How to Prepare for RV Travel with a Dog

Hitting the road with your dog can make for a dream trip. But before you embark on your adventure, you’ll need to do some preparation to ensure your pet stays safe, healthy, and happy.  Remember that you may be far away from your home base and vet, so preparation is key. Whether you're heading out for the weekend or planning a full-time nomadic lifestyle on wheels, here are some quick tips on how to prepare for RV travel with a dog - or any other pet.

• Get a Pre-Travel Checkup
• Buy a Crash-Tested Harness or Crate
• Brush Up on Basic Training Cues
• Install a Temperature Management System
• Pack an Emergency Kit

1. Get a Pre-Travel Checkup

Before embarking on any RV travel with a dog, be sure to take them for a thorough veterinary check-up.Ensure all vaccinations are up to date and their flea/tick prevention program is on track. Depending on where you’re traveling, you may also need to get a copy of your dog’s health certificate and proof that they are vaccinated against rabies. This will be vital if you need to board your furry friend during extreme temperatures.

If your dog has any ongoing health problems, ask your vet about the best ways to manage these conditions while traveling and stock up on any medications/prescriptions required. For example, dogs with arthritis might benefit from a ramp to help them get in and out of the RV without hurting their joints.

Pro Tip: This is also a great time to make sure your dog’s ID tag and microchip both have your current contact details.

2. Buy a Crash-Tested Harness or Crate

On driving days, you should make sure your dog is safely secured. Not only is this crucial to protect them in the event of an accident or sudden stop, but properly securing your dog while driving is also  The best way to do this is by using a crash-tested harness or crate. Crash-tested harnesses are similar to standard harnesses but are built to withstand the large forces that can be generated during an accident. Similarly, crash-tested crates have reinforced bars to protect your pet. Never use a regular harness or crate in your RV when driving. It’s frightening how little protection these provide during a crash!Of course, there’s no guarantee that your dog will walk away from an accident unharmed, even if you get a crash-tested harness. But the chances of injury are much lessened with the proper equipment.