Tips for Newbies Traveling with Pets in Slide-in Campers

Tags: Slide-in Campers, Camper Van Travel, Pet Travel, Pet Daily Life

Pets and slide-in campers seem to be a perfect match for many people.

One important reason for buying or renting a slide-in camper is that you can travel with pets.

In fact, according to a survey, as many as 68% of slide-in camper owners travel with their pets. Most travel with pet dogs (92%), and 14% travel with cats. If you are a pet owner new to slide-in camper travel, or a new pet owner, there are many things to research, learn and consider to help you and your pet travel happily together.

Although you know your pet best, there are still some tips to learn when traveling with your pet. Like children, our furry friends feel calmer in the same safe and familiar living environment as usual. Therefore, we should pay attention to the following matters when traveling with pets in slide-in campers.

1.Bring your pet's favorite bedThe smell of home always brings a sense of familiarity. Pets also know that when their bed is moved out of the house and into the slide-in camper, an adventure awaits them. Placing their own bed in the slide-in camper will make them more comfortable.

Tip: Stop frequently to let your pet stretch and relieve themselves on the way to your destination. It is best to stop every few hours.

2.Keep pets in crates while drivingSlide-in campers are not equipped with pet seat belts. To ensure your pet's safety on the road, please safely place them in a pet carrier or crate with a comfortable blanket. For pets that are not fixed in place, there are many unknown dangers during driving.

3.Water and foodBring your pet's usual food and several large jugs filled with the water they are used to. Water sources may vary in different places. Just like a change in food may affect their digestion, a change in water may also cause problems.

Tip: If you run out of home water during the trip, you can use bottled water instead.

4.Veterinary check-upHave your pet examined by a veterinarian before departure to ensure all vaccinations are up to date, and consult about any other health precautions to take. Did you know your dog can get canine influenza? Dogs are susceptible to this virus at any time, and dogs that go to parks or areas where many dogs gather are more likely to be infected. Vaccination against influenza is recommended for travel.

Tip: Bring your pet's records or documents, such as rabies vaccination certificates and the latest health certificates.

5.Understand pet policiesWhen booking a campsite, ask if pets are allowed and learn about their pet policies. Usually you can find this information online. Some campsites or your travel destination may have regulations or guidelines restricting certain breeds of pets from entering, prohibiting pets they consider risky. Ask or search for information about these pet policies at the campsites and travel destinations you plan to stay at, and prepare in advance.

6.Local emergency informationOne of the first things we should do when we arrive at the campsite is to find the contact information of local veterinarians or pet hospitals in case of emergencies. You can easily do this by searching on your phone or computer. Save the information in an easy-to-find place for emergencies.

7.Protective suppliesBring pet paw covers! When traveling in summer, you need to protect their paws from hot asphalt, beaches, Gobi and any rough terrain. If possible, prepare a raincoat of the right size for your pet. You don't want to know how annoying a soaked pet can be in a slide-in camper. A raincoat can keep them dry.

Tip: Keep a towel next to the entrance door to wipe your pet's paws when they enter the slide-in camper.