Traveling in an RV is awesome! Especially with your pets along for the ride. But let’s be real, it takes a bit more planning with furry copilots. From packing the right gear to campground rules, there’s a lot to think about. You want your furry ones to feel safe and chill on the road. Wagging tails and purrs make traveling so much more enjoyable! Good news: RVing with pets can be smooth with the right prep.
This guide covers everything you need for a pet-friendly RV adventure!
Prepping for Your Pet-friendly Travel
Whether you have a road-loving pup, a curious cat, or something a little more exotic, there are things you need to plan for before hitting the road. A little preparation goes a long way. Before you set off on an adventure, make sure your furry one is road-trip ready:
Vet Check-Up: Ensure vaccinations are up to date. Ask your vet about travel concerns, like motion sickness or flea prevention.
ID Tags & Microchips: Accidents happen. If your pet slips out, proper identification (and a microchip) can help get them back to you. Having a visible or reflective collar/vest can also make things safer for your pet in case they manage to get out without you.
Pet Travel Insurance: Not a must, but it can be a lifesaver if an emergency pops up on the road.
Practice Runs: It’s a good idea to take short trips to help your pet adjust to the smaller space in the RV. If you have the chance, before committing to a long journey try out a couple of times and let your furry one get use to the pet-friendly travel adventures ahead.
Pack a Pet Travel Kit: Essentials include food, water, bowls, meds, leash, poop bags, litter (for cats), and comfort items like blankets or toys.
Comfort and Safety Travel Set Up
Your RV is your home-on-wheels, and it should feel that way for your pet too!
Just like you need a comfy spot to unwind after a long drive, your pet needs their own little corner to relax, feel safe, and settle in. Create a cozy, familiar environment for your furry ones. This goes a long way in reducing stress, especially during those first few travel days.
Create a Safe Space: Set up a designated area in your RV just for your pet. This could be a cozy crate, a soft bed, or even a corner with their favorite blanket and toys. It helps them feel secure and gives them a sense of routine, even when everything outside the window keeps changing.
Secure Pets While Driving: Safety first-both for you and your pet. A loose pet can be a big distraction while driving and could get hurt if you have to brake suddenly. Use a crash-tested crate, a pet seatbelt harness, or block off a comfy space with a barrier. You’ll both ride easier knowing they’re safe and snug.
Climate Control Matters: RVs can heat up fast, and that’s dangerous for pets. Try to keep the interior cool with A/C or fans, and use reflective window covers to block out the sun. For extra peace of mind, install a temperature monitor that alerts you if the RV gets too hot or cold. Never, ever leave your pet unattended in extreme temperatures.
Pet-Proof the Interior: Just like when baby-proofing a house, pet-proofing your RV can prevent accidents. Make sure you secure loose items that might fall during travel. Stash away any food or cleaning supplies, and keep electrical cords out of reach (especially from curious chewers!). A few small adjustments can make a big difference in keeping you and your furry ones safe.
Pet-friendly campground etiquette
Not every camper is a pet lover and that’s okay! When you’re staying in shared spaces like campgrounds or RV parks, being a considerate pet parent makes everyone’s stay more enjoyable (and keeps you welcomed in more places). Here’s how to be a courteous neighbor when camping with your furry sidekick:
Check Pet-Policies First: Before you book, take a few minutes to read the pet rules for the campground. There might be some restrictions on the number of pets, certain dog breeds, or even size limits. Others might charge a small fee per pet or require up-to-date vaccination records. If you’re unsure, give the campground a quick call. Better to ask than to be turned away at check-in!
Keep pets leashed: Even if your dog is the friendliest fur baby on Earth, most campgrounds require pets to be on a leash, usually no longer than 6 feet. This keeps your pet safe and prevents surprise run-ins with kids, wildlife, or other dogs that might not be so friendly. It’s a good idea to bring a tie-out or portable pet fence for a safe space to relax outside the RV while still respecting leash rules.
Clean after your pet-every time: Nothing ruins a morning stroll like stepping in an unexpected “surprise.” Ugh! When traveling with pets always carry poop bags and dispose of them in the appropriate trash bins. Leaving pet waste behind is just plain rude! It can also spread disease and create a very stinky problem for other campers. Clip a dispenser of poop bags to your leash so you’re never without them.
Control excessive pet noise
We all know dogs bark, cats meow and birds can be very vocal too! But if your pet tends to get noisy at all times of the day and night, it can wear on your neighbors. Try to maintain your furry ones comfortable as much as possible.
Spend time with your pet: Don’t leave your furry one unattended for long periods of time, especially outside. This triggers anxiety in your pets. Think about it, they’re in a strange place and all alone without their owner.
Distractions: Use white noise or a fan inside the RV to muffle triggers. Because they are in a different environment pet might be more alert and react to a bigger number of triggers than normal. It’s an interesting world out there for them!
Try Calming Products: You can try giving your furry one some calming treats, purchasing a thunder shirt (I have this one in my cart), or a favorite toy that helps them relax and makes time more enjoyable. Pet-safe CBD oil, calming chews, pheromone sprays canalso work wonders. Test them before your trip to see what helps.
Create a Comforting Routine: Keep walks, meals and playtime at familiar times of the day make things feel more “normal”. When traveling, try your best to mimic their home routine as much as possible.
Use Familiar Scents: A favorite blanket, toy or it could be a shirt that smells like you, can make the RV feel like home. These small comforts can really make a difference in your pet-friendly traveling.
Exercise and outdoor time: Keeping your pet active and happy
Let’s be honest…long RV travel days are kinda boring for pets. They don’t get to admire scenic routes or jam to road trip playlists. So it’s up to us to help them stretch those legs and burn off some energy!
