Joyful Journeys: 5 Essential Things to Consider when RVing with Pets

Are you an animal lover who owns a RV? Do you enjoy RVing but miss your pet when you’re gone? RVing offers many choices, including additional freedom and privacy while traveling. Because of this, bringing your pet on a RV trip could be a good option for you. Having your pet with you means you don’t have to board them or worry about them while you’re away. However, paying attention to your pet’s safety, happiness, and health is crucial when you take them on the road. The following tips will help you have the best experience RVing with Pets

Keep Your Pet Safe in Your RV

One of the most important things to consider when traveling with pets is their safety. Check the pet policy at any parks or attractions you want to visit. If your pet can’t join you for sightseeing, be sure to leave them in a safe and fun environment while you’re gone. Don’t leave your pet alone in your RV without ensuring that your RV has good ventilation and will stay a safe temperature for your animal.

The inside of your RV will heat up just like a car and leaving your pet there is dangerous without careful consideration. Make sure that your pet has access to food and water while you’re gone. Even with safety precautions like these, be aware of how long you’re away and don’t leave your pet alone in your RV for too long.

While you’re on the road, your pet needs to be secured in some kind of kennel, carrier, or secure pet harness. This equipment will work like a seatbelt to keep your pet safe in the case of any accidents or an unexpectedly rough ride. Depending on local laws and the type of RV you have, your passengers may be required to remain seated and buckled up while driving.

Similarly, you must consider the safety of your pet and keep them secured while the RV is moving. Please note that if you have a trailer RV that is pulled behind a vehicle, no one should be in it while it’s being towed—both people and pets should ride in a car until you reach your campsite and start setting up your RV.

Once you reach your destination, make sure your pet wears a collar with your contact information on it at all times while they are RVing with you. You don’t want to risk losing your pet somewhere in the RV park and not being able to find them again! Some owners feel safer getting their pet microchipped, so they can be identified at a veterinarian’s office and returned, even if their collar gets lost. You can talk to your local veterinarian about microchip options and decide if this would make your pet’s RV experience safer. Planning ahead for your pet’s safety will improve your peace of mind and free you up to enjoy your RV trip with them!

Keep Your Pet Happy in your RV

Another important thing about is making sure your animal is comfortable in your RV. You want your pet to be happy while you’re all away from home! Spend some time in the RV with your pet before you leave, especially if you’re going far from home. This will help them get accustomed to the RV so they can be more comfortable on the trip.

Try to bring some familiar aspects of your pet’s day-to-day life with you as well. Bring whichever pet food you normally feed them, and keep up their usual diet and feeding times when possible while you RV. Keeping your pet healthy is still very important on the road, and the familiar routine can give them a sense of security. Consider bringing the water bowl they usually use and some of their favorite toys.

Remember that traveling with a pet will probably require extra stops. If you plan to drive very far, schedule in breaks so both humans and pets can get some exercise. Water bowls for pets can be messy and easily spilled and they should not be filled while driving. So be sure to give your pet water during rest breaks along the drive. After you reach your destination, your pet will still need to stretch their legs sometimes. Before you leave, determine how much exercise your individual pet needs every day to be happy and healthy so you can help them get it during the RV trip.

Be Good Neighbors

Wherever you decide to park your RV and set up camp, be sure to keep track of your pet while you’re there. Always keep them on a leash if they leave the RV, both for their safety and as a kindness to other RVers. You can always attach the leash to something solid (like your RV, a picnic table, or a stake anchor) while you set up, cook a meal, or play a fun game with other RVers at the park.

Remember that being a good neighbor still applies to RV parks and campers. This includes helping your pet be a good neighbor too! An unleashed pet could cause other campers to worry about them being lost. If your animal gets into someone else’s campsite, they may knock things over or steal someone’s food. Some people may also be frightened by your pet—especially if it’s off the leash or you have a large dog. You may know that your pet is very safe and friendly, but other RVers don’t know your pet like you do, and some children feel unsafe around animals. You, your pet, and your neighboring RVers should all feel safe and secure during your trip.

Be prepared to clean up after your dog anywhere they go in the RV park. Some parks require this but you should do it either way since your pet is your responsibility. All the campers benefit from keeping the RV park clean and pretty for everyone. Many RVers also appreciate a peaceful environment. No one wants noisy neighbors, especially at night! If your dog barks a lot and doesn’t listen to commands, they may not make a good camper.

You know your own pet and their limits better than anyone. Are they well-trained or is that still a work in progress? Do they come when you call? How do they react to seeing other animals? There will likely be other pets at your RV park, so you’ll want both you and your pet to be ready for that possibility. Don’t expect too much from your pet in areas where you know they’re still learning. If your pet doesn’t listen when you call them, it may not be safe to bring them because you may lose them. Following these tips will help you be good neighbors at the RV park, and help keep your pet safe and happy.

Be Prepared for RVing with Pets

Be sure not to leave any of your pet’s luggage at home when you go RVing. Traveling with your pet will add a little to the packing list. If you’re an experienced RVer, remember that bringing animal passengers will change the game! You’ll need to pack extra items for your pet:

• A water dish
• Plenty of pet food
• An animal bed
• Some kind of carrier or restraints
• A leash
• Bags for waste pickup
• Probably some dog or cat toys (depending on your pet)

Double check your packing list before you leave to ensure you don’t leave anything behind that your pet might need on the trip.

Taking care of your pet’s needs will take some time. Schedule your pet’s routines into your plans for the trip. Setting up your RV and campsite will now include giving your pet water, feeding them, and getting their leash or anchor in place. When planning fun activities for the trip, find a time (and place) for your pet to play and get exercise. Remember that preparation is a big part of RVing. You can always set yourself up for success by planning ahead!

Check for pet policies at any places you want to stay or visit, and do so before you start. Accidentally bringing your pet to a RV park where pets aren’t welcome will complicate the trip. Unexpected things can always happen during travels, but doing your research before deciding on places to stay and visit can make a stressful change of plans much less likely.

Make Sure Your Pet Won’t Damage Your RV

When you think about bringing a pet on a RV trip, put some consideration into protecting your vehicle too. Of course, any pet with a bad habit of scratching or chewing will continue to do the same thing in a RV! You want to keep your RV in good condition to use for as long as possible. If you plan to resell, keeping the RV clean and undamaged will increase its value. If you have a well-behaved pet that you decide will be a good RV companion, there are several steps you can take to help them be a good camper.

Find things in your RV that your pet might be tempted to damage. Electrical wires, furniture, and other surfaces can be protected from biting or scratching by putting covers over them. You might be able to hide cords and wires or move them somewhere less conspicuous. Consider securing or removing anything in the RV that is breakable or easily tipped over. Provide other activities for your pet so they’re not bored on the trip. Bring chew toys for any animal who likes getting their teeth into things, and make sure your pet gets enough exercise so they don’t get restless.

Start a regular grooming routine for your pet and stick to it before you leave. This helps prevent excessive shedding and makes it less likely that your pet will track dirt around the RV. Consider getting doormats for humans and animals to use, or keep a towel by the door to wipe their paws. RVing usually involves some lovely time out of doors, so be prepared for a little dirt!

Enjoy the Ride!

RVing is a fun adventure for all kinds of people and all kinds of animals. Being prepared to prioritize everyone’s health and safety makes each trip more enjoyable. Use these tips to prepare you and your pet for the adventure of RVing together.