How To Travel With Pets In An RV

Planning to hit the road with your furry friend in an RV? You might worry about keeping them safe and happy during the trip.

Pets need special care when traveling, especially in the confined space of an RV.

Did you know that, according to the TV Podcast, 67% of RV owners travel with their pets?

his shows how popular it is to bring pets along on RV adventures. This guide will teach you how to travel with pets in an RV.

You’ll learn tips for pet safety, comfort, and enjoyment. Ready to make your RV trip pet-friendly?

Preparing Your Pet for RV Travel

Getting your pet ready for RV travel is key. You’ll need to make the RV feel like home and set up a safe spot for your furry friend.

Acclimate Your Pet to the RV

Getting your pet used to the RV is key for happy travels. Here’s how to make your furry friend feel at home:

1. Start slow: Let your pet explore the RV while it’s parked. This helps them get used to the new space without stress.
2. Use treats: Give your pet treats in the RV to create good feelings about the space.
3. Bring familiar items: Put your pet’s bed, toys, and blankets in the RV. These known objects help them feel safe.
4. Short trips: Take brief drives around the block. This gets your pet used to the RV’s movement.
5. Positive praise: Reward your pet with kind words and pats when they’re calm in the RV.
6. Gradual increase: Slowly make RV visits longer. This builds your pet’s comfort over time.
7. Stick to routines: Keep meal and walk times the same in the RV as at home. This gives your pet a sense of normal.
8. Safe space: As we are about to discuss, creating a cozy spot just for your pet in the RV is super important.

As an expert with 14 years of RV pet travel, I’ve found it takes about a week for dogs to feel at ease in an RV.

Stay patient and keep things upbeat. Your pet will soon see the RV as a fun second home.

Secure a Comfortable and Safe Space

Create a cozy spot for your pet in the RV. Pick a quiet area away from doors and windows. Use a crate or bed they know from home. This helps them feel safe in the new space.

A familiar space is a pet’s oasis on the road.

Add non-slip mats to prevent sliding during travel. Secure loose items that could fall on your pet.

If you can, install pet barriers to keep them from the driver’s area. This setup ensures your furry friend stays comfy and protected on your RV adventures.

Keep ID Tags and Microchip Updated

After setting up a cozy spot for your pet, focus on their ID.

Your pet’s safety depends on up-to-date tags and microchips. Put new tags on your pet’s collar with your current phone number and address.

This helps if your furry friend gets lost during your RV trip.

Microchips offer extra protection. Make sure your pet’s chip info is current in the National Pet Microchip Database.

Keep a recent photo of your pet on hand too. These steps give you peace of mind as you hit the road with your four-legged buddy.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

Keeping your pet safe goes beyond ID tags. An emergency kit is vital for RV trips with pets. Pack these items:

• First-aid supplies: Gauze, non-stick bandages, and a pet thermometer
• Vaccination records: Bring proof of rabies shots and other vaccines
• Emergency contacts: List vets and pet hospitals along your route
• Extra food and water: Pack at least 3 days’ worth
• Medications: Bring enough for the trip plus extra
• Leash and collar: Include a spare set
• Waste bags: Stock up for proper cleanup
• Familiar toy or blanket: Comforts your pet in new places
• Recent photo: Helps if your pet gets lost
• Cleaning supplies: For accidents in the RV

I suggest also downloading our free dog camping checklist and keeping it always at hand. Lots of the suggestions included in there apply also to your RV adventure.

Essential Tips for Traveling with Pets in an RV

Traveling with pets in an RV can be fun and easy — if you know how to do it right.

Keep reading to learn how to make your trip smooth for both you and your furry friends.

Manage Temperature Inside the RV

Keep your RV cool for your pets. Dogs should not be left in a hot car, so you may want to invest in a device that will let you keep everything under control.

For example, you can use both Govee and MarCELL systems to watch the temp. The MarCELL PRO can work for up to 48 hours if power goes out. It has its own data plan, so it’s always on.

I’ve used these systems for years in my RV travels. They give peace of mind when you need to step out.

But nothing beats being there with your furry friends. Always plan your trips with their comfort in mind.

Make sure they have shade, water, and good air flow in the RV.

Bring Familiar Items like Beds and Toys

Pack your pet’s favorite toys and bed for the RV trip. These items smell like home and comfort your furry friend. Dogs feel less anxious with familiar objects around them. Put the bed in a cozy spot in the RV.

Scatter toys in areas where your pet likes to play. This creates a safe space for your dog or cat to relax. You can also learn how to calm your dog with Adaptil Transport spray during transport, ensuring a smoother journey.

Familiar items help pets adjust to RV life faster. They provide a sense of routine in new places. Your pet will settle in quicker and enjoy the journey more. Next, let’s look at how to keep your pet’s food and water well-stocked during the trip.

Keep Food, Water, and Medications Well-Stocked

Like we share in our dog adventure checklist, your pet’s comfort extends beyond toys and beds.

Stock up on pet food and water for the entire trip. Pack extra in case of delays. Use airtight containers to keep food fresh. Bring collapsible bowls for easy storage.

Don’t forget your pet’s meds and keep them in a cool, dry place.