Stick to a Routine: Pets thrive on predictability. Try to keep their walk, potty, and playtime routines as consistent as you can, even if you’re in a new location every couple of days. It helps them feel safe and keeps their behavior in check.
Use a Protable Fence or Tie-Out: I mentioned these before and that’s because they are a game changer. A pop-up pet fence gives your dog (or even cat!) a little freedom outside the RV without wandering off. Tie-outs are great too, but always keep an eye out for tangles. Bonus: A shady spot, a water bowl, and a chew toy turn your setup into a five-star pet lounge.
Protect Their Paws: Hot pavement, sharp gravel, or icy ground can hurt your furry one’s toe beans. Test surfaces with your hand or bare foot—if it’s uncomfortable for you, it’s too much for them. Booties can be helpful, especially for hikes or extreme temps.
Hiking With Pets? First, check if the trail allows pets—some parks have restrictions. Bring lots of water, a collapsible bowl, and snacks if it’s a long trek. Also, pack poop bags and make sure your pet’s flea/tick protection is up to date. Oh, and don’t forget the leash—even trail dogs need to stay close.
Feeding and Hydration
A full belly and plenty of water make for a happy furr friend. But feeding pets on the go requires a little planning and good use of resources.
Stick to a Regular Feeding Schedule: Try to feed your pet at the same times each day, just like you would at home. A consistent schedule helps avoid stomach issues and keeps things calm and predictable.
Pack a Spill-Proof Water Bowl: These are gold! RVs move, and so do bowls. Get one that doesn’t slosh all over the floor. Refill it often, especially in hot or dry climates.
Store Food Properly: When traveling with pets it is important to keep pet food in an airtight, sealed container. Side bonus—it’s also rodent and bug-proof. RVs can attract critters, and the last thing you want is to find a mouse snacking in the kibble bag.
Safety on the Road
Emergencies happen. Whether it’s motion sickness, a scrape from a hike, or something more serious, a little preparation goes a long way. Making the most out of your travel adventures also means taking steps to ensure your furry ones are as safe as possible.
Watch for Motion Sickness: Some pets get queasy on the road. Signs include excessive drooling, whining, or even vomiting. Talk to your vet, they might suggest a medication or calming supplement.
Keep an Emergency Vet List: Do a little research before your trip and jot down nearby vets or animal hospitals along your route. Apps like Pet First Aid or VetFinder can be a lifesaver when you’re in an unfamiliar area.
Build a Pet First-Aid Kit: Make sure you’ve got the basics: bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers (for ticks), vet wrap, and any medications your pet may need. Toss it in with your human first-aid kit so you always know where it is and don’t forget to replenish or replace when used or expired.
Know the Signs of Heatstroke: Heavy panting, drooling, glazed eyes, vomiting, and lethargy can all be signs. If your pet seems overheated, move them to shade or a cool place ASAP. Offer water, use damp towels, and get vet help if symptoms don’t improve.
Managing Traveling with Multiple Pets
Got a full furry crew on board? Here’s how to keep the peace in tight quarters when you have more than one pet traveling with you:
Give Each Pet Their Own Space: Even if it’s just a crate, a bed, or a corner. Everyone needs their own little zone. It reduces tension and helps them relax.
Feed Separately in Needed: Feeding time can be chaotic with multiple pets. Avoid squabbles or food stealing by using separate bowls and giving each pet space to eat in peace.
Exercise & Potty Breaks: Try staggering breaks if your pets have different energy levels. A young pup and a senior cat will definitely need different routines!
Cats and Exotic Pet considerations
There are many options when deciding to become a pet parent. Your pet’s needs will differ with the type of pet you travel with. RVing with cats or exotic pets is totally doable, yes, but definitely different.
Litter Box Placement: Look for a well-ventilated, semi-private spot like the shower stall or a converted cabinet. Keep it clean and odor-controlled with regular scooping and baking soda.
Containment for Cats: Don’t want your cat making a break for it every time the door opens? Try a soft-sided pop-up tent, a “catio” on the RV steps, or even leash training. Many cats adjust well with the right setup.
Exotic Pets: Birds, reptiles, rabbits, or small mammals each have their own needs. Keep cages secure while driving, and make sure temps stay safe for your pet. Reptiles especially may need heating pads or UV lighting, even on the go.
pet-friendly rv gear must-haves for happy campers and furry ones
Depending on the type of your traveling companion some gear might just make life easier—for you and your pet. Nothing like being prepared when you hit the road and having some helpful gear won’t hurt.
Collapsible Crate: Space-saving for RVs limited space when not in use and also perfect for travel days or quiet time.
GPS Pet Tracker: Just in case your pet wanders too far you can find them easier and faster if they have a tracker in their vest or collar or other people opt for the professionally installed ones.
Pet Ramp or Steps: Ideal for small or senior pets who need help getting in and out of the rig. Those steps can be difficult for us to manage so think about your pets
Motion-Activated Camera: Nothing safer than being able to keep an eye on your pet when you’re away from the RV. Consider installing a camera that you can access through your phone so you can check in while you’re out.
Portable Litter Box: A must for RVing with cats, choose one that is compact and easy to clean.
Hint: Don’t forget to also check our post on RV Essentials & Must Haves!
Final Thoughts
RVing With Pets Can Be Amazing!
Traveling with pets in an RV is one of the best ways to make memories on the road. They add joy, comfort, and adventure to every stop. Sure, it takes a little more prep but once you’ve got your setup dialed in, it becomes second nature. Here’s a traveling with pets checklist to help you while that happens. So go ahead, pack the leash, fill the kibble bin, and let your pet ride shotgun on your next adventure.
🚐🐾 Have you RVed with your pets? Share your best tips, funny stories, or favorite pet-friendly campgrounds in the comments below! ⬇️