Our whole team here at Camper Outpost has been devoted to animal welfare long before we created this community. From animal rescue to animal shelter volunteer work, we often look after our animal companions before we care for ourselves!
Bringing your furry friends along for an RV adventure can be one of the most rewarding parts of life on the road. However, it does require some planning and forethought to ensure that your pet is not only comfortable but safe throughout the journey.
One of the greatest trends over the last decade or so is how many locations are accommodating to those of us who travel with pets. There’s no need to ever leave them behind!
Here’s a comprehensive guide for how to make your RV pet-friendly and ensure a smooth, stress-free experience for you and your favorite companion as you travel to your favorite destination.
Preparing Your RV for Pet Travel
How to Make Your RV Pet-Friendly: Comfort and Safety First
The first step in ensuring your pet’s comfort during your RV travels is transforming your space into a pet-friendly haven. This means creating cozy sleeping areas, making sure there’s adequate ventilation, and securing your pet’s belongings.
For cats, a designated space for the litter box is essential. Consider using rugs or soft mats to cushion the floors, which can get slippery, especially for older pets. Additionally, installing window shades can prevent overheating and make for a more relaxing environment.
Essential Supplies Every Pet Needs for RV Life
Traveling with pets demands a slightly different set of supplies than home life. Make sure you have plenty of water bowls, a sturdy leash, and collapsible pet food containers to save space. Don’t forget grooming tools, especially if your pet sheds a lot. An RV can feel cramped when pet hair is flying around! It’s also wise to bring a first-aid kit tailored to pets, complete with wound disinfectant, bandages, and emergency medication for allergies or anxiety.
Choosing the Right Route and Campgrounds
Pet-Friendly RV Parks: What to Look For
Not all RV parks are created equal when it comes to accommodating pets. Some parks go above and beyond with designated dog parks, pet wash stations, and even walking trails.
You can find the full park policies, as well as many tips, from the National Park Service. And check out the video from Happy People Hike on YouTube for some great personal stories and tricks. We particularly love how they make mention of employing Leave No Trace principles just as we would when outdoors on our own.
If not, Cotopaxi the Bark Ranger (pictured below) will be on your case!
When booking your stay, look for parks that welcome pets and provide specific amenities that make pet care easier. Remember to check leash regulations, and always have your pet’s vaccination records on hand, as some parks may ask to see them upon arrival.
Planning Pit Stops: Exercise Breaks for You and Your Pet
Long drives can be exhausting for both humans and animals. Make pit stops a priority by planning your route around pet-friendly rest areas or scenic walking trails.
Pro Tip: Tripadvisor has a forum dedicated to good rest areas for pets. You can read and interact with real travelers and learn their routes, preferences and other key pet travel information. Invaluable!!
Regular breaks not only let your pet stretch its legs but also provide a mental reset. Keep in mind that just like us, our pets can become restless or anxious if cooped up for too long, so giving them time to explore during these breaks is key to a happy journey.
Pet Safety on the Road
Securing Pets While Driving: Best Practices for Safety
Safety on the road is paramount, and that means keeping your pet securely fastened during travel. Free-roaming pets can be a distraction to drivers and are at risk in case of sudden stops or accidents. Harnesses that buckle into the seatbelt, pet carriers, or crates are the safest options. Ensure that these are well-ventilated and located in a stable spot where your pet can see you but won’t interfere with driving.
Avoiding Overheating: Keeping Your Pet Cool in Warm Weather
Overheating can be a serious danger for pets in an RV. Even on a moderately warm day, the temperature inside your RV can rise quickly. Make sure to park in shaded areas, use fans, or invest in portable air conditioners to keep the interior cool. Always have fresh water available and, when possible, avoid driving during the hottest parts of the day. Cooling mats and portable fans for pets can also provide additional relief.
Health and Wellness for Pets on the Road
Keeping Up with Veterinary Care While Traveling
When you’re on the road, it’s essential to stay proactive about your pet’s healthcare. Make a list of nearby vets in the areas where you’ll be staying, and keep your pet’s health records updated and easily accessible.
Many veterinarians now offer telehealth services, allowing you to consult with them remotely if any minor issues arise during your trip. Ensure your pet is up-to-date on flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, especially if your travels take you through different climates.
Dealing with Pet Anxiety: Tips for Reducing Stress in New Environments
New sights, sounds, and smells can sometimes make pets anxious. Help them acclimate to their new surroundings by maintaining familiar routines—feed them at the same time every day, offer their favorite toys, and provide a comfortable place for them to retreat. Pet-calming sprays, CBD and other calming treats, or anxiety wraps like the ThunderShirt can be useful for soothing pets in more extreme cases of anxiety. Regular exercise also helps burn off nervous energy.
