Part of the enjoyment of taking an RV trip is having the ability to take your pets with you. Of course, it’s not the same as having your dog in the car with you. There are more things to consider if you plan to take your pet on an RV camping trip, especially if it’s going to be for an extended period of time. Ensuring that they are comfortable with their surroundings and safe on the road are both crucial. There are also a number of RV pet accessories that can assist to that end. Here are a few things to keep in mind when taking your furry friends along with you.

The first thing you should do before you even start traveling with them is to give them ample time to acclimate themselves to your camper. Your camper is something they will be in for an extended period of time, so it’s important that they feel comfortable in it. Give them time to explore the RV and become familiar with it. Taking short trips to get your cat or dog used to the feeling and sounds of the moving camper will also help. Don’t start leaving them in your motorhome for long periods too soon either. It’s a good idea to leave them only for a short amount of time and work your way up to leaving them for a few hours. You can also try spending a night or two in your RV before a trip so your pet can adjust to sleeping in a different place.

Once on the road, you’ll want to make sure your cat or dog stays comfortable and safe. If you are towing a travel trailer rather than driving a motorhome or camper, don’t keep your pet alone in the trailer while driving. If you are leaving your pet in your RV for a while, you’ll want to make sure the inside temperatures stay at a comfortable level. Keep the AC running in the summer and make sure there is power backup in the form of a generator in case the campground power is lost. There are devices available, such as the RV Whisper, that can remotely monitor the temperature inside your RV so you can keep an eye on things while you’re outside your RV. Be mindful of your pet when entering or exiting your RV so that they don’t run out. Using a pet gate in your RV can prevent them from leaving. Having contact info on their collar is also a great idea, in the event they run outside the camper and get lost. You should also have documentation of their medical history, as some campgrounds want to see proof of vaccination.

Helpful pet accessories can also make the experience easier. Valterra has a water dish that features a spill proof locking lid to prevent messes and keep your pet’s ears dry. Camco has a tick remover that holds onto the tick without damaging it. Available from Dexas International are collapsible food and water bowls, perfect for saving on storage space. Oxygenics has a hand-held water sprayer designed for pet washing. Other accessories include toys and leashes, as well as saddle bags to keep supplies on hand when you are out exploring with your pet.

Going on an RV Trip With Your Pets