Label each med clearly with dosage info. Store in a spot you can reach fast. A small cooler works great for temp-sensitive meds.

Crate Your Pet while Driving for Safety

We’ve discussed this topic when we shared that dogs can ride in a travel trailer but it’s worth sayint it again: a secure dog travel crate keeps pets from moving around and getting hurt.

It also stops them from distracting you while driving. Pick a crate that fits your pet well.

Make sure it’s comfy with a soft bed and toys. Place the crate in a spot away from direct sun. This keeps your furry friend safe and happy on the road.

Secure pets prevent accidents in RVs.

Loose animals can cause crashes if they jump on the driver. They might also get thrown around if you stop fast. A crate gives pets a safe space during travel.

It helps them feel calm too. Always buckle the crate down so it doesn’t move. This simple step makes RV trips safer for everyone.

Plan Regular Stops for Pet Exercise and Potty Breaks

Regular stops are key for happy pets on RV trips. You’ll need to plan breaks for your furry friends to stretch and relieve themselves.

• Stop every 2-3 hours for pet breaks
• Let dogs out for a quick walk and potty time
• Bring water and a bowl for hydration
• Use a leash to keep pets safe at rest stops
• Look for pet-friendly areas or dog parks along your route
• Give cats a chance to use their litter box in the RV
• Take longer walks before driving to burn energy
• Use these stops to check on your pet’s comfort
• Clean up after your pet at each stop
• Keep ID tags on pets in case they get loose

Keep a Routine Feeding Schedule

Stick to your pet’s normal meal times on the road. Feed them at the same hours you do at home. This helps keep their tummy happy and avoids upset. Use the same food and bowls they’re used to.

Don’t forget fresh water!

Fill their dish often, especially on hot days. Your furry friend will feel more at ease with a steady eating plan.

Next, let’s look at how to manage your pet’s health while RVing.

Managing Pet Health and Safety on the Road

Your pet’s health matters on the road. Keep vet info handy and know where to find help fast.

Regular vet checks before and during trips

Regular vet checks keep your pets healthy on RV trips. They help catch health issues early and ensure your furry friends are ready for travel.

Schedule a pre-travel visit:

• Book an appointment 2-4 weeks before your trip begins
• Get a full health checkup for your pet
• Update any due vaccinations
• Discuss travel plans with your vet

Get health records:

• Ask for a copy of your pet’s health records
• Keep these papers in your RV for easy access
• Show them to new vets if needed during the trip

Check for parasites:

• Test for heartworm and other parasites (reading our Nexgard Plus Vs Simparica Trio comparison will help you)
• Learn how to get rid of worms in dogs and cats ASAP
• Ask about flea and tick protection for your trip (yes, fleas are bad this year)
• Check out the best flea and tick collars and get the right one for your pooch

Update microchip info:

• Make sure your pet’s microchip is active
• Update contact details if they’ve changed
• Add a temporary travel address if possible

Plan for on-the-road checks

• Find vet clinics along your route
• Save their contact info in your phone
• Schedule check-ups for long trips
• Wach for signs of tarvel stress in your pet

Keep Up-to-Date with Vaccinations and Identification

Keeping your pet’s shots up-to-date is key for RV travel. Your furry friend needs all their vaccines before hitting the road.

This includes rabies, distemper, and parvo for dogs. Cats need shots for feline leukemia and distemper too.

ID tags and microchips are must-haves for RV pets. Make sure your contact info is current on both.

If your pet gets lost, these help them find their way back to you. Bring your vet records along in case of emergencies.

Many RV parks and campgrounds ask for proof of shots. Having these papers handy makes check-in a breeze.

Personally, I always keep a digital copy of my pets’ records on my phone.

At Your Destination

At your RV stop, pet rules matter. You’ll need to keep your furry friend comfy and safe in your home on wheels.

Respect campground rules and pet policies

Campgrounds have rules for pets. Follow them to keep everyone happy. Leash your dog outside the RV. Clean up after your pet. Keep noise down, especially at night. Some places don’t allow certain dog breeds.

Be a good neighbor with your pets. Respect quiet hours. Don’t let your dog bark all day. Pick up waste right away.

As we shared in our guide to dog-friendly campgrounds in Colorado, try to use designated pet areas. If you do these things, other campers will like you more.

Your pets will have a better time too.

Maintain Regular Exercise and Bathroom Routines

Keep your pet’s routine steady on the road. Take your dog for walks at set times each day. This helps them stay calm and comfy in new places.

A sturdy portable dog fence for camping can also be a great ally to make sure your dog spends plenty of time outside the RV – while being completely safe and under control.

Find safe spots for potty breaks every few hours.

Stick to normal meal times too. Regular exercise keeps your pet happy and healthy during RV trips.

Play fetch or go for hikes at campgrounds. These activities burn energy and reduce stress for your furry friend.

Are You Ready to Go?

RV travel with pets can be fun and rewarding. Plan ahead and make your furry friend comfortable.

Pack essentials like food, water, and toys. Follow campground rules and keep your pet safe.

With the right prep, you and your pet will enjoy amazing adventures on the road.