Entertainment and Enrichment for Your Pets
Keeping Your Pet Stimulated: Fun Activities for RV Trips
Just like us, pets need stimulation and enrichment to prevent boredom. Plan daily play sessions, whether it’s throwing a frisbee for your dog at the campground or using a laser pointer for your cat in the RV. If you’re in a new area, take your pet for a hike or a long walk to explore. Mental stimulation is just as important—puzzle toys, treat-dispensing balls, or new toys can keep your pet engaged and happy during downtime.
Travel Toys and Gear: Must-Haves for Play and Adventure
Packing the right toys can make all the difference in your pet’s mood on the road. Bring durable, space-saving toys like rubber balls, chew toys, or interactive puzzles. For dogs that love the water, a foldable dog pool can be a fun addition to your camping setup. Adventure gear, like harnesses for hiking or GPS trackers, ensures your pet can explore the great outdoors safely alongside you.
Feeding Your Pet on the Go
Meal Planning: Packing and Preparing Food for Your Pet
Staying organized is crucial when it comes to feeding your pet during an RV trip. Measure out their daily food portions and store them in airtight containers. If your pet is on a raw or homemade diet, invest in a portable freezer to keep their meals fresh. Don’t forget to pack enough treats—traveling can sometimes disrupt feeding times, and treats can serve as a quick snack in between meals.
Managing Special Diets and Treats in a Small Space
If your pet has specific dietary needs, such as a grain-free or low-fat diet, it’s essential to stock up on their food before hitting the road. Depending on where you’re traveling, you may not always have access to specialized pet stores. Consider creating a checklist of their dietary requirements and pack enough to last until your next major stop. Don’t let limited space compromise your pet’s nutrition; collapsible bowls and stackable containers can help maximize storage.
Maintaining Cleanliness in Close Quarters
It’s a perfect time to introduce an RV travel expert from the YouTube channel Campendium who recaps what we’ve learned so far, as well as some of the following tips about maintaining a clean and orderly environment for you and your pet companion.
Managing Pet Hair and Dander in Your RV
Pet hair has a sneaky way of finding every nook and cranny in an RV. Regular grooming and vacuuming are key to keeping your space clean. Invest in a handheld vacuum for easy clean-up or lint rollers for quick fixes. Keeping a designated “pet area” with blankets or seat covers will also help contain fur, making it easier to manage. Regularly clean bedding and any soft surfaces where your pet likes to lounge.
Cleaning Up After Your Pet: Quick Tips for a Fresh Space
Accidents happen, even with the most well-behaved pets. Be prepared by keeping pet-safe cleaning products on hand. Wipes, enzyme sprays, and odor eliminators can quickly tackle messes and keep your RV smelling fresh. Regular airing out of your RV and cleaning litter boxes or outdoor potty spots ensures a clean and pleasant living environment for both you and your pet.
Dealing with Emergencies on the Road
What to Do if Your Pet Gets Lost: Preparation and Prevention
Losing a pet is every owner’s worst nightmare, but preparation can make all the difference. Ensure your pet is microchipped and wears a collar with an ID tag that includes your contact information. GPS trackers attached to their collar can help you locate them in case they wander off. When stopping at a new location, keep your pet on a leash until they’re familiar with the area, and always be mindful of open doors or windows, which can provide tempting escape routes for curious pets. Additionally, taking a recent photo of your pet before the trip can help you create “lost pet” posters or social media posts quickly, should the worst happen.
Emergency Vet Contacts and First Aid Kits: Essential Tools for Peace of Mind
Before embarking on any RV journey, it’s smart to compile a list of nearby veterinarians and 24-hour emergency animal clinics along your route. There are plenty of mobile apps that can help you locate emergency vets, no matter where you are. Having this information readily available can save precious time in an emergency.
Just as we have our own camping first aid kit, it’s equally important to have a well-stocked pet first-aid kit on hand. Basic items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers (for ticks or splinters), and a digital thermometer are must-haves. If your pet has specific medical conditions, include any necessary medications and instructions in the kit. It’s also wise to keep a small booklet on pet first aid in your RV, just in case you encounter a situation where immediate help is needed.
Concluding Thoughts
RV living with pets brings an unparalleled sense of companionship and adventure. With the right preparations and a keen eye on safety, both you and your furry friend can enjoy a fulfilling and worry-free journey on the open road.
From securing your RV to finding pet-friendly campgrounds, a little foresight goes a long way in making the trip enjoyable for everyone.
As long as you keep your pet’s needs in mind, your travels together will be full of happy memories, tail wags, and endless exploration. Safe travels!
👉 Do you travel with your pet? Please help our community keep their best friends safe and happy with any additional tips in the comment section. 🐕🐱
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