RVing Petiquette

"While most RVers are responsible pet owners and use RVing Petiquette, the few who aren’t can jeopardize the ability of all pet owners to stay in a park"

By RV Lifestyle Expert Author 
Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

Visit Pine Country Publishing to see all of the books available from Jaimie Hall Bruzenak and all of the other RV Lifestyle Expert Authors

Can I travel with my pets? Yes! RVers travel most commonly with dogs or cats though I’ve heard of birds, fish and horses too. Whichever pet you travel with, have a health certificate and a record of their shots. Some RV parks do not allow pets or restrict the number, size or breed so check ahead. 

While most RVers are responsible pet owners, the few who aren’t can jeopardize the ability of all pet owners to stay in a park. Here are a few reminders for being a good neighbor:

• Keep your pet on 6-foot leash and under your control. A child should not walk a dog unless he is strong enough to handle it. Even a normally docile dog can be attacked by another or get scared. Cats should be in a harness and on a leash if they come outside the RV.

• Take your dog right to the area designated for dog walking. Other guests do not appreciate have male dogs use their tires as posts or leave deposits on their site.

• Pick up after your pet. Carry a plastic bag or two so you are prepared.

• Do not allow your pet to cut across or through other RV sites. That is the guest’s “private   property” for the time they are here.

• Leave your pet in your RV when you visit the restrooms, laundry or office

• Don’t leave your pet unattended outside your rig. All sorts of calamities could occur. Someone walk through your site and upset your pet, a loose dog bother yours, a child approaches your pet, a coyote could snatch a small pet even in an RV park. Someone could even take your pet. Don’t take a chance.

Remember, no matter how friendly and well-behaved your pet is, some people are deathly afraid of animals or allergic. Make sure the other person welcomes attention. Be prepared to educate people, especially children, on how to approach and pet your dog or cat. 

Leaving your pet alone in the RV

Another helpful hint is to teach your dog not to bark more than once. A noisy dog will be most unwelcome, especially if it barks continuously at everything that walks by. Squirt guns and other devices can assist with training. 

When leaving your pet in the RV while you are gone, make sure the temperature stays comfortable. Leaving the AC on or a TV or radio on low volume will mask outside noises. If you will be gone an extended time, check to see if someone in the park could walk your dog while gone. Perhaps another guest who is a pet owner would do it for you or you could trade days so you could each enjoy the area.

Pets are great companions and can add to your travels. Dogs, particularly, love to check out new territory. However, follow the rules at the RV park or campground plus the above reminders and everyone will enjoy having you as a neighbor. 

Don't Miss Out! All Good Sam Roadside Assistance Plans Are 50% Off! Learn More!

About The Author

Jaimie Hall Bruzenak the author of RVing Petiquette is an RV Lifestyle Expert. She has been RVing since 1992. She is the author of Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, and other RV books. See http://www.RVLifestyleExperts.com for for a road map to RVing.

Get Your Article Published on Everything About RVing
If you have written an article about RVing, Camping or the Great Outdoors and you would like us to publish it on Everything-About-RVing.com, please visit our Submit An Article Page.

Do you have any suggestions or comments on this topic?  You can add them to this page by using the comments section located near the bottom of this page.

Return to the RV Lifestyle Articles page from the RVing Petiquette page