9. Pros and Cons of Using Interstate Rest Stops

We often stopped at these rest stops because they all had pet exercise areas. Some were better than others. Some even allow overnight parking, but you have to read the signs at each rest stop.

What they don’t allow, are pets in the buildings. You can’t take your pet into the tourist travel area or even into the rest rooms. When you are traveling alone, it can be a challenge. You have a choice of either leaving the pet in the camper or figuring out how to take them into the restroom with you. If you have two sets of keys for your camper, you can leave it running, with the AC on. If you’re uncomfortable doing that, the pet purse carrier is a necessity. Enough said.

10. Keeping Your Pet Happy When They Have to Stay in The Camper Without You

There are times when pets just can’t come with you and must stay in the RV in a campground. I make sure all of the necessities are there; the AC or heat is on, he has food, water, a suitcase to use as a step to get on the bed, and music. Yes, I found some canine calming music. I bought it to try with Seymour because of his fear of thunderstorms but in the CD set I found a “Calming” CD that I have started taking with me. I am playing it as I writing this article and Seymour is snoozing in his bed.

I love RVing with my little dog. My tendancy is to drive until I almost run out of gas, but with Seymour, he makes sure to let me know when he needs to walk – and I need to enjoy the scenery. He doesn’t snore, he makes friends easier than I do, and he loves being with me. I just got him a new little doggie sister, so our next adventure will be with Seymour and Zooey.

For more information on traveling with a pet, check out:

• Susan Rigby’s 10 Things I Learned about Traveling to Italy with my Dog
• Peter’s Travel Tip on Pet Travel Resources
• How to Adopt a Dog as You Travel
• The Pet Travel archives

By Susan Rigby for PeterGreenberg.com. Follow Susan and Seymour’s travel adventures at travelingwithapet.blogspot.com.