By Jerry Yeatts, F390000
FMCA Executive Director
February 2016
February is designated Responsible Pet Owner’s Month. Since a significant number of motorhome owners travel with pets, I thought I would revisit some helpful tips for having a healthy and happy pet that have been shared over the years in Family Motor Coaching magazine.
In recognition of the importance of these special friends who have invaded our hearts and our homes on wheels, nearly 20 articles have been published in Family Motor Coaching magazine during the past 10 years just on the subject of pets. Writers have discussed keeping pets safe in colder weather, taking pets across the border, and even “pet-proofing” the RV.
The “Tech & Travel Tips” column has addressed subjects such as a dog lift for an elderly Labrador retriever, pet coolers, pet first-aid supplies, and pet ID tags. The “Rear View” feature in the back of the magazine has posed questions such as, “What’s the best breed of dog, or other pet, to travel with?” Or, “Describe your pet’s attitude toward travel . . . like it, afraid of it, just another day?”
Each and every time an article appears in the magazine or an opportunity presents itself to post a favorite pet picture on Facebook, the response from members becomes overwhelming. Yes, we love our pets!
According to the summer 2015 Campfire Canvass, a biannual survey of RV owners conducted by Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), 61 percent of RV owners brought their pets along on road trips. More importantly, 58 percent of those surveyed stated that being able to travel with their pets is a key benefit of RV ownership. Dogs, cats, rodents, reptiles, chinchillas, and other exotic pets log hundreds and thousands of miles while keeping us company, traveling in the copilot’s seat, on the bed, in the bathroom, or even in the bays. If you want your RV trip to include your pet, planning will make any trip easier and more enjoyable.
Just as it is important for humans to have regular checkups, an appointment should be made with your veterinarian to get your pet’s shot records updated, to fill any prescriptions, and to have a general conversation about where and how long you may be traveling with your special friend. It’s always a good idea to keep a copy of the shot records on your smartphone, along with the telephone number of your veterinarian just in case it is needed while traveling. Microchipping your pet is recommended, as a means of helping to reunite you with him or her in the unlikely event that you become separated.
Depending on where you will be traveling, additional vaccines or blood tests may be required. Please know that pet-related laws in the Lower 48 states may be different from those in Canada. The state of Hawaii and many countries overseas have quarantine policies and may have specific forms to be filed prior to arrival.
When we bought our first motorhome, we made several dry runs before actually venturing out. If you are new to motorhoming, or if you have a new pet, introduce your pet to the new environment a little bit at a time. You first may wish to take your pet with you when you drive the motorhome from your stationary home or RV storage area to the local gas station or grocery store. Then, perhaps try a little longer trip. Will you want to confine him, or let him roam around the motorhome? A crate, even if its door is left open, can create a safe haven for your pet.
Get your pet a tag that, preferably, has your cell phone number on it so you can be reached if your pet becomes lost. Road ID (www.roadid.com) produces an identification tag called “The Scout.” This durable, sleek ID comes in two sizes. The small one attaches to any .5-inch-wide collar. The large one is made for a 1-inch-wide collar. It also works great on horse halters, for all you equestrians.
Gather some of your pet’s favorite things — not only the dog bed or the scratching post, or that old pillow your pet loves, but also preferred foods, treats, toys, and anything else he or she likes. Familiar scents may help to create a less stressful atmosphere.
Once you begin venturing out on that trip, plan to stop every three hours or so to give a dog a chance to relieve itself or get a little exercise. As a motorhome owner, this is also good practice for you, in order to keep your circulation going! And, whether you are at a rest area, a campground, a local retail store, or even in your neighborhood, don’t let your pet roam freely. You never know when your furry friend may see another potential friend to play with and dash out into traffic. Also, many jurisdictions and campgrounds have leash laws in effect. Become familiar with local laws and ordinances regarding pets.
New FMCA members Amy and Rod Burkert developed a website that may be of interest to every pet enthusiast. GoPetFriendly.com provides information about pet-friendly campgrounds, hotels, beaches, parks, veterinarians, pet supply stores, restaurants, and even pet-friendly wineries throughout the United States and Canada. The Road Trip Planner option on GoPetFriendly.com will give you an idea of places to stop along your journey. The Destination Guides feature provides suggestions regarding the pet-friendly aspects of certain cities in a state or region. The Take Paws Blog page provides some fun and useful tips as you are traveling with your furry companion.
If you are planning to attend FMCA’s 93rd Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase in Perry, Georgia, March 17-20, you may be interested in sitting in on Amy and Rod’s seminar — “Ultimate Dog-Friendly American Road Trip.” They will share pointers (no pun intended) on sniffing out the best places in North America to travel with your best friend.
Traveling with your pet can be a wonderful experience. Whether it’s a brief weekend getaway at a local park or a cross-country adventure, with a little planning, your furry four-legged friend will enjoy spending time with you on the road and will make the trip much more fun.
Safe travels.