In a PetRelocation.com survey of more than 6,000 pet owners worldwide, 61 percent of respondents reported taking their pets on a trip of more than 50 miles at least once a year, which frequently is during the holidays.
I have seen estimates of RVers traveling with pets as high as 80 percent. Many state that one of the main reasons for buying an RV is because they could not think of leaving their pets (who are ‘part of the family’) behind.
For those pet parents who are just getting into RVing there are numerous information sources available online. Start with:
– The Humane Society of the United States’ “Road Trip–Is your pet travel-ready?” For the Humane Society’s complete list of articles on traveling with pets click here.
– Updated annually, “Traveling With Your Pet, The AAA Petbook” is available at AAA Service Centers and online. The cover price is $18.95. Check your local library for possible copies for checkout.
– For information on pet travel safety and traveling out of state or country, visit the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Web site.
If you are traveling out of the country, contact the embassy directly of the country to which you are traveling. You may visit http://www.embassy.org/ or type in the country name and “Embassy” (e.g., Italian Embassy) for mandates, requirements and instructions.
Photo: RVer Linda Budd of British Columbia fosters mature dogs and takes them with her whenever she travels. She has added a ramp to assist older dogs. (Julianne Crane)
