Make Your Static Caravan Pet Friendly The Right Way?

Caravanning is just as thrilling for pets as it is for humans. However, the new sights, sounds, and smells of travel can get overly stimulating for our furry friends. And when pets get hyperactive, there’s no telling the kind of mess they may create in our caravans. But is there a way you can make your static caravan more pet friendly to improve their experience?

That’s the reason travel experts recommend pet-proofing your static caravan before getting away with your four-legged companions. Fortunately, there are several ways you can pet-proof your holiday home to accommodate your pets, as you shall discover in this post.

Understanding The Importance of Pet-proofing Your Caravan

If you’re considering purchasing a caravan, it’s reassuring to note that there are numerous static caravans for sale on small sites. Most of these caravans are reasonably priced to accommodate buyers of different budget needs. There’s also the option of choosing between new and pre-owned holiday homes, depending on your budget and individual preferences. 

Now, after purchasing your static caravan, there will be occasions when you want to get away with your pet. Travelling with a pet is an excellent way to strengthen the bonds between the animal and its owner. However, it also comes with various challenges. 

For starters, furry pets like cats and dogs do shed a lot. To make it easier to clean your caravan upholstery, you’ll need to consider pet-friendly fabrics that repel pet hair and fur.  

Additionally, pets like dogs do not sweat. In contrast, humans regulate their internal body temperature by sweating during hot weather. Dogs, on the other hand, pant as a way of keeping cool. When a dog pants profusely, much of his saliva may fall on the floor or fabrics and dry up into stubborn stains. Dog saliva could also transmit various bacterial or viral diseases. Worse yet, the dog himself may become dehydrated due to scorching heat.  

Note that you cannot stop your dog from panting completely. However, you can undertake a raft of measures to regulate internal caravan temperature even if the ambient conditions are excruciatingly hot. This is particularly recommended if caravanning during summertime. 

Lastly, pet-proofing your static caravan goes a long way in making your furry travel companion feel comfortable. Remember that dogs respond disproportionately to routine changes. If the sights, sounds, and smells of a caravan are different from what he’s used to, your pet may become so anxious that he ends up not enjoying the vacation.

Tips For Pet-proofing Your Static Caravan the Right Way

1. Insulate Your Caravan

There are thousands of static caravans for sale in Scotland, so much that prospective buyers are usually spoilt for choice. But as you shall find, numerous factors go into choosing a static caravan. 

As far as pet-proofing is concerned, it’s essential to invest in a holiday home that comes appropriately insulated. Proper insulation helps regulate internal caravan temperature by blocking excessively cold or hot air from entering the van. 

If you already have a caravan, ensure that to get it insulated before going on holiday with your pet.

2. Research Destinations 

If planning to go caravan with your pet, it’s best to research and make a list of nearby pet-friendly destinations beforehand. The last thing you want is to visit a restaurant with a huge “No Pets Allowed” sign on the gate. 

While researching pet-friendly destinations, start by finding out if there are any vets nearby. This will help in the event of accidents or medical emergencies. 

Also, try to uncover any nearby pet-friendly cafés, pubs, and parks. And needless to say, the very parking grounds for your static caravan should operate on pet-friendly policies.

3. Get Your Pet Ready

Although not mandatory, it’s best to ensure that your pet is fully vaccinated and that his registration is up-to-date. 

Also, check that your pet’s name, as well as your contact details, are well captured on the name tag attached to his collar. Again, this is not a mandatory requirement. However, it can help in the event your furry companion strays too far from your holiday home. 

It’s also recommended to carry some meds. Like humans, pets are prone to travel-induced health issues like nausea, diarrhoea, and anxiety. So, be sure to arm yourself with vet-recommended antiemetic, antidiarrheal, and anxiolytic medications.

4. Pack Essential Items

A significant part of pet-proofing your static caravan involves carrying essential travel items for your pet. 

The following items may be applicable, depending on the pet you’re travelling with;

• Transportation equipment like crates
• Restraining equipment, such as a collar and lead
• Partitioning equipment like gates
• Enough pet food and water
• Grooming supplies, including brushes and shampoo
• Pet toys
• Bedding materials like blankets and pillows
• Plastic bags to maintain proper sanitation in the areas you visit

5. Designate a Pet-friendly Space

Our four-legged friends love to have their patch where they can play, prowl, eat, and sleep. So, when vacationing with your pet in a static caravan, it’s recommended to designate a pet-friendly space. 

The space should preferably imitate your pet’s home environment. That includes furnishing it with enriching pet toys and comfortable bedding. 

Also, consider creating a feeding station inside or outside the holiday home for your furry friend, complete with his food and water bowl.

6. Keep the Kitchen and Bathroom Out Of Reach

The modest size of many holiday homes makes it a bit difficult to keep the kitchen and bathroom out of reach. 

But when travelling with your pet, it’s paramount that you restrain him from venturing into these areas. 

This will help prevent your pet from getting exposed to potentially harmful human foods in the kitchen or toxic bathroom cleaning products. It also reduces the risks of accidents caused by slippery floors or from smashing into items.  

7. Consider Pet-friendly Fabrics

Another tip for pet-proofing your caravan is to replace your regular fabrics with pet-friendly ones. 

Pet-friendly fabrics have the ability to repel pet hair and dander. One such fabric is microfiber. Pet-friendly fabrics should also be effortless to clean. You shouldn’t have to invest in expensive cleaning reagents to remove stains or odours from such fabrics. Denim is a perfect recommendation here. 

Last but not least, consider fabrics that are tough enough, such as leather. Although relatively costly, leather is famous for its remarkable scratch- and bite-resistance.

Conclusion

Making your static caravan pet friendly goes a long way in making it comfortable for vacationing with your pet. If you’re considering going on a caravan getaway with your pet, begin by implanting the above-reviewed tips as a way of making your holiday home comfortable for your four-legged companion.