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When we RV with a pet it’s important to have as much safety advice as possible. I am grateful for these tips from Steffi Trott, a professional dog trainer at spiritdogtraining.com in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is an expert in keeping dogs safe at home and on the go.
Her specialized courses focus on the individual dog including rescue dogs and different breeds.
Get The Pet Used To The RV
Don’t wait to introduce your pet to the RV until you actually have a big outing planned. Consider that as every new environment, it may take your pet a while to get used to the RV and feel comfortable and safe on it.
Food is a great motivator for making your dog or cat like RV-ing. : Take your pet onto the RV and feed him some of his very favorite treats. Do not stay too long and make it short and sweet. This experience will make your pet want to have more!
The next time you approach the RV your dog or cat will already remember what happened the last time and look forward to getting on board.
Make Sure Your Pet Is Safe
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| Many types of restraints are available |
The last thing you want is that your pet ends up taking an unplanned spill in a quick stop or fast cornering, Steffi warns. Dogs should wear a seat belt underway and a life jacket when on or near water. Many choices are on the market, make sure to pick the correct size for your dog!
3. Lock Up Food
In the crowded environment in an RV make extra sure that you lock up all food that is toxic to your dog out of reach. A bag of grapes put on the counter can quickly lead to an emergency trip to the vet if your dog gets a hold of it! Be sure to know what foods are not safe for your dog (https://www.spiritdogtraining.com/training/basic/can-my-dog-eat/) and be extra vigilant to keep them out of reach.
4. Have Clear Rules
Ideally your pet should not run wildly around in the RV for everyone's safety. Of course they need to have their exercise as well!
Make it easy for your pet to understand when it is time to rest and when it is time to play by always initiating playtime with a certain phrase, eg "Let's play together!" as well as telling him "We're all done" when you finish. That way your pet will know when to expect activity and when to settle.
5. Potty Breaks
While cats can use a litterbox in an RV, your dog needs potty breaks outside. You can make this a fast and effective activity by teaching him a phrase, such as "Go Potty". Say it every time you see your dog “use the bathroom”, and soon you will be able to make him go as soon as you tell him his potty command.
6. Keep Benadryl Handy
Some pets experience motion-sickness when first getting introduced to RV-in. In a car they usually have a clear view of the road. In an RV they can get disoriented when they have only a side window. Check with your vet. In many cases you can give your dog or cat OTC Benadryl that will instantly make them feel better!
Signs of motion-sickness are not limited to vomiting. They can also include panting, drooling, shaking and restlessness. Watch out for these signs and help your pet conquer his discomfort.
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| Most campgrounds allow pets. Many are adding paw parks and patio suites |
FUTURE RV PARKS
Look for a splashy new destination in Bushnell, Florida in 2026. The Twisted Turtle Splash Resort will be a complex with plaza, shops, homes and an RV park plus a water park spectacle with a wave pool and sky-high slides. For now its price point is intended to be more attractive than high-priced Orlando’s parks.
NEW CAMPSITES
* Just outside Ellicottville in Franklinville, New York, the 75-acre Bear Creek Lake Resort is renovated and open for RV rentals, site rentals and RV site sales. The resort offers full hook-ups, extra long pull-through sites, fishing, watersports, a swimming pool, tennis, pickleball and a resort store. (Www.) BearCreekLake.com
* On Crow Sing Lake in Akeley, Minnesota, the county government has given the green light to a new campground with 21 sites. Tree Patch RV Campground will have city water and sewer and eventually a shower house and other features. An opening date has not been projected. Stay tuned.
*Ozaukee County, Wisconsin is in the news for plans to double its inventory of campsites. Because of the region’s increasing popularity with campers from outside the area, the destination is anticipating a need for more sites, more hookups, more facilities. Construction has begun on 18 campsites, including five or six RV sites, at Hawthorne Hills. New bathrooms are to be ready by 2026. The campground in Waubedonia County Park is also expanding. The scenic county follows 25 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and is rich in tourism treasures such as shops, restaurants and trails for hiking and biking. See (www.) OzaukeeTourism.com
CLOSURES
The city-owned park and campground in Lometa, Texas is closed until city officials can find ways to make it more profitable. After operating at a loss for several years, the park needs a new plan to continue offering 19 campsites, full hookups, a shower house, playground and a dump station ($10). No reopening plans have been announced. Phone: (512) 752-3331
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