Travelling with pets in your RV

Travelling in an RV often means bringing your pets along for the journey. While it can be a fun way to explore together, it also requires planning.

Their safety and wellbeing should always come first, and a little preparation goes a long way toward a stress-free trip.

Before you leave, make sure your pet has a secure collar and an ID tag with your mobile number. It’s also essential that their microchip details are up to date; many lost animals can’t be returned simply because their owner’s information is incorrect.

If you expect poor mobile reception, consider adding a temporary tag with the contact details for your next destination.

Cats can be good travellers if they’re calm and well-socialised, but it helps to get them used to a harness and lead beforehand so they can be exercised safely.

Dogs benefit from pre-trip crate training, which usually takes less than a week and helps them settle during long drives.

Pets should always be properly restrained. Cats travel best in an enclosed carrier, while dogs should use an approved harness. This is a legal requirement in many states and prevents the animal becoming a projectile in an accident.

To help keep stress down, maintain their normal routine as much as possible. Bring their regular food, bowls, familiar bedding, litter, waste bags and any favourite toys. Covering the carrier (while leaving it ventilated) can help reduce distress from movement and noise.

Some pets become anxious on the road. Products such as Feliway for cats or Dog Appeasing Pheromone for dogs may provide a calming effect if sprayed around bedding before travel.
 
If your pet is prone to motion sickness, avoid feeding them the night before or the morning of departure. Ginger biscuits and peppermint have been known to help some dogs, though reactions vary.

Plan for regular breaks – at least every two hours – so your pet can stretch, drink and toilet. Always keep them on a lead, even if their recall is usually reliable. New environments can be distracting and potentially dangerous.

Hydration is easier with spill-proof or cage-mounted water holders, which prevent messy spills in the vehicle. It’s also wise to carry spare bedding and a backup carrier, as these can be difficult to clean or replace while travelling.

Before you set off, ensure all vaccinations, worming and flea treatments are current. Different regions may have parasites your pet isn’t used to, including paralysis ticks in some parts of Australia.

Carry proof of vaccination in case you need to use a boarding facility or visit a vet and pack any regular medication your pet requires – it may not be available en route.

If your trip involves boating or time near the water, consider a pet life jacket. Even confident swimmers can get into trouble in unfamiliar conditions.

If you’re planning a long trip – particularly one that spans several weeks – a pre-travel check-up is worthwhile to ensure your pet is physically capable of extended travel and the change in routine.

Above all, consider whether your pet will genuinely enjoy the trip.

Some animals thrive on adventure, while others may find constant movement stressful.

If your pet is unlikely to cope with long stretches on the road, a reputable boarding service or trusted carer may be the kinder choice.

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