10 Tips For RVing With Pets

10 Tips for RVing with Pets

1. Make a packing list of things your pet will need. Food, water, dishes, leashes, waste-pickup bags, and a litter box for the feline family members are givens. But you may want to consider bringing treats, toys, a brush, an exercise pen, or a crate. Don’t forget any medications your pet may take.
2. Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date.
3. Call the campground to make sure they allow pets. You may also want to ask if there are extra pet fees. Some campgrounds have breed restrictions, and many have a limit to how many furry friends you can bring.
4. If you are traveling for an extended time, or going to a remote area, make sure you have enough food, especially if your pet prefers a brand that is not readily available.
5. Make sure your animals’ tags are current with your cell phone. You’ll be traveling, so your home address or home phone number won’t be much help if they wander off. No one wants to think their pet will get lost, but accidents happen. Our first week on the road, one of our boys got distracted and left Nigel unattended. It was only for a minute, but in that time, he wandered off to another campsite. Thankfully our neighbor was understanding and called my cell phone right away. I walked over to get Nigel and found him sitting on his new friend’s lap.
6. Always pick up after your pet. Please! It’s the courteous thing to do.
7. Make sure your pets have been treated for fleas and ticks. You don’t want to encourage any stowaways in your RV.
8. Read and follow the campground rules. Many campgrounds have designated areas for pets, and some even have dog parks.
9. Many national parks don’t allow pets on trails, in the backcountry, or on waterfronts. Call ahead or go to the website of the national park you are visiting so you can plan accordingly.
10. This is a no-brainer, but if you are going to leave your pet alone in the RV for a few hours, make sure they have plenty of water, food, a place to potty (pee-pee pads work well), and proper ventilation or air conditioning.

Our pets have brought much joy to our RV adventures. We’ve hiked badlands with Nico, sat around many campfires with Nigel, and driven many miles with Meow Cow curled up in our laps. Sure, there have been times when we’ve had to make special arrangements, but for the most part, it’s been a simple process and worth every ounce of effort.

Do you #GoRVing with pets? Any advice or stories you can share?