Tips and tricks to ensure stress-free RVing when hitting the road with pets in tow.
These days, pets are as much a part of the family as the kids or grandma. And just like you wouldn’t leave them behind on a big summer vacay, you’re not going to abandon your four-legged friend when there’s plenty of space on the RV.
In fact, camping trips are ideal if you’re looking for a pet-friendly vacation – flexible accommodations, tons of socialization opportunities, and so many things to sniff! There are certainly some challenges involved, but if you follow the tips and tricks below, you can stay ahead of any tricky situations and create incredible memories with your beloved pets by your side.
A Healthy Pet Is A Happy Pet
Before hitting the road with your pet, you’ll want to make sure they’re up to date on any vaccinations. This is not only for their own safety but also for the safety of other guests and pets. Additionally, many destinations -- especially when crossing borders or attending events like a camping expo or overland rally -- require proof of up-to-date vaccinations as a public health precaution. So, keep a hard copy of any documents or have some high-res photos on your phone.
Speaking of keeping records, it’s a good idea to have your pet microchipped on the off-chance you lose track of them while on the road. At the very least, they should have a quality, well-fitting collar with ID tags securely affixed to it.
Remember to use some form of flea and tick prevention, since your pet will be out in nature and more susceptible to picking up unwanted bugs.
Don’t forget a pet first aid kit for the road, too. The American Kennel Club has compiled a list of first aid pet care essentials, including:
- Gauze
- Non-stick bandages (This ensures they won’t stick to your pet’s fur. Water-repellent bandages are an added bonus.)
- Adhesive tape
- Cotton balls
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Antibiotic spray/ointment (Look for a pet-specific non-toxic ointment that is safe if accidentally ingested.)
- Milk of Magnesia (Believe it or not, this can be used to absorb and counteract poison.)
- Digital thermometer
- Medicine pillbox if your pet requires medication
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Magnifying glass
- Plastic syringes
- LED tactical flashlight
- Vaccination record
If you find yourself in need of emergency veterinary care while on the road, help is just a simple Google search away. Not only will it pull up a list of local vet clinics, but also sites like Emergency Vet 24/7, which allow you to search for nearby emergency veterinarians with expanded care options.
Safety and Comfort on the Road
Sometimes, the experience of traveling with your pet is so sweet and wholesome that you spend half the trip marveling at how you were blessed with such a special little copilot. Other times… well, other times you’re left marveling at the sheer amount of drool, fur, and dirt that has been painted across every surface of your vehicle’s interior.
Travel anxiety is real, and it can be particularly tough if your pet doesn’t spend a whole lot of time on the open road. So, before you head out on any long-distance trip, set aside some time to get your pet used to being in the family vehicle for a good stretch of time.
This same advice applies to any campers or tents the pet will be spending time in. It’s never a bad idea to have a trial run in the backyard or even a nearby parking lot. This allows both of you to get used to sharing a different space, and will better prepare your pet for adjusting to new noises in the night.
Similarly, while traveling to your final destination, it’s important to have a restraint system for your animal in case of an accident or rough roads. This can include a contained pet carrier, car safety harness, seatbelt harness, or simply an adjustable dog barrier to keep Fido off your lap and in the backseat so you can concentrate on the road. Whatever safety equipment you choose, you’ll want to run a few trials to ensure it fits your pet properly and they’re comfortable with the setup.
Once you reach your destination, have a designated spot for your pet in the tent, RV, or cabin. Creating spaces for your pet will help establish a routine and encourage the behavior you want to see from them while traveling.
Finding a Pet-Friendly Campground
About that destination – you want to choose a place with pet-friendly amenities. If you’re wondering what to look for, simply consider the types of activities and environments that your pet enjoys at home and see if you can’t recreate those in some way. Consider accommodations with an on-site dog park or access to hiking trails, maybe even a lake or river with designated pet swimming areas.
If you’ve got an avid runner, it’s worth noting that select KOA locations offer Paw Pen sites, which are individual pet-friendly campsites that include a 50-square-foot gated fence and a shade structure so your pup can enjoy off-leash freedom while you relax at your site. These sites also include a doggie bag dispenser and receptacle for easy clean-up.
Before choosing a campground, you’ll want to research any special pet policies or guidelines that you and your furry friend will be expected to follow. These could include leash requirements, clean-up mandates, barking ordinances, or even restrictions based on the animal, its breed or size. Some campgrounds charge an additional small fee for pets to help cover the cost of any on-site amenities.
Not sure where to look? A great resource for finding pet-friendly campgrounds, activities, events and more is BringFido.com. The website allows you to filter pet-friendly accommodations by destination, date and more, and includes a very comprehensive directory that includes everything from primitive tent sites to luxury RV resorts with swimming pools and golf courses. You can view the campground’s pet policies, read reviews from other campers who have stayed with their pets, and even ask questions of the camp hosts directly.
Pet-Friendly Activities
When your playground is the great outdoors, most things can become a pet-friendly activity, but you still have to make sure you’re playing by the rules. That means, even if you’re not hanging out at the campground, you need to brush up on any local regulations. (Usually, the big issues revolve around dog licensing and leashing, pet vaccinations, and waste clean-up.)
Letting your pet stretch their legs on the way to your final destination (or even once you get there) will make you both happier campers. Some fun ideas for things to do when RVing with pets include visiting dog-friendly breweries, outdoor music venue events, and pet-friendly restaurants; going for a hike or walk; hitting up a dog park; or simply relaxing in the great outdoors. Apps like Bark Happy and Dog Park Finder Plus can help you find thousands of nearby pet-friendly places and events – as well as fellow pet owners!
Traveling Essentials
In addition to the first aid supplies listed above, remember to pack these essentials when camping or RVing with pets:
- Pet food
- Any necessary medication
- Travel food and water bowls
- Bedding
- Favorite toys
- Grooming supplies
- Waste bags or litter box
- Dog treats
- Leash/harness
- Current photo
- Stake or tether
- Microfiber dog bath towels
As you embark on your RVing adventures, remember that preparation and consideration go a long way in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey for everyone on board. By following these expert tips for traveling with pets, you're not only providing them with a safe and comfortable experience but also creating lasting memories together.