What about Pets?

Most pets make great traveling companions, you just have to pay a little bit of attention to their needs (and personalities).

I don't have a pet now, but in all the different campgrounds I've camped in it seems to me that more than half of the campers have a pet or two. I'm more of a dog person, but I have to admit that cats are a lot more practical when traveling.

The big difference is that you have to get back to the RV every few hours if you have a dog. If you have a cat, you can be gone all day or even for more than a day and they're fine. Of course, they may have an attitude when you get back, if they've been left for very long.

Of course, the dog owners can tell you all of the reasons they had rather have a dog. The bottom line is it doesn't matter what's practical. Facts are not going to make anyone give up their dog and get a cat or vice versa.

Pets make great companions when traveling and living the RV lifestyle. They enjoy checking out new places and seeing new things. Even cats that stay inside all of the time seem to enjoy and be intrigued by the new scenery.

Almost all campgrounds allow pets. There are some rules that must be followed, so make sure you and your pet both read the rules. The rules are usually straight forward, common sense rules such as, no barking and your dog must be on a leash, clean up after your pet, etc.

Things to be aware of when traveling with your pet

• Pay attention to the temperature in your RV when you're away. Don't let it get too hot or too cold.

• Have someone check to make sure your dog doesn't bark when you're away. Do this for a few times until you're sure he is not barking while you're gone. Check to make sure your dog or cat doesn't decide to do damage while you're away, such as chewing or scratching furniture or carpet. Some pets (especially when they're young) will tear up things when they get bored, scared or unhappy about being left. So keep a close eye on them until you know how they will act when you're away. It may be necessary to keep them in a cage while you're away.

• Make sure your animal gets plenty of exercise. It's a good way for you to get some exercise too. Since there is not as much room for your pet to run around in the RV as there is in his yard or in your home, plan on taking him for more and longer walks than you normally do. Walking your dog around the campground is a great way to meet your neighbors. Most cats can even be trained to walk on a leash. If you start when they are kittens, it's a lot easier. Older cats sometime have a mind of their own.

• Keep plenty of your pet's food on hand. You may not be able to find your normal brand everywhere. Changing your pet's food and then hitting the road in your RV could result in trouble for you and your pet. Don't risk it. Don't change your pet's diet unless you're not going to be traveling for a few days. Some people order their favorite brand of pet food on Amazon and have it shipped to wherever they are, if it's a brand that's not commonly available.

What do you do about a vet?

First of all, be sure to keep current copies of all of your pet's vaccinations or you might end up getting duplicate and unnecessary treatments. One solution is to use a national chain of vets such as Banfield Pet Hospital. They have offices all over the country.

Go to their website at BanfieldPetHospital.com and enter the zip code where you are and you can find their closest office. Many of their offices are located in PetSmart stores. They have a centralized database and your pet's records can be brought up at any of their offices.

Bottom line: Most pets make great traveling companions. You just have to pay a little bit of attention to their special needs (and personalities).