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pennysmom09's avatar
pennysmom09
Explorer
May 19, 2018

Medical emergencies?

I've been wondering (and worrying) about what would happen to our dog if one of us had to go for emergency help while on the road, because of course our first responsibility would be to be there for each other. My DH is 79 in relatively good health, I am a bit younger and healthy, but it is something I wish we had a contingency plan for. Any suggestions from any folks traveling with their pets?
  • Have documentation on your person(s), in your car and also a sign on your RV door that there's a pet inside. This would also be helpful if there was an RV fire. When you sign in at a RV park, let them know. If taken by ambulance from your RV or car they'll see that there's a pet and it will be taken care of. They won't leave it behind uncared for. Things have a way of working out. Don't get yourself worked up about this. Pets will adapt to their different circumstances even though you think they may not. Think of all the shelters and the pets that had homes previously. They're now adapting, not having separation issues. When adopted they become one of a family again.

    Since we were full-timers and traveled constantly we always carried an updated travel route/information form in our car and on the dash of the RV. It stated our personal info, who to contact in case of emergency (& this person should know about your pet), where our RV is parked & where we plan to stay next, license plate numbers and description and a tentative route we'll be taking. Of course, things/routes/campgrounds can change but this would be a start in finding our RV. This could also be helpful if one of you is in town shopping or whatever and you would be in an accident. Then the emergency folks would have a way of finding the other half of you. We never had to use it but it's just another thing you can do. You can't cover every incident. Be positive!
  • Our dogs are crated. We have a sign on the RV, that their are dogs inside and where the crate is in relation to the door. Also shows contact phone numbers for other family members who will guarantee payment for services should they be needed. We also carry cards with us saying we have dogs in the RV and the name, phone number and site number of the campground we are staying at. When planning trips, I spend as much time researching local vets as I do destinations and stop overs. Still travel with fingers crossed.
  • Lynnmor wrote:
    Coach Net has emergency assistance for pet care. Info


    Thank you!! Excellent info.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    I need to do some paperwork

    Some years ago Wife and I signed up for MASA.. Medical Air Services Assn.

    If one of us has a medical issue (Wife had one she died, the ultimate issue)
    MASA pays for a plane to return us home. (Or return the body) private jet no less (lear) and a porter to drive the motor home.

    You leave instructions in the fridge as to the cat. (in my case) or Dog.

    FMCA has a program like that but I can not compare.

    When my Wife died I transported her ashes. but MASA paid for the gas.
  • Vial of Life gives responders important information if you become ill. Be sure to add info on pets, meds, feeding etc. Leaving ICE (in case of emergency) information could also be vital. Be sure you have contact info not only at your RV but ON your person as well (purse/wallet). May we never need all this prep.................
  • Ok, I’m flat out, bat quano crazy and I admit it.

    If I dial 911 on my phone my emergency contact is automatically notified. I also carry an ICE card. It is the trust department at a home town bank. They have written instructions to spend whatever it takes to get my dog back to the rescue where I got him. The rescue has committed to take care of him for as long as is necessary and rehome him if need be.
  • I have 2 ICE numbers on my phone. One is my parents, the other is my sister. Both will do what it takes to make sure the pets are safe. In my family, the surviving pets are cared for. Period. End of story. Somebody takes them home, and cares for them. Pets are part of the family.
  • BizmarksMom wrote:
    I have 2 ICE numbers on my phone. One is my parents, the other is my sister. Both will do what it takes to make sure the pets are safe. In my family, the surviving pets are cared for. Period. End of story. Somebody takes them home, and cares for them. Pets are part of the family.


    You're lucky. My Mom was like that, but my father only liked HIS dog - all others were worthless. My siblings would get rid of my animals just to spite me.

    Fortunately, Bat-dog has reconsidered her life-long grudge against my best friend. Warning: when Bat-dog barks at you, DO NOT bark back. That grudge lasted 6 years. But now they have come to an understanding and Bat-dog approves of her as our emergency person. Moose-dog is so kind and good that everyone is willing to take him.

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