Go RVing uses cookies on gorving.com in accordance with our privacy policy. By using this site, you consent to the use of cookies. We use cookies for the following purposes: To enable certain functions of the service, to provide analytics, to store your preferences, and to enable advertisements delivery, including behavioral advertising.
Ryan Robinson takes you for a ride in the passenger seat of his RV, off the grid, deep among the dramatic rock formations of the Utah Desert. Robinson and friends chill by the fire, tell stories, and of course, rig a one of a kind highline over the Looking Glass Arch in Moab, UT.
Top 10 Tips For New RV Owners Traveling With A Pet
Camping, especially in an RV, is one of the best ways to take your pet along with you in your travels. Read on for Go RVing’s tips on how to make the most of your next RV trip with your pet and how to keep them comfortable on the road.
RV life makes taking your furry friends along that much easier—it’s actually a primary reason that people make the leap and purchase an RV. According to a survey conducted by Go RVing, 68% of RV owners bring a pet with them. Most are dog people 92%, and 14% bring cats along on RV trips.
If you’re a pet owner new to RVing (or an RVer with a new pet) there are many things to research, learn, and consider to help make traveling with your pet a pleasant experience for both of you.
Several years ago, we traveled with our two dogs: Gracie and Buck. They were completely opposite of each other and the only thing they had in common was that they both liked to travel in the RV. We learned a few things about traveling with pets the hard way when we first got them.
You know your pets better than anybody else, but when you travel in your RV with pets there are some things you should be aware of. Our furry family members, just like kids, feel calmer when you adhere to a routine as much as possible. With that said, here are some things we’ve learned about traveling in an RV with pets.
There’s just something familiar with the smells of home. Our dogs always know that when their beds are carried out of the house and into the motorhome, some kind of adventure is around the corner. Having their own beds in the RV makes them more comfortable.
2. Crate Your Pet While Your RV Is On The Road
RVs don’t have seat belts for our fur babies. To keep your pet safe when driving down the road, whether you’re in a motorhome or a tow vehicle, keep them safely tucked away in a pet carrier with a comfy blanket or two. There are many unforeseen dangers for an unsecured pet.
When you’re traveling to your destination, stop frequently so your pets can stretch and relieve themselves. We try to stop every few hours, at a minimum.
3. Water And Food
Travel with the same food your pet is used to and bring along large water jugs from home, so they can drink the water they’re used to. Water sources can vary from place to place and just like a change in food can upset their digestive system, water variations can too. You can also substitute local tap water with bottled water.
4. Vet Checks
Ahead of any long RV road trip, have your vet check your pet so their vaccines are up to date, and you can inquire about any other health precautions you should take.
Did you know your dog can catch canine influenza? Dogs are susceptible to the virus at any given time, but dogs that go to dog parks or are in contact with areas where many dogs gather are at a much higher risk of contracting it. A flu vaccine is advisable when you’re traveling.
Bring your pet’s records with you and include proof of rabies vaccination and a current health certificate. Make sure you have a current picture of your pet in case they get lost, and have them microchipped. Register the chip number in the National Pet Microchip Registration Database so your veterinarian can assist you in an emergency.
5. Understand Pet Policies
When you make campground reservations, always ask if the campground is pet-friendly, and what the pet policies are. You can usually find this information online.
Some campgrounds and destinations have weight restrictions, Breed Specific Legislation (BSL laws), and/or insurance guidelines that prohibit dogs that are considered bully breeds. Ask or research the campgrounds you plan to stay at about BSL laws.
6. Local Emergency Information
When we arrive at the campground, one of the first things we do is save the number for a local vet and/or animal hospital in the area in case of an emergency. You can easily find this by searching “veterinarian near me” on your phone or computer. Keep the info handy in case there’s an emergency.
A pet portal lets you log in to an account and access your pet’s records. Look into this through your local vet before your trip. You can log in from your phone or a computer, and it makes getting information to an emergency vet much easier.
7. Protective Items
Bring paw booties. Check out retailers like Healers Petcare or Ruffwear for options. You’ll want to protect their paws from the hot tarmac, or sand as well as any rugged terrain you might encounter.
We also take a correctly sized raincoat for each dog. You would not believe how yucky a wet pet is in an RV and a raincoat keeps them nice and dry. I also keep a towel next to the entry door so I can wipe their paws off as they come into the RV.
8. Day Excursions
An RV can get extremely hot or cold inside. Always make sure there’s some type of ventilation and/or heat and air. Always have fresh water available for your pet. If your travel plans include day trips or extended travel away from the campsite, please keep this in mind. If we’re only going to be away for a short time and our pets can’t join us, we turn on calming music or the TV for background noise.
If you plan to be away from the RV and your pet for an extended period of time, look into a nearby pet boarding facility or pet daycare for the day. Some campgrounds offer kennels and boarding services for pets. Some campgrounds may not even allow you to leave your pet unattended at all, so make sure you fully read the campgrounds rules before booking.
Another concern is, you never know if the power will go out. There are pet monitoring systems that allow you to monitor the temperature, and offer video and/or audio capabilities. If you go this route, make sure you’re close enough to the campground or RV to get back in the event something happens.
9. Pet Etiquette And Tips
Make sure you familiarize yourself with the rules of the campground and any other area you take your pet. If you use a tie-out anchor, never leave your pet unattended. Give your pet plenty of room to move, but be cautious of traffic and obstacles that they can get hung or caught on.
Make sure your pets are always leashed when you walk them or have them outside with you. Campground pet etiquette is a must. Be considerate of other campers where your pet is concerned. This goes without saying, but always pick up behind your pet.
10. Creative Pet Containment
Some pet owners get creative with pet containment systems so their pets can enjoy and share time outside with them. It’s important that your pet has shade and clean water. Make sure you’re always in attendance when your pets are outside with you.
Bonus Tip: Perform a daily health check on your pet. When your pet is away from home, and off their regular schedule, it can affect their health. Watch for any signs that are out of the ordinary and check for ticks if you’re spending time outdoors. If you prepare before your trip, you should have a wonderful RV adventure along with your pets!
Mark Polk and his wife Dawn created RV Education 101, a video production and RV information company. Since 1999, RV Education 101 has helped educate millions of RV owners and RV enthusiasts on how to properly and safely use and maintain their RVs. Mark’s favorite past times are RVing in their 35-foot Type A motorhome with their two dogs Gracie and Roxie, and restoring vintage RVs, classic cars and trucks. For more information on using, enjoying and maintaining your RV, visit RV Education 101.
