Navigating the wilderness can be even more exciting with your furry friend by your side. If you’re planning on bringing your pet on your next hiking, camping or RV excursion, there are a few necessary steps to take first. Below are a few tips and tricks on maximizing your upcoming adventure with your pet.

For starters, pet owners should visit the vet before taking off on the road. This way, your best friend will be all set with flea and tick protection and vaccinations after taking the precautionary steps. Owners are also encouraged to gather essential information to have if necessary. This includes proof of ownership, medical and vaccination records, a recent photo and current contact information for the pet’s ID tags or microchip.

Another preventative measure is to assemble a first-aid kit. Research should also be done on the destination’s wildlife population, the weather forecast and the nearest emergency veterinary hospital. Having this information at your disposal could make all the difference in case of an injury or any signs of illness.

Next, consider the destination when laying out the stops along the way. Owners should research the parks’ pet policies, campsite restrictions and campground rules in regards to pets before choosing a place to camp or lodge. For example, there may be rules regarding certain dog breeds, added fees and limits on the amount of dogs per campsite.

Arguably the most important part of accommodating four-legged friend on a trip is bringing all the essentials. Supplies like food, medications, water, dishes, beds, waste pickup bags and leashes are necessities. Consider bringing items specific to the trip like socks or life jackets and pack accordingly. Additionally, the water where you’re going may not be safe for animals to drink. Make sure to bring a healthy supply of fresh or bottled water.

Finally, owners need to procure a comfortable and secure location for their pets to stay during travel. While it may be tempting to allow the animal the freedom to move about the vehicle, these behaviors contain risk and could lead to injury. It’s recommended to secure them in place with a harness that buckles into the seat — similar to a seatbelt — or to crate your pet while on the road. Pets should never ride in the trailer or camper by themselves; instead, they should ride in the tow vehicle.

With proper prep work, going on a pet-friendly adventure can be a rewarding experience you’ll always cherish. For a more detailed guide on RV camping with pets, please check out the accompanying resource.


Guide created by Parts Via

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