RVing With Dogs and Cats

Thinking about bringing your furry pals along for your next adventure? One of my favorite aspects of traveling in an RV is that our pets get to tag along for outdoor excursions while enjoying the comforts of home. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or preparing for full-time RV living on the road, here are some tips for RVing with pets to make planning easier.

Tips for RVing with pets

Check pet policies

RVing with pets means following pet etiquette and policies at campgrounds and parks. Before heading out, confirm that the campground or RV park you’ll be staying at is pet friendly. The last thing you want is to show up at your destination only to realize they don’t allow pets or that you don’t have the proper paperwork.

We’ve never had an issue finding pet-friendly campgrounds, but some have a pet limit or breed restriction, so it’s best to call ahead. You may discover they have a designated dog park or offer boarding services, making planning your trip easier. You’ll also want to check around to ensure the places or hiking trails you intend to visit are pet friendly.

Regardless of where you stay, always be mindful of your pets, immediately pick up after them, and be respectful of your neighbors.

Keep your pets safe

If you are living in an RV with pets or traveling with pets, pet safety is very important. Before heading out on your next adventure, it’s a good idea to visit your vet for a health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination and remember flea/tick/heartworm prevention. You may also want to ask about any recommendations to help with stress relief for your pet if they get stressed, anxious, or car sick while traveling. Be sure to bring a carrier or vehicle harness to keep your pets safe while you navigate the road, and never leave your pets in a pull-behind camper while driving. Find out how to keep pets safe in the car and see our survey of pet owners to learn safety tips for driving with pets.

You should always have a recent photo of your pet (even if just on your phone), and ensure they have microchips and ID tags with your current information. All our pets have microchip implants, which give us extra peace of mind should something happen, and they wander off on their own. Have your local vet’s information easily accessible, along with the contact information of a vet in the area you’ll be visiting. While this may not be necessary, it’s nice to have it ready should you need it.

Keep your pets comfortable

Bringing your pet’s favorite toys, beds, and treats will help them adjust to the new environment. The last thing you want is your dog or cat to get an upset stomach, so be sure to pack enough of their food. This way, you won’t be forced to switch if you can’t find the same food locally.

Keep in mind when RVing with pets that RVs don’t regulate temperature very well and can get extremely hot or cold. It’s important to ensure your camper is well-ventilated or well-heated, especially if you need to leave pets alone for any period. Ensuring a comfortable temperature in your RV will make them more comfortable and keep them safe, which is our number one priority.

Chances are you’ll be able to run the AC or heat while away, but you may want to consider a temperature monitoring system that will alert your phone if temperatures rise or fall out of comfort zones or an indoor security camera so you can check in every so often.

Essentials for RVing with pets

When RVing with dogs or cats, you will need many essentials to ensure your pet is safe, comfortable, and well taken care of.

Pet food and medications

• Food and water
• Food and water dishes
• Pet beds and blankets
• Treats and toys
• Medications and supplements
• Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention

Pet travel and safety gear

• Collar and ID tags
• Leash and harness
• Crate, gate, or pen
• Tie out or line
• Carrier or vehicle harness

Pet cleaning supplies

• Waste bags, litter, and litter box
• Grooming tools
• Pet wipes and old towels
• Lint roller and carpet cleaner

Records and identification

• Vet contact information
• Medical records and vaccinations
• Health certificate
• Recent photos and identification

We get so much joy from traveling with our pets and experiencing the adventure through their eyes. Preparing for your next trip can help alleviate stress so you can spend less time worrying about your pets and more time creating memories with them.

Find out how pet insurance can cover your pet while out on the road.