- If traveling with dogs, it’s important to obedience train them, control them, and clean up after them immediately. Teach your dog to stay alone without barking (unless someone is trying to get into the RV). If you can’t train on your own, find a group through a veterinarian, kennels, or the yellow pages, and don’t give up. Patience, persistence, and practice will pay off. You won’t believe the compliments you’ll get on your dog’s manners. – Lt. Col. Virginia Dillon (VD), Alexandria, VA
- If you plan to visit a state or national park with your pet, check to see what the rules are before you go. If dogs are allowed, you must have them on a leash at all times. Be aware that a lot of parks and campground will not let you tie your dog outside. Some major attractions, such as Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico and most of the Disney parks, have kennels where your pet can spend the day while you visit the attraction. –VD
- Don’t give your pets too much water or food before you get on the road. Carry your pets’ current identification and be sure you have clean-up equipment. (Your neighbors will thank you.) Take a swivel stake for tying your pet and a square of linoleum or carpet to place under food and water dishes. – Herb and Mary-Lou Pletcher, Taneytown, MD
- An RV can be the ideal way to travel with any pet. Nevertheless, some animals travel better than others. Only you know your pet’s personality well enough to decide whether bringing him or her along is a good idea. The best travelers are confident and accustomed to change and trustworthy around strangers. – Cynthia D. Miller (CM), Yuba City, CA
- Your pet will need a travel checklist too, so you won’t forget to pack everything he or she needs for a comfortable trip: food and treats, medicine, bedding, grooming necessities, collar and leash, pooper scooper, food and water dishes, and toys. – CM
- When traveling with a dog, you must plan to stop every hour or two for at least 10 minutes. Highway rest areas provide grassy plots for caretakers to walk their pets. – CM
- Ask your veterinarian what paper work you need if you will be crossing state lines or over the border to Canada or Mexico. No matter where you’re going, you should bring along a copy of a current health certificate, immunization records, and rabies certificate for your dog. Rabies tags are not always enough proof. Each state has different rules about what is considered a “current” health certificate, so check what the rules are in each state where you’ll be stopping. – CM
- Have your pet wear a collar with a securely attached identification tag at all times on your trip. The tag should list the telephone number of a friend, relative, or veterinarian at home plus the number of your cellular telephone, if you’re bringing one along. – CM
Next week I’ll have more tips specifically detailing some steps you can take before traveling with your pet to help ensure a safe and pleasant trip.
Enjoy your RVing!
Bernice