travelling and dogs too may have problem coping up with the difficulties of travelling in an RV. Thus, you need to work on them to enjoy a safe and comfortable RV camping experience.

The following tips will help you to enjoy a successful RV camping with your pets:

• Get the pet acclimated with your recreational vehicle before you hit the road. Let them examine the space on their own to make them feel comfortable.

 

• Carry items that your pet is familiar with, such as their blanket, dog beds, toys etc.

 

• Use cargo crate, automobile pet harness, pet carrier, or pet booster seat to restrain your pet. This can save your pet from severe injuries or even from being killed during accidents or sudden stops.

 

• Carry ample amount of pet food while travelling in your recreational vehicle. You would hardly like to run short of foods for your little furry one, as you are enjoying in the RV campground.

 

• Keep a note of your vet’s phone number. Also, carry the pet’s medical records and consult with a local veterinarian in case there is an emergency.

 

• Let your pet stretch periodically and for this, take plenty of stops while on road. It is recommended to provide litter training to your pet and carry a portable litter tray. Even though, it would be wise to carry some carpet cleaners, floor cleaner and paper towels while RVing with your pet.

 

• Be thorough with the RV campground’s pet policies before your check in. Some RV campgrounds may have designated areas for dog walking, and you must only use them for your pet.

 

• Never leave the pet alone in the recreational vehicle, it is hazardous and the extreme climate inside may even kill your pet. You can appoint a pet day care service if you need to spend time away from your recreational vehicle.

You must always obey the RV campground rules wherever you stay.

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