Working in an RV Collision Center means you see a lot of RVs. They always show up with at least one adult driver, one adult passenger, maybe a couple of kids, and, nine times out of 10, a dog.
Traveling with a four-legged friend should—and will be—a pleasant experience if you follow certain rules:
• Put your pooch on a leash before you open the door. Dogs get excited as soon as their home-on-the-road stops moving and they want out.
• Carry a health certificate issued by your veterinarian that clearly identifies the dog, its color and markings, and shows that it’s been vaccinated against rabies within the last three years. This is a “must” if you are traveling around Canada. It will also come in handy if your pooch happens to take a nip at someone.
• Adhere to all rules of campsites and parks. That can mean designated areas for exercise, or leash rules. No one wants to be told to pack up and move on because their dog misbehaves.
• Be prepared to pay an extra charge for your dog. Some campgrounds and RV parks have an animal fee.
• Be respectful of other campers. This means don’t leave “landmines” for them to step in.
• When you leave the coach and can’t take the dog, make sure you leave the vents open. Never leave a window open more than an inch, as they make a perfect escape route. Leave plenty of water and a couple of puddle pads, just in case. Or, instead of leaving the dog, consider taking it to be groomed while you’re out. It’s better than doggie daycare, about the same price, and you get Fido back smelling great.
• Give your dog a special place where they can feel safe, but can still see what’s going on. This could be a pad or bed, even a dog carrier. They will go to that spot when they are tired or scared.
Dogs enrich our lives in many ways, and they can be fun to travel with. They don’t keep asking over and over again, “Are we there yet?” And they can’t use the toilet, so that forces us to stop (and smell the roses).
Be safe and enjoy the RV life.
Final Touch Coach Works is located at 28532 Livingston Avenue in Valencia. For more information, please 661-775-8375 and visit www.finaltouch-usa.com.