Tips for Traveling with Pets in an RV

Tips for Traveling with Pets in an RV

Written by Nancy Carter, Making My Own Lane

Traveling with pets in an RV can be so much fun for both you and your pet.

In fact, many people choose to travel in an RV because they can take their pets with them.

No more having to put them in a cold kennel, or asking a stranger to come into your home to make sure your babies are safe and happy while you are gone.

You can take steps to prepare for your pet’s camping life, that will ensure a safer and happy experience for all of you.

Update your pets shots and shot records before you take that RV trip

Having their shot records, and any medications you might need for them, is super important.

Some campgrounds may want to see these records before they allow you to check in, or if you have a pet emergency, the vet you go to will want a copy.

I scan their records on my phone, and keep it pinned in my notes app, as well as carrying a printed version.

My vet of choice is now Vetco, part of Petco, because they have over 1,500 locations across the US.

I also use Petco for grooming my dogs, because they are all over the country. You can read more about the program I use here.

Confirm the campground you want to stay at is pet-friendly

Not every campground, whether it is a mom and pop, state park, or national park is pet friendly.

Some have restrictions about how many pets or the types (breeds) of pets that can stay there.

By researching this in advance, you will know that you won’t be turned away from a campground when you get there.

Unless otherwise stated, follow all leash laws at the campgrounds you are staying at.

Keep your pets safe by having a way to keep track of the temperature of your RV

I have an inexpensive temperature/humidity monitor in the RV that I can check in with through an app. The app will alert me if the temperature starts to rise past a certain level, so I can get back to the RV, or ask someone to check on my pets.

I also have a security camera in the RV, so I can check in and see them whenever I want.

Campgrounds may lose power, and this can be catastrophic to your pet. I have solar that will keep the power going if there is a power outage.

Also, check each campground’s pet policy. Some state that your pets cannot be left unattended. I have found that unless your dog is incessantly barking while you are gone, there should not be a problem.

Click here if you want to know what I use to monitor my pets when I go out, and where I got it from.

Include your pets in your emergency bug out plan

This year has been crazy for tornados, flooding and dangerous weather, which may mean you have to leave your RV quickly and head for shelter.

Don’t forget about your pets!

Have a bug out bag for yourself that includes supplies for your pets that you can grab and get out quickly in an emergency.

Take a short, trial trip before taking off on those longer trips, or even living full-time in your RV

Some pets, like people, may get car sick. You can see how this could create a bad situation quickly.

Katie, my cat, did not get car sick; however, she really disliked being in a moving vehicle, no matter what this size.

At first, she confined herself to the bathroom and as time went on she moved on to the bed where she now stays while the RV is in motion.

Bringing your pet's bed, or a soft blanket, for them to lie on will make them feel more safe and comfortable.

Have a way to secure your pets in the RV as you travel

After ending up with a dog literally wrapped around my neck while I was driving on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, I invested in some boat cleats that I anchored to the floor in the RV.

I am able to hook up a thin leash and secure each dog, while allowing them to lie down and have access to their water bowl.

You can also pick up a harness made for car seats, if you want your dogs to ride in the passenger seat.

Either way, no more dogs jumping into my lap while I’m driving, or getting tossed around if you have to stop quickly.

Make sure your pets are chipped before you take that RV trip

If you were to lose a pet on the road, you will stand a better chance of getting them back. Having a recent picture, printed out, can help as well.

This winter my cat, Katie, escaped through an open window in my RV.

She was gone for two months, and I had given up hope of ever seeing her again.

She was not wearing a collar. I had a terrible experience with a break away collar years ago, and still cannot bring myself to put a collar on a cat.

She went missing in an RV campground in Florida. I was on Facebook every day, and I searched for her, tracking down every lead, for weeks, but I always felt I was an hour or two behind the last sitting.

Friends and other campers were also looking for her. The support was amazing, but my cat could not be found.

I had contacted every shelter and animal control agency in the area, including many local vets, and I left a photo with everyone who would take one.

Two months later, I was ready to give my daughter the kitty litter and cat food I had gone out to buy when Katie disappeared.

But, I got an email from NextDoor, that I had ended up on through Pawboost. The email said, "Are you missing a hound and three cats?"

I looked at the pictures from a security cam, and one of them was Katie.

After contacting the person, and waiting for Katie at strange times of the day, like 4 am, the person agreed to let me purchase a Have-a-Heart trap to try to catch Katie.

2 days later, Katie was back home in my RV with her dog brothers. We are very lucky.

My point is, that unless someone actually catches your lost pet, chipping your pet does no good.

Know where your pets are in the camper before you open a window or a door

This will ensure that you don’t have an escaped dog or cat, like what happened to me.

Have enough of the food and water that your pet is currently eating to last at least two weeks

When you are traveling in an RV, you will find that not only are the grocery stores different from what you are used to, but also the brands and types of food available may be different.

Also carry bottled water for your pet.

Changing to different waters in every campground you may travel to, even with a water filter, will most likely upset their tummies.

Invest in poop bags if you have a dog(s)

This sounds so funny to me, but you can never have enough of these bags.

My personal favorite of where to get these bags is Home Goods, of all places. Have you checked out their pet department yet?

They have a great assortment and prices on toys, treats, bedding, leashes, and poop bags!

And please make sure you pick up after your dogs. It makes everyone’s camping experience a lot nicer.

Understand your pet’s limits when hiking or playing

Last year, I decided to take Willie on a short hike to Anna Ruby Falls in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia.

It was a cold day, and I had extra water with me for my Shihtzu, Willie.

The trail is only about ½ mile, but the incline is steep. While Willie, in his usual fashion, tried to run up the mountain.

Half way up to the falls, Willie started to not feel well, and I had to carry him the rest of the way, and back down.

Willie does not know his limits, so I have to be careful that he doesn’t overdo it.

Don’t forget your fur babies also need to stop for breaks when they go on road trips with you

I try to not drive more than three hours at a time, but after two hours I am usually looking for a rest stop to let the dogs out to stretch their legs, and so I can stretch mine.

Traveling in an RV allows me to be able to travel slower and stop more often, whether it’s for a break or it’s to see something new I discover along my way.

If you have any comments, suggestions or questions about keeping pets healthy, safe and happy while traveling in an RV, or if you would like to know when I publish a new article, you can message me here.

Thanks for joining me as I move into Year 2 of this full-time RV life.

Subscribe below for updates as we travel and continue to learn more about life on the road.

Hi there! I'm Nancy.

In 2023, I ditched my heels for hiking boots, sold my house, and decided to travel the US full time in my 2005 Lazy Daze Class C RV.

I love to share the places I travel to and what it's like to live in an RV full-time.

If you have ever thought about hitting the road and traveling in an RV, either in your free time or full time, you are in the right place!

Follow along for weekly blog posts about my adventures as I travel the US with my two dogs, Rufus and Willie, and my cat, Katie.