Road trips with your pet can be very rewarding. Our pets are our family members, and they deserve to enjoy the experience of a weekend in the Rockies or long-term journey across the country unjust as much as we do. According to a survey conducted by Go RVing, plenty of motorhome owners prioritize their pet when travelling. Close to 70% bring their four-legged buddy with them, with dog people making up 92% of that number, and cat people making up 14%.
Bringing pets along is great, but it also introduces additional safety considerations and motorhome insurance risks that are easily overlooked. Understanding how pets can affect your recreational vehicle insurance coverage can help you travel with greater confidence and avoid unwelcome surprises.
Emergency preparedness for pets on the road
Before heading out, make sure your pet has:
- Updated identification tags
- A microchip with current contact information
- Copies of their vaccination and medical records
- An adequate supply of food and medications
- A pet first-aid kit
It is also wise to research veterinary clinics along your route, especially if you plan to travel through remote parts of Alberta or across provincial or international borders.
Weather is another important factor. Motorhomes heat up very quickly during the summer, which creates dangerous conditions for pets left inside unattended. Even moderate outdoor temperatures can become hazardous — even deadly — inside a parked motorhome very quickly.
Many motorhome owners now use pet monitoring systems that track interior temperatures and provide mobile alerts if conditions become unsafe. Some systems also include cameras and audio features, allowing owners to check on pets remotely while away from the campsite. These systems are also useful for those without pets who just want to keep an eye on their RV when they are away.
It is also highly recommended that motorhome owners include emergency roadside assistance as part of their insurance policy if they do not already have separate coverage. This can be particularly valuable when travelling with pets, especially during a breakdown, when waiting for a tow, or if you need emergency accommodations.
Understanding liability involving pets
Depending on the situation, liability involving pets can become complicated when a motorhome is involved.
For example, if your dog bites another camper at an RV park or causes someone an injury while you are travelling, you could potentially be held responsible for medical costs or legal claims. Some motorhome insurance policies may provide limited personal liability coverage, but exclusions and limitations can apply. It is possible, however, that your home insurance will cover the liability costs, but only if you are not a full-time RVer.
It is important to disclose pet ownership accurately to your provider and review your policy carefully to understand what is and is not covered.
In addition, certain dog breeds may also face restrictions under some insurance policies and in different provinces. For example, pit bulls are banned throughout Ontario and in numerous municipalities across Canada, such as Winnipeg and various cities and towns in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Atlantic Canada.
When staying at campgrounds or RV resorts, owners should be aware of park rules regarding pets. Failing to follow leash requirements or campground regulations could increase liability exposure if an incident occurs.
If you travel frequently with pets, it may be worthwhile to discuss additional liability protection with your insurance broker. Umbrella liability policies or enhanced personal liability coverage may provide additional protection beyond the limits included in a standard RV policy.
Additional safety tips for travelling with your pet
It’s important to ensure your furry friend is relaxed in your home on wheels. Do so by:
- Bringing along your pet’s favourite bed and blankets
- Keeping your pet in a travel crate when driving or otherwise secured
- Stopping every few hours to give pets the opportunity to stretch, exercise, hydrate, and relieve themselves
- Bringing lots of the same food and treats to avoid unnecessary stomach issues
- Scheduling a veterinary checkup to ensure your pet is healthy and up to date on vaccinations
- Discussing your itinerary with your vet to help reduce health risks such as canine influenza
- Packing protective gear such as booties and rain jackets
- Creating a safe space for your pet outdoors that they can’t get out of
Review your motorhome insurance coverage with Lane’s
Every motorhome insurance policy is different, and coverage for pet-related incidents can vary significantly between insurers. Reviewing your policy before travelling can help you better understand:
- Personal liability limits
- Emergency expense coverage
- Coverage exclusions involving animals
- Contents and interior damage protection
- Roadside assistance options
Being sure to discuss your travel habits, pet ownership, and seasonal usage with an experienced insurance broker such as those of us at Lane’s can help ensure your policy reflects how you actually use your motorhome. Contact us at our Calgary, Banff, Edmonton and greater Alberta offices and we’ll be happy to discuss your specific needs in detail.
