Summer’s on its way, and you may be thinking about vacations to some of America’s majestic, beautiful national parks. But what should you do with your pets during your summer travels? Even the world’s best dog sitter can’t replace “Mom.” So as you pack your suitcase, pack your pet’s toys as well, and learn a little about life on the road from experienced RV travelers Brian and Norma Ellison.
The professed snowbirds began life on the road after retiring and selling their home six years ago. “It really was our first introduction as we headed out,” Norma says of their initial RV vacation. “We learned on the fly and still truly enjoy it before and after settling in for winter months in Mesquite, Nevada.”
When Brian and Norma decided to take to the road with their pets, they say it wasn’t “so much a decision as they are a big part of our everyday lives. It just required some consideration for their comfort, safety and individual needs.” Traveling between Mexico and Canada, the family's new life first involved a trailer, learning and adapting, and their dogs, Jade and Ruby.
The couple found part-Labrador retriever and part-sheepdog Jade, now 8 years old, and his siblings, who were born on a golf course near Soldier Mountain, Idaho. Since the litter had 10 pups, the couple helped find homes for the rest of them.
Unfortunately, Ruby passed away during early life on the road, but about six months later, Norma says their newest family member, Blanco the cat, showed up when they were in rural Idaho. “He was outside crying all night, about 8 weeks old. We tried to find where he lived or came from, then began, with much less effort, to find him a home. Blanco was patient, never leaving the vicinity of our trailer, which was parked at our parents’ home. He was determined to join our family. He won our hearts, and we never looked back.”
On where to travel …
The family of four finds themselves on the road quite often, particularly in the summer. After leaving Mesquite, they spend summer and fall between the northwestern U.S. and Canada.
“Even when we are settled for the winter season, we often take short journeys to visit national parks and friends in the Southwest,” Norma says. “We hike year-round with Jade, in the Nevada desert through May and soon thereafter the alpine mountains and glacier country.”
For all of Blanco’s four years and for six years of Jade’s life on the road, the Ellisons have spent a lot of time traveling the Western states, British Columbia and Mexico, but also count journeys to the Midwest, southeastern U.S. and most of the East Coast among their travels. “We enjoy exploring Vancouver Island in the summer immensely," says Norma. "We always return to the West, however, because of longtime connections in California and Idaho.”
On pet-friendly RV travel …
Before selling their home, Brian and Norma owned an 80-acre unfenced ranch in Idaho. Despite the huge acreage, they trained their four-legged friends to stay close to their home. Establishing boundaries is just as important while traveling, Norma says. “Blanco, being a cat, was more challenging to establish a routine, but we started with him on his very first journey, still using the same technique when we pull into someplace new. We watch him closely until he is brave enough to wander off, then rush him back to establish his boundaries.” Learning now comes quicker, and Blanco often rests around the family’s front door, on a chair or under the RV, but stays close to his pal Jade.
Speaking of routines, Jade and Blanco adapted to travel easily, and Blanco “quickly discovered how good he was as a long-distance traveler," says Norma. "Now he seems to sense ‘travel days’ and makes sure he is very close to the RV at all times, as does Jade.” Since the animals have internal clocks, Brian and Norma make sure their pals are walked, fed and follow a normal schedule even if they are traveling. “Practice your routines often and learn to anticipate things that will concern your pet and his or her reactions. You want them to depend on you when something unexpected happens,” Norma stresses.
And if you’re new to RV travel? You are your pet’s caregiver, so it’s almost like you’re not leaving home. Norma notes it’s very important to keep your pets up to date on all vaccines and carry all vet records, “especially if there is any possibility you will cross country borders. They are more strict returning to the U.S.” Since border wait times can be long, the couple always makes sure extra water, food and treats are on hand. The pair also emphasizes teaching pets good manners and training since you will be encountering many people as you travel. “Not always but frequently, RV spaces make for very close neighbors.”
So now that you’re prepared for travel, where do you go? Norma and Brian enjoy RV parks near or even on golf courses. “Not only is golf convenient, we remain near the pets, and those parks are generally tree-shaded, cool and comfortable for pets — and us!” Norma notes. British Columbia and the high mountain alpine forest also make for cooler summer travel spots.
“Large, well-organized RV parks where all pet owners and pets are in sync with the expectations” make for a wonderful, pet-friendly vacation, too. Norma says. “It simply makes everyone happy, comfortable and welcoming, and pet walking is a great social-starter to meet fellow travelers. These types of parks are always more active, more friendly and fun because everyone meets and greets along the way. For many reasons, pets or not, these parks are simply more desirable.”
On happy RV travel endings …
“Traveling with pets is a wonderful experience,” Norma sums up. “They love to be with us and seem to know well in advance when we are leaving on a trip.” Their 30-foot mini home allows everyone enough space of their own, with one of the boys sleeping in the hallway and the other under the bed. But it never fails that each morning, all four awake together, in about three feet of cab space. “Makes us smile and starts our day right. We love it!”
Norma says there could be funny consequences to relate when crossing U.S. borders. “Jade always thinks we are approaching a bank teller or espresso drive-thru window … waiting at his window for a dog treat. And Blanco gets on the dash to greet agents, which makes them smile; us, too.”
And an extra word of caution: You may just end up finding more than that vacation you were looking for and end up adopting your new best friend who needs a forever home.
How to get vacation-ready:
- Be prepared just in case; have your dog or cat microchipped for their safety and your piece of mind.
- Read these tips for traveling with your pet.
- More resources for traveling with your pet can be found here.
- And just in case you can’t make the vacation with your pets this year, read this article.
Photos courtesy of Brian and Norma Ellison