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RVing With Pets: Tips for Traveling and Camping With Your Pets


July 18, 2023 | RV Travel

Embarking on an RV trip is a thrilling adventure, allowing you to hit the open road, explore new destinations, and discover some beautiful places around you. But why leave your furry friends behind when they can join the excitement? RVing with pets has become increasingly popular, as people want to share the road with some of their best pet pals.

Get ready for an extraordinary adventure as we share essential tips and insights on RVing with your pets. From ensuring their well-being and safety to maximizing the fun, we’ll provide valuable guidance to make your journey an unforgettable experience. Continue reading as we explore the wonderful world of RV travel with your furry co-pilots and discover the joys of hitting the open road together.

How To Prepare for an RV Trip With Your Pet

The first step on this cross-country journey starts right in your home. To best prepare for travel with your pet, you must bring some things with you to ensure your pet will enjoy the experience as much as you:

  • Tracking collar. Microchipping your pet is a very effective way to find your pet if you ever get separated. This is a simple way to make sure you will always be able to locate your pet and that you never stray too far. If you will not use a tracking collar, make sure you have a picture of you with your pet that you can show others to help track down your furry companion.
  • Pack a blanket or towel. Everyone loves cozying up with a soft blanket, so why would our pets be any different? Giving your animal a comfortable seat is pivotal to their well-being and making sure they have a pleasant time on the road.
  • Ample pet food and water. You must provide all the food on this trip, and you may be able to stop somewhere and grab food, but your lovable pet might not have the same resources. Make sure you have enough food and water to last the length of the trip. 
  • Bedding. Making sure your pet has a nice place to sleep will keep them comfortable all trip long. 
  • Toys. Pack some of your pet’s favorite play toys for your trip. When in new and unfamiliar places, it is important for your pets to have things they are familiar with to help ease anxiety on the trip.
  • Cleanup bags. For the sake of you and your RV, remember to pack plenty of cleanup bags for your animal.
  • Leash. Bringing a leash is very important because most pet-friendly areas require your animal to be tethered to you in some way. Make sure you always have a grasp on your pet’s location, and make sure they won’t be able to get away from you. 
  • Pet first-aid kit. This precautionary measure is very important to prevent any unexpected mishaps. Items like gauze pads, medical tape, cotton swabs, tweezers, and blunt-end scissors are essential to bring with you on your travels.

Find a Pet-Friendly RV Park

A dog and a cat inside the RV looking out a window at the RV park and campsite.

The next thing you will need to complete before taking off on your journey is to map out the pet-friendly RV parks nearby. Not all RV parks are open to your pets, so planning your stops to find the right places is very important.

Pet-friendly RV parks also might come with a nightly fee for your furry friends. Along with that, there may be opportunities for a refundable deposit to ensure any damages to their park. Each park can be different, so doing some prior research to see the rules, fees, and environment beforehand will be critical to living on the road with your pet. 

When doing research online, try to look for local state or national park websites to ensure the most frequent updates on pet policies. Before the trip, map out your destinations and find the best places to stop with your pet. The more planned out your RV parks are, the easier it will be to enjoy your travels.

Tips for Traveling With Pets

One of the best things to do before you leave is to make sure your pet is properly leash trained. For your adventures across the country, keeping your pet close by you is great for your sake and for those around you. Be sure to stop at pet-friendly parks, trails, or beaches along your route to give you a break from driving and allow your pet to get out and explore nature.

Keep an eye out for off-leash parks to let your pet roam free for a little bit, giving them the opportunity to loosen up from all that time in the RV. On top of these parks, check beforehand to see if you are heading in any direction of pet-friendly restaurants or cafes. These places may offer outdoor seating, with a great place for your travel buddy to be right next to you. 

Motion Sickness

To prevent motion sickness, make sure to keep fresh drinking water nearby for your pet to access at any time. On top of that, keeping the RV at a well-regulated temperature will help your beloved pet feel in a more comfortable place. Bringing something that smells like home can also help prevent some motion sickness from your pet. 

Remember to always prioritize your pet’s safety, comfort, and well-being during your road trip adventures. Plan ahead, research pet-friendly options, and be mindful of any rules or regulations at each location. Take driving breaks, play fetch, and don’t rush the quality time with your furry companion. 

How To Camp With Your Pet

A dog sitting on a lawn chair outside with its RV camper in the background

Camping with pets can be a delightful experience, but it requires planning and preparation. Research pet-friendly campgrounds that cater to your furry friends’ needs. Pack enough food, water, treats, toys, and necessary medications. The outdoor world can be unforgiving to pets, so be sure to check for ticks and fleas and bring animal-safe bug repellent. Also, be mindful of your outside surroundings and protect them from extreme weather and potential hazards. 

The best way to make sure you and your pet can have a great camping experience is by making sure they feel comfortable and giving them ample opportunity for exercise and mental stimulation. Their well-being will only improve your camping experience. 

Make Your Trips Easier With RV Storage

To make your RV trips easier, you will need a secure place to store it in your offseason. It can be tough to find a place to leave your RV, but at Metro Self Storage, we offer you an effective RV storage solution in a convenient location near you.
Find a storage facility nearby and rent your RV storage today!