Can you Workamp with pets?

Have you ever camped next to an RV with a dog that barked the entire time their owner was gone? It gets annoying, doesn't it. And then there is the owner who lets their dog off-lead because "It won't bite" or who doesn't pick up after their dog. Employers have every reason to be leery of hiring someone who has a pet. Many campgrounds limit the size, breed and number of pets campers can have and even charge extra for pets. They've had bad experiences with irresponsible pet owners.

So what are your chances of finding a Workamping position if you have pets? They are good - if your pets are well-behaved and you are a responsible pet owner. This means your dog should not bark continually when you are gone. It means your dog stays on the leash except in pet parks or areas designated for dogs to run. You pay attention to what your dog is doing and don't let them go up to people unless they want to pet your dog. You pay attention to where your dog relieves itself and pick up after him. You limit the number of pets you travel with.

Never show up to a job with pets the employer doesn't know about. You could have a very short tenure there. I suggest that in your Workamper resume, you can add a remark that you travel with....... (two cats that never go outside, two well-behaved, quiet Cocker Spaniels, one friendly, well-behaved Golden Retriever, etc.) You could include your pet's photo and even a letter of reference from a previous employer about how well your pet behaves. Those will help reassure the employer that your pet will not be a problem.

The most annoying is hearing a pet barking whenever the owner is gone. How do you keep your pet from barking? Start when they are young to teach them when they can bark and when to be quiet. You don't want to stop all barking or they may not bark when there is an intruder, but they can learn to give one woof or to not bark unless someone is right in their space. What many working RV pet owners is leave the TV or radio or air conditioner on when they leave. The noise screens out many noises that could cause your pet to bark.

Pets can add much enjoyment to your life and travels. Walking a dog or sitting out with a cat on a leash can be a great way to meet people too. Not all employers will accept pets but keep looking and you'll find a situation that works for you. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

For information on Jaimie's 2nd edition of Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, see RVBookstore.com