Hitting the open road in an RV is a million times better when you share the experience with your furry family member. Dogs make incredible travel companions, but traveling in an RV with your pup requires a little planning and preparation. We’ve got you covered with this helpful advice!
Make Sure Your RV Is Pet Friendly
The first step to a stress-free RV adventure with your dog is ensuring the vehicle is set up for their comfort. Look at the layout first—does it give your dog enough space to stretch out and relax? If you’ll crate your pup for their safety when driving, verify there’s room for their crate.
Ventilation is crucial, too, because RVs get surprisingly hot on the inside, especially during summer. Keep the temperature comfortable by improving the efficiency of your RV air conditioner and putting screens on windows so you can open them.
And don’t forget to puppy-proof the RV! Secure loose items, stow away any cords, and tuck cleaning chemicals or food out of reach to keep curious paws and noses safe.
Gather and Organize Your Dog’s Supplies
Packing for your pup is as important as packing for yourself. Round up all your dog’s essentials, including food, water, walking gear, sleeping supplies, and so forth.
Additionally, make sure you bring enough toys for your companion because long hours on the road might make them restless. Once you’ve gathered everything you want to bring, organize it in a duffle bag or storage bin—this makes things simple when you’re on the go.
Bring Your Pup’s Medical Paperwork
Even if your dog is in tip-top shape, you never know when you might need to make a detour to the vet. If that happens, you’ll need their health records.
Pack a copy of your dog’s vaccination history, medical conditions, and medications. Keep in mind that many campgrounds and RV parks require proof of vaccinations, especially rabies. It’s very rare that park officials ask for this proof, but you must have it just in case.
Know Your Campground Options
Not all campgrounds welcome dogs, and among those, not all of them are ideal for dogs. Research and choose dog-friendly campgrounds with plenty of amenities, like dog parks, walking trails, waste receptacles, and such. Pay attention to each site’s specific policies about dogs to ensure you abide by them upon arrival. For instance, some sites require all dogs to be on leashes when outside vehicles, and some have rules about how you can let your pet interact with other campground guests.
Remember To Paw(se) and Enjoy the Journey
The best part of traveling with your dog is the memories you make along the way. You might feel a bit overwhelmed with the extra logistics of road-tripping with your furry best friend, but remember to take a step back and appreciate the experience.
Schedule plenty of stops to give your pup breaks to stretch, play, and sniff around. Take scenic routes when you can—you and your dog will love the variety. Just don’t rush the experience!
Traveling in an RV with your dog can be an incredible experience with the right preparation. By following this helpful advice, you’ll both have a tail-wagging good time!
