Finding Fido
Losing a pet can be heartbreaking. If your pet wanders away from home, most owners know where to find them, or know who to call for help finding them. If your pet disappears many miles away from home, the problem of finding her is compounded by the unfamiliar setting.
The best way to avoid losing your pet when traveling is to leave him at home in a kennel or with a dog sitter. The next best way is to keep him restrained at all times when outside the RV. If your pet fights a leash or has bad manners on a leash, it may be wise to think about obedience classes. These are invaluable for dogs under the age of two to three years old. Older dogs are hard to break of bad habits.
The most common reason pets get lost is because they become disoriented by all the new sights and sounds they encounter when traveling. Dogs and cats that have been used to open spaces and freedom will often find the small scale of an RV restrictive.
Most pets are creatures of habit; a change in their daily schedule can induce unwanted behavior. Try to keep them on a similar schedule to the one they follow at home. Allow them to eat and exercise on their normal schedule. Make sure you pack their favorite blanket and toys. Something familiar from home will help maintain a feeling of security.
Your pet should wear a collar with identification tags at all times. Check the collar regularly to make sure it is still strong and will not break with excess strain. It should be loose enough not to impede breathing but tight enough to stay on the dog and not slip off easily. Make sure the information is current and correct.
ESSENTIAL
Most large pet store chains provide identification tag–making services that will produce an ID tag on the spot. Information that should be included is the pet's name, address, and a phone number to call if found. You may want to include your cell phone number; a home number is not much use when traveling.
Another popular method of identification for your pet is the implantable microchip ID. These microchips contain information about a pet that will help authorities to locate owners in case of loss. They can also include medical information on illnesses or medications that could mean the difference between life and death for your pet. The microchips are implanted under the skin by a veterinarian after being programmed with the information supplied by the owner. The procedure is relatively simple and almost painless for the pet. These microchips are very small and once inserted will not bother the animal.
Most animal control shelters have the technology in place to read these chips. How aggressively they attempt to contact owners depends on the individual shelter. They may have very limited resources available for tracking down the owners of lost pets.
FACT
Check with your veterinarian for information on the microchip ID systems. If your vet does not provide this service, he or she may be able to direct you to another veterinarian in your area who can inject one. These microchips are relatively inexpensive, generally running less than $100.
If you have to leave the area before your pet is located, prepare to be responsible for transportation fees if and when she is found. You will be responsible for traveling to the shelter to get her and may have to pay some type of finder's fee to have the pet released.
Do not leave your pet tied up outside the RV without supervision, especially in wilderness areas. Many wild animals will find your pet a tempting meal, and even the strongest collar will prove no barrier. If you are camping in areas with large populations of wolves, coyotes, or bears, watch your animal closely and never let it run loose.
