Top Tips for RVing With Pets

After a long day of exploring a new place, the last thing you want to come back to is an RV that reeks of odors. You didn’t forget to take out the trash — it’s just one of the many problems you might face when you go RVing with pets and you’re not prepared. 

It’s true that pets are like family, and no one wants to leave them behind when they set out to cruise America. In fact, over 78% of pet owners in America take their pets along on vacation. What better way to do it than to hit the road in an RV rental that’s got all the space and amenities you need wherever you’re headed?

Of course, as lovely as it can be to go RVing with dogs (or even RVing with cats), having a great time depends on remembering a few tips. Let’s take a look.

Get Your Pets Road Trip Ready

Even if your dog has been on day trips before, it’s important that you prepare them both physically and mentally for the adventures ahead. If you plan to do any sort of activity, such as rafting or climbing, they need to be trained and ready to come along or you need to have accommodations lined up for them.

Many RV rentals don’t allow you to leave your dog unaccompanied inside the RV. What’s more, unless you plan to leave the RV hooked up with the AC running, it’s simply not safe or fair for your pet. Looking into dog boarding facilities along your route is a must-do so you’re aware of your options.

In addition to making sure your furry friend has a safe place to lay their head when you’re not around, you also need to get them ready for crossing state lines and staying in different facilities. That means getting medications in case they get motion sickness or anxiety, making sure they’re updated on their vaccinations, and preparing for small incidents with a first aid kit. 

Lastly, just in case your dog escapes, make sure they have a collar tag with your updated phone number. Preferably, get your pet microchipped in case their tag or collar comes off, gets damaged, or is otherwise illegible. All vets, shelters, and animal control organizations scan found dogs for microchips so they can locate the owner. 

Brush Up on Basic Manners

Taking a refresher course at your local dog trainer or spending some time in the backyard is a great way to make sure your dog is confident and comfortable on your trip. 

Some cute tricks will surely impress your neighbors at the campground, but you should focus on basic manners and cues. For instance, your dog should know the “quiet” command, so you aren’t listening to the bark track on repeat for an eight-hour drive. 

• Your dog will find things they will want to pick up or eat but shouldn’t, so teach “drop it.”
• Dealing with a dog that tugs on the leash all day is exhausting, so teach “heel.”
• Sometimes, your hands are full, and you need your dog to just sit still, so teach “stay.” 

These commands will definitely make RV life calmer and more tranquil. However, you also need to have reliable recall (i.e., your dog’s willingness to come when you call them, regardless of distractions). Even if you plan to keep your dog on a leash, you need to dial in this command for their safety.

Working with a trainer for even just a few sessions will make sure that both handler and canine are ready for the road ahead, no matter the people, pets, or wildlife that cross your path. 

Plan Your Routes Around Your Pet

Bringing your pet along on an RV trip means they truly are a valued member of your family, but there are some special considerations you need to make for this furry family member to make sure the trip goes off without a hitch.

 

For instance, if your pet is older or has health issues, you need to plan your route to ensure you’re never too far from a reputable vet. Even if your pet doesn’t have health problems, planning your route in advance and making note of the nearest vet hospital to every planned stop will save moments of precious time in the event of an emergency.

 

Beyond looking at the nearest vet, you should also consider when you need to stop to replenish pet food and other supplies. Likewise, your furry friend is going to be going on a lot of adventures, and they’re going to get dirty. How and when do you plan to keep them clean? If your dog needs a professional groomer, make those appointments in advance in the various towns you plan to visit.

 

When route planning, also factor in the time it will take to stop off for potty breaks, assuming your dog isn’t going to be using potty pads inside the RV. 

Seek Out Dog-Friendly Activities

RVing takes you to so many new and exciting places with opportunities to visit historical sites, museums, and water parks — places your pet won’t be able to tag along all the time, which is precisely why you should take the time to discover dog-friendly activities so you can all make memories together.

Not only does it save you time and money on pet accommodations, but it also ensures your RV trip with your pet is as fulfilling and memorable as it can be.

Aside from just taking a nice evening walk as a family, look for dog-friendly beaches and picnic sites near scenic rivers and lakes. Stop at a dog park every once in a while, so they can stretch their legs.  Look for state and national parks that have dog-friendly campgrounds or day sites. 

Wherever you go, make sure you understand the leash laws of that town or state. And remember: letting your dog off-leash in an unfamiliar place, whether urban or wilderness, can put even the best-trained dog in danger.

Bring Along the Right Supplies

Beyond kibble and cleaning supplies, your dog needs specialty equipment if they plan to come along on some of your adventures.

 

A special harness with pockets makes sure they can carry their own treats, water bottle, and collapsible bowl when you go on a hike together. Likewise, if you plan to be near water or go boating, always bring a life jacket that’s properly fitted to your dog.  

 

For picnics and times when your dog isn’t allowed off-leash, get a stake that can be pushed into the ground so you can hook a long, double-ended leash to it. That will give your dog some room to roam without anyone having to hold on to them. You’ll use it often at on-leash-only RV parks. 

 

The list goes on, but the exact supplies you need to bring depend on your dog’s health, mobility, and what you plan on doing together. You can always stop at pet shops along the way to pick up what you’ve forgotten, but your RV adventure will get off to the smoothest start if you pack the essentials before leaving. 

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PS Find The Best RV Rental

Not all RV rental companies allow you to bring dogs into the RV, and you might have to pay an additional fee or deposit if you plan to. Additionally, some companies have weight limits, which means larger dogs might cost more or won’t be allowed at all.

If you want to avoid fees and find an RV rental that will welcome your furry friend with open arms, RVnGO is the only person-to-person rental site that allows dog-loving travelers to find RV owners who want another family to have the chance to cruise America in their own RV. 

RVnGO allows owners to rent all classes of motorhomes while giving renters an unmatched $1 million in liability coverage, ensuring ultimate peace of mind when you’re on an adventure. Find the RV that fits your needs, talk to the host, and schedule a pickup or delivery time so you can hit the road.

Interested in learning more? Explore the rentals available on RVnGO and find your perfect RV today.

Book your RV now for a vacation to some of the finest fishing spots in Colorado you won’t soon forget. Forget the hotels or resorts. Renting an RV is STILL Less Expensive than staying at a resort. Be sure to read our Road Trip Packing Check List and Great Meals For Road Trips. 

The average Guest saves 30% when renting through RVnGO. Read more about them in the article – Who Is RVnGO?