One important reason my husband and I chose an RV as our preferred mode of travel was to be able to take our dogs with us on the road. This sentiment is shared by countless others who can’t imagine leaving home without their best friends, traveling with pets. Today, pets are allowed at more venues and activities than ever before, but it’s not a given. Do your research before booking your trips. Many National and State Parks do not allow dogs on walking trails (please respect the rules!)
Monitoring for peace of mind
When you must leave your pets in your RV to attend an event, like a car show or a dinner out, for example, you need to consider how to monitor your pets. Our Bailey, an Olde English Bulldog, does not do well in the sun for long periods of time. She has a hard time breathing when she is overheated or exerted, so we leave her in the comfort of the RV while we are away for a few hours. There are certain things that give us peace of mind while we are away, which everyone should consider when leaving a pet alone.
You need to be mindful of the temperature in the RV and be respectful of your neighbors if your dog barks a lot when left alone. To keep Bailey distracted from outside noises, I have a soothing CD I play while we are away. It’s a relaxing collection of flutes and strings. My husband jokingly says he would jump off a cliff if he had to listen to it for any length of time, but Bailey seems to like it. We also draw the blinds on the windows and she settles in her doggie bed. We have had other dogs that like to stay in their crate, their castle of solitude, when we were away.
Monitoring Devices
There are pet monitoring devices specifically made for RVs at varying price points. There are generally two categories of service you can choose from: temperature systems and camera systems. We have both. Carefully do your research to determine what type of monitor is best suited for you and your personal situation. My husband and I have tested several different types and models. I prefer a temperature-based system so you know if the air conditioner or the heat has turned off for whatever reason.
You can choose a Wi-Fi based system (battery-operated or those that plug in to an electric outlet) that works off your existing hotspot device or is subscription-based. Keep in mind if you are relying on a campground Wi-Fi system, it may not work, as you typically need a log-in to gain access. If the signal drops, it might not sign in again. These systems generally send alerts to your cell phone. There are also cell phone monitors that have a separate cell phone-based service to let you know the temperature through its own servers without needing a Wi-Fi connection. Something to keep in mind with this system is a weak cell signal in the area you are camping in might keep you from getting regular alerts. It’s important to check to see how long the battery lasts, too.
Additional research
As a final note when comprising your list of questions to research: Does the camera include two-way sound? Not only can you hear and be alerted if your dog is crying, barking, or if there is a noise to cause concern, you have the ability to talk to your pet. Does the camera live stream, night vision and a high resolution? Do your homework, make a decision and you can have peace of mind when you are away from your pets for a few hours.
This article by Dawn Polk was originally published in Girl Camper Magazine.
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