Some people decide not to travel, full or part time, in their RV's because of their pets. They don't want to put them in a kennel, leave them at home for a long period of time under someone else's care, or are just afraid to try it. They should review this decision again. Many of us travel with our Furry/Feathered/Scaly friends! Try asking the following questions about YOUR pet and see if it helps you travel more often.

1. Do you pet's travel in the car with you? Will they travel in a Carry Cage?

If you answer Yes to either of the above, you might try a short trip. If the pet doesn't seem to stressed, try a longer one. Some pets travel best in a carrier, others want to travel loose. It's really safer in a cage, strapped down to the floor. as if (heaven forbid) there is an accident, the pet will not be loose, and possibly badly injured. Soon the pet will look forward to traveling as much as you do!

2. How do you keep your pet safe while traveling?

There are several ways to do this. The most important one is keep your pet on a leash at all times when you are in a strange environment. This DOES apply to cats, too. My cat is in a figure eight harness at all times, with his tags attached, and on a lead whenever he is out of the motorhome. He has adapted to this with only some stress at the beginning, as the harness was new to him, but now walks on his lead, as well as staying tied out when we are with him. Birds should be caged/clipped. One friend of mine thought her bird couldn't fly, but almost lost him when he took off - over water - which he couldn't cross, as he had never flown any distance, and landed in the bay. Fortunately, there was a boat nearby, who saved the poor thing. He was wet, but OK. Ferrets and lizards also adapt to leashes well.

If you pet DOES get loose in a strange environment, stay calm. Most pets don't wander far. However, make sure you have notified the campground owner, nearby rigs/houses and maybe have flyers made up with a picture of your pet, if you haven't found it by nightfall. Quite a few copy centers now have color copying. A color picture on a flyer is more apt to attract attention, and get results. Also contact every available pet store, vet, and shelter in the area. Sometimes we lose them for good, but the above usually has the pet returned to you quickly. And the same thing can happen if they get loose when they are at home.

There are reliable vets all over the country, if your pet gets ill, needs shots, etc. DO take a copy of your pet's shot records, and health records, if possible. Some states ask for proof of current rabies shots as you enter their state. And if you pet DOES get sick, the vet has a record to refer to.

3. Are they ever ill in the vehicle?

This is sometimes treatable. Ask your vet to prescribe a medication that helps with this, then try a short trip - say an hour or so. If this helps, try a longer one. Some pets just work themselves up because they haven't been exposed to travel in a vehicle. Once they are acclimated, they become excited with the idea and no longer need medication. If medication doesn't work, then you have a problem, and may not be able to travel with your pet. This DOES happen, and you just need to accept it.

I have seen birds (from parakeets to parrots), iguanas, snakes, ferrets, cats and dogs traveling in RV's. Most pets want to be with "their people". And most people want to be with their pets! Thinking it through may make it happen for YOU!