pets in a bus

[JohnEd]

I have "two" Manchester Terriers that are constant companions( to me).  What is your take on how much of a challenge these guys will add to full timing?  I am sure any comments on cats would be welcome by all that have or plan to have them.

Thanks,

John

[John316]

The biggest thing with cats is you have to make sure that their "staff" is always around .

I am sorry I couldn't resist. I have known cats that are more affectionate that dogs. I like cats though...

God bless,

John

[Blacksheep]

Everyone that knows us knows that where the bus goes "BUD" goes! He makes for a great alarm and watch dog when we go off with others! He doesn't chew or mess! He just sits on the couch and watches what goes on out the front windows. I also leave the satellite on 812 for him to listen to.

Ace

[JackConrad]

Everyone that knows us knows that where the bus goes "BUD" goes! He makes for a great alarm and watch dog when we go off with others! He doesn't chew or mess! He just sits on the couch and watches what goes on out the front windows. I also leave the satellite on 812 for him to listen to.
Ace

Ah, it is good to know that Bud is a Bluegrass dog.  Of course what else would a BLUE Heeler listen to except BLUEgrass.  Jack

[HighTechRedneck]

We full time with our two cats.  They are part of the family.  There are pretty much only two issues in their case, a place for the litter box and making sure they don't get out. 

[JackConrad]

We travel with our 2 Bengal cats. No problems so far. Because they are an unusual breed and look like exotic animals, we carry all their papers just in case we should get questioned about transporting exotic cats (not allowed in some states).  We can easily leave them in the bus when we do a day trip in our toad. All they need is a litter pan and their self feeder and waterer. Jack

[John316]

Jack, what size are those Bengal cats? They sound neat.

God bless,

John

[Sean]

John,

I am sure you know by now that we full time with one dog, two cats, and several tropical fish.  We do not consider them to be a liability to full timing in any way, however, they do add some complexity:

1.  Any time we need to leave the bus someplace and fly someplace else, for example due to illness in the family, or the occasional cruise, etc., we have to find a kennel or someone willing to bus-sit.  We've had mixed luck with both kennels and sitters, but we are getting better at picking them out.  Kennels usually require documentation of current shots.

2.  We've never had a problem or even been asked about paperwork crossing the border.  However, you should be aware that, particularly coming back to the US, they can ask for current documentation as well, so be sure you have it with you.

3.  A handful of state parks and campgrounds charge extra for pets.  If the charge is per-pet, we usually only disclose the one dog, since the cats never leave the bus.

4.  We've been to a couple of places, and some Arizona state parks top this list, where it is flat out impermissible to have pets, either in or out of the vehicle.  Previously, some Florida state parks were also in this category, notably in the Keys (they fixed this a few years ago).

5.  Any time one of the pets needs a vet, we have to track one down.  Almost all vets want to charge you a "checkup" fee for a first-time visit, so even if all you need is, say, a rabies shot, you could be looking at a much higher charge.  We try to call around and check on this first, or take the pets to one of the vaccination clinics that are run periodically at places like Petco.

Hope that helps.

-Sean
htp://ourodyssey.blogspot.com

[JohnEd]

Yes, it did help.  Lots!  Thank you all, we feel much more confident.

I had a pedigreed Siamese long ago.  Now , there are dogs and there are cats and then there are Siamese.  Do I ever have stories to tell and she was only with us for 6 months.  Spookie cat!   Never a dull moment.

John

[JackConrad]

Jack, what size are those Bengal cats? They sound neat.
God bless,
John

John,
   The cats are 1/6 Asian leopard (Asian leopards are about 30 pound cats, not near as big as their african cousins) The male Mtata is about 20 pounds. He is marked the way the Asiain leopards are that live in the rain forest.


Mtesa is about 11 pounds and is marked like the Asian Leopards that live on the savannahs.

[Hartley]

Cats will (if properly trained) remind you about an empty water dish, food dish or dirty catbox.

A couple of ours are known for jumping up and down on you if something strange is detected outside too....

There's nothing worse than a 25 pound cat giving you CPR and stareing at you....

Or being screached at for going outside and leaving them looking out the window...

OK, Maybe I am a bit crazy... But I live in a Bus in a Barn.

Dave...

[bubbaqgal]

We travel with our 3 cats.  All are leash trained and generally wait to be hooked up before trying to get out.  They love the outside, especially Ralph, our deaf cat.  He loves to be able to come in and out to get his snacks and as far as he is concerned, the hotter it is outside the better.  We have no problems traveling with them other than the two hearing cats hate the sound of a diesel engine.

[Cary and Don]

We travel with an 80lb Belgain Malinois.  He loves it, and he is a high energy dog.  He has his spot on the front entry steps where he stays when inside.  When the weather is nice and we are there, he is outside watching the world go by.  Just remember that barking will get you evicted from most parks real fast.  He is "chipped" and we carry his records with the vehicle registration. We do at least two good long walks every day. 

Don and Cary
GMC4107
Neoplan AN340

[Jerry32]

I have a cat I travel with and she thinks the bus is here second home since we spend winters in AZ. She is leash trained and loves to go for walks through the park . she will meow meow me when she wants to go then gets up and waits for the harness to be  put on. she also likes to go nap in achaair under the awning with the only problem being other cats in her territory.  Jerry

[Dreamscape]

We are fulltimers too and travel with our two dogs (children). They do quite nice and behave, at least most of the time.  Terra on left is a Silky Terrier, Yoshi is a Pekingese.

~Paul~