Tips for Traveling with Your Pet in an RV

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It's no secret that RV travel has exploded in recent years, with more people taking their vacations on the road and RV ownership setting record numbers. And within this growing community of RVers, you'll find many four-legged travelers. Recent surveys in the RV industry show that over 60% of RVers are now traveling with pets, and this number is expected to grow.

While RVing with pets is becoming increasingly popular, pet parents need to do their research and be prepared. From pre-travel checklists to mapping out the ultimate pet-friendly stops— let's dive into what every RVer needs to know when bringing their four-legged friends along for the ride!

Preparing Your Pet for The Journey

When planning an RV trip with your pet, ensuring they are ready for the journey is essential. This means getting the green light from your vet that they are healthy enough to travel, assessing their comfort and tolerance level while on the road, and ensuring they have proper identification.

Schedule a Veterinary Check-up

If your pet hasn't had a recent vet check-up or is not up to date on their vaccines or parasite preventatives, you'll want to schedule an appointment with your vet at least a few weeks before your trip. Be sure to let your vet know your plans and where you're headed so they can advise on any extra precautions you may need. Limiting certain activities or adding vaccines may be recommended depending on your pet's age, health status, and areas they'll visit. For instance, if you visit places with lakes or creeks with your dog, your vet may recommend vaccinating for leptospirosis or avoiding letting your dog swim or play in the water.

Getting Your Pet Comfortable with the RV

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If your pet is not used to traveling or is uneasy with regular car rides, getting them comfortable with RV travel can take some time. You may need to start by letting them explore the interior of the RV while it's parked, then work your way up to short drives around the neighborhood. Getting your pet used to the RV's new sights, sounds, and movements can take some time and training. Just be patient and never force them into a situation they are uncomfortable with. Talk to your veterinarian if your pet isn't taking well to the RV. In some cases, they may prescribe medication to help with mild anxiety or car sickness, and in other cases, it may be in your pet's best interest to seek alternative options, like a kennel or pet sitter.

Preparing Your Pet's ID and Records

Just as we shouldn't hit the road without our ID and insurance information, the same goes for our four-legged passengers! Ensure your pet has current ID tags and a microchip so they are easily identifiable if they get lost (if your pet is not already microchipped, your vet can complete this during a check-up). If you have to visit a vet clinic while on the road, you'll also want to make copies of your pet's medical records, vaccine reports, prescription lists, and pet insurance information.

Making Your RV Pet-Friendly

Before hitting the road with your four-legged friend, you'll want to ensure your RV is safe and comfortable for your pet and packed with all the essentials you'll need for the trip. If you're renting an RV, be sure it's a pet-friendly to avoid any surprise fees later.

RV Comfort and Safety for Pets

A dog in the back of a van Description automatically generated Just as we should wear our seatbelts while driving, your pet should always be secured while the RV is in motion. This can look a little different for everyone, depending on the type of pet you have and the type of RV you have.

If you have a traditional RV, your pet should be secured with a pet seatbelt or crate in one of the back seats (these are often part of the dinette table). If your RV is a towable or travel trailer, your pet should always be secured in the tow vehicle while driving. It is not recommended for any passengers (human or pet) to reside inside towable trailers while driving.

While parked, giving your pet a safe, comfortable space to relax with access to water is important. Bring some bedding or home blankets for comfort and familiarity and bring some of their favorite toys. You'll want to create a separate space for cats to place their litterbox away from their bedding and bowls. If you're planning to leave your pets alone in the RV for any time, consider investing in an RV pet monitor, such as the Waggle, to ensure you'll be alerted in the event of a power or air conditioning failure. And, of course, ensure there are no hazards, like food leftovers, chemicals, exposed wires, or anything your pet may chew on.

RVs can get cramped, so allowing your pet to explore and stretch their legs out of the RV is important. For dogs, this is easily accomplished through regular walks and any activities you may have planned, like hiking. Some pup parents may also want to invest in an RV dog fence, a portable, pop-up fence that goes around the perimeter of your RV, giving your dog a temporary yard. For cats, this can be a bit trickier. Some cats won't want to go outside, and that's ok. Never force them! But for those that do, leash training your cat and using a portable "catio" are two good options.

If you own your RV and are excited about traveling with your four-legged friends, you can find special add-ons or RV modifications for dogs and cats. Things like pet-proof RV furniture, pet bathing areas, built-in crates, pop-up "catio" windows, and much more are available online or at local RV retailers.

RVing with Pets Packing Checklist

Planning a Pet-Friendly RV Trip

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RVing with dogs or cats can require extra planning to ensure your pet stays safe, happy, and comfortable, but the good news is that many RV parks, campgrounds, and rest stops are pet-friendly! You can easily map out pet-friendly stops along your route with apps like Bring Fido or search for pet-friendly RV parks and campgrounds in the cities you plan to visit. It's also a good idea to plot out a few emergency vet clinics along your route, just in case.

Throughout your trip, stick to your pet's normal feeding and walking times as much as possible. This is easier while parked, but if you have a long day of driving ahead, try to plan rest stops accordingly for pet potty breaks and mealtimes.

Use caution in high-traffic areas like rest stops to prevent your pet from getting away or ingesting something they shouldn't. This can be challenging for dogs, especially since they need to be walked. Keep your dog leashed at all times and look out for things like discarded food, candy, cigarettes, and chemicals, like antifreeze, which can be lurking in parking lots.

Final Tips for Keeping Your Pet Safe on The Road

RVing with pets is easier than ever before, but being prepared is still important. Take some time before your trip to outfit your RV with all the pet essentials, plan a pet-friendly route, and ensure your pet is ready for the ride so you can both have a fun and, most importantly, safe trip.

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