You may love driving from destination to destination, checking off the numerous places on your bucket list, and traveling to unfamiliar places. Road trips with your spouse or friends can be delightful, the same might not be said for your four legged friends. In this article we will go over a few of the easiest ways to make travelling easier on them. Whether it’s keeping them cooped up or letting them roam around, these simple tasks can help you both keep your sanity on the road.

Why Travel With Your Dog

Over half of RV owners travel the road with their pets. In fact a recent study conducted by the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association reports that over 60 percent of RVers find their furry friends to be excellent companions. While they may be great company and companions having your canine on the road brings along with it a few more rules you should be aware of. The following tips are great ways to make your road trip more fun for yourself and your puppy pal.

Prepare for Pet Restrictions

It might not be possible to plan for every scenario, but if you plan to stay at an RV park or campground it is important to check pet restrictions and rules ahead of time. While they are far and few between some parks have a zero pet policy, others charge extra for pets to stay, and yet others have requirements for proof of vaccinations or leashes. Knowing the rules ahead of time can help you be prepared and prevent unecessary scrambling at the last minute.

Packing for your Pet

Most pets require minimal bedding, toys, or accessories, while others may need to have extra medications for extended road trips. It is always a good idea to pack poo bags and wipes for those dusty or extra dirty ocassions.

Safety First

While many RV owners like to allow their dog to ride shotgun on their laps, this could create an unsafe scenario on the open road. In the name of personal and pet safety it is smartest to put your pet in a seat belt harness or crate that is safety rated for their size or breed. Keeping your pet within earshot can also allow for you to hear them if they begin to get anxious or have to get out to mark the new territory.

Mark Local Vets & Groomers

Being prepared with local vets and groomers along your route will make sure that you have a vet on call in the unlikely event that you need one.

Keep A Consistent Routine

Even though you are in new places it is important to keep a routine. If you regularly go for a walk, play fetch, or socialize it is important that you keep up these simple but routine activities while you are on the road. It gives your pet and you something to look forward to every day.

Prepare For Changing Weather

Chances are wherever your destination the weather is more moderate than your starting location. Depending on the distance between these points, there may be a number of weather conditions you will encounter during your travels. Keeping your pet comfortable could be as simple as packing a sweater, bringing blankets or planning to keep them close. When checking the weather conditions being mindful of the weather can make your trip more pleasant for you and your pet.

Animal Encounters Are Likely

With over a million RV travelers on the roads even during the off season, and over half of those bringing a pet with them, the chances of an encounter with domesticated pets is high. Even if your pet is pleasant around animals, remember that they are always safer on a leash, close by, and well under your control. This goes for encounters with domestic animals as well as wildlife. Allowing your pet to sniff out the brush, bush or trail could lead to life threatening wildlife encounters. Most places have leash laws and requirements for your protection as much as your pets.

Bringing your pet with you on your RV adventures takes a little planning and above all, respect for the other travelers. Being sure to obey regulations and be a good neighbor creates a positive experience for everyone. Pick up after your pet when he eats and does his business, keeping them calm and under control, and following pet policies will eliminate hassles and potential for party poopers to rain on your adventures.