Canine companions ready to roll

Each summer almost as many animals as people take to the highways in RVs.

It has been said that more than 80 percent of retirees travel with their pets—many taking along more than one furry friend.

“We are a society where pets enrich our lives,” said Barb Foley, writer of “Traveling with Pets,” an online column that appears in www.RVadvice.com.

“When people decide to use their RVs, they want their entire life to go with them, including their pets,” said Foley from her home in Newport News, Va.

Ron Little, owner of RVs Northwest, agreed.

“A lot of our customers have pets,” he said. “The majority of our clientele are empty nesters and their pets are their new children.”

It’s not unusual to find water bowls next to water fountains at RVs Northwest because “many customers bring their pets in with them when they shop,” said Little.

Today you will find more water bowls than usual because RVs Northwest is hosting a special “adopt a pet” event between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at its Greenacres location, 18919 E. Broadway Ave.

“We thought it would be fun to do a project with SpokAnimal,” said Little, “because they do such a great job and are passionate about helping animals.”

The folks from SpokAnimal will be bringing a half-dozen adoptable pets with them, said Gail Mackie, executive director. “We’ll also have pictures of many other animals that people can go to the shelter and adopt.”

There will be adoption counselors on hand to help people decide on just the right animal for their lifestyle. Even though you may not need it, bring your checkbook because adoption fees vary between free and $200, depending on a variety of circumstances.

Some considerations

Before making the commitment to traveling with Fido or Kitty, there are a number of things to consider. Here are just a few suggestions from the experts:

“ Make sure the size of the pet is appropriate for the size of your vehicle. “I have a truck and camper,” said Mackie, “and I can tell you that a German shepherd isn’t an appropriate dog in that RV.”

“ Try a short trip with your pet prior to taking a long journey. “There is nothing worse than leaving on a long trip and finding out your dog gets carsick or your cat freaks out,” said Mackie.

“ Have your pet “microchipped,” in addition to carrying other identification on a tag or collar. Be sure to list both home and cell phone numbers to help in speedy notification in the case of lost pets. “You could also place masking or duct tape on the collar upon which you would write the name and phone number of the campground where you are staying,” said Foley.

“ Plan ahead. “Think everything through,” said Foley. “This isn’t just a jar of mayonnaise you are going to slip in the cooler.”

‘Travel with Pets’ workshop

RVers Sue and Dick Wright of Bellingham are teaching a “Travel with Pets” workshop at the Life on Wheels Conference beginning Sunday on the University of Idaho campus in Moscow.

The Wrights have been taking their pets along with them for more than 30 years. They will cover the responsibilities RVers assume when traveling with a pet, both to the pet and fellow RVers. They give tips on keeping pets healthy and happy, as well as preparing for emergencies.

“ The Life on Wheels Conference is scheduled to run Sunday through next Friday. Call toll-free (866) LOW-GOGO (866-569-4646) or go to www.rvlifeonwheels.com.

“ For a tasty “Doggie Treats” recipe sent in by the Wrights, go to the Wheel Life blog page: http://www.spokesmanreview.com/ blogs/wheellife/blog.asp or contact Wheel Life.

For more information

“ RVs Northwest has two locations. To reach the Greenacres facility at 18919 E. Broadway Ave., take exit 293 off I-90. The north Spokane location is at 10006 N. Division St. or phone 466-4328. For every RV sold during July, RVs Northwest is donating $50 to SpokAnimal CARE.

“ Contact SpokAnimal, the Inland Northwest Humane Society, at 710 N. Napa St., 534-8133 or www.spokanimal.org. Shelter hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

“ To view pictures of all the pets up for adoption in a particular area, go to www.petfinder.com and fill in a zip code.

Pet travel resources

“ Excellent information is available on pet care from the Humane Society of the United States, including “Caring for Pets When You Travel.” Go to www.hsus.org/ace/12531 or call (202) 452-1100.

“ The Family Motor Coach Association provides suggestions on RVing with pets at: www.fmca.com/motorhomingguide/ pets. A toll free number for member information is (800) 543-3622.

“ The American Dog Owners Association offers free material on canine travel. Contact ADOA at 164 Columbia Turnpike, Castleton, NY, 12033 or phone (518) 477-8469 or go to www.adoa.org.

“ “Traveling with Your Pet, The AAA Petbook” is available at AAA Service Centers. The Spokane Library System has a couple of copies for checkout.