RV travel is an exciting way to explore the great outdoors, and it gets even better when your dog is by your side! Adventuring with your canine companion is a special experience, but it does require more planning on your end. Here’s a quick guide to RV travel with your dog.
Get the Right Gear
In addition to everything you need for yourself, stock up on all your dog’s essentials. Consider these as a starting point:
- Nutrition: Pack enough of their regular food and treats. Remember to bring fresh, healthy snacks for your dog and bowls to serve the food and water.
- Comfort items: Bring your dog’s bed, blanket, or a toy they love to help them feel at home.
- Leash and poop bags: You’ll need these for bathroom breaks or when exploring new places. Plus, many RV parks require dogs to be leashed at all times when they’re outside.
- Pet first aid kit: Accidents can happen when you’re not near your vet. Bring a kit with first aid supplies for your furry friend (it should include a tick remover!).
Keep Things Organized
When you’re packing for two, your RV might feel cramped if you don’t organize wisely. We recommend using a dedicated bin for all your dog’s supplies, keeping just the most-used items more accessible.
Additionally, make sure your RV’s layout and appliances can accommodate both of you. For instance, when you’re choosing an RV refrigerator, make sure it has space for your food and your dog’s treats but isn’t so large that it obstructs walking space.
Plan Dog-Friendly Stops
Make the most of every stop by finding dog-friendly locations. Most RV parks and campgrounds welcome pets, but many have strict etiquette policies. Other than campgrounds, look up dog-friendly hiking trails, beaches, or outdoor seating restaurants nearby to give your pup plenty of safe places to stretch their legs.
Practice Safe Travel
Just like we need seat belts, dogs need to be secure while the RV is moving. You can use a crash-tested dog harness or consider a travel crate if your dog is comfortable with one. These things prevent your dog from flying around if you suddenly brake, take a sharp turn, or possibly get into an accident. They can also help you travel with a pet that gets motion sickness since they provide more stability.
Additionally, don’t forget about temperature control. If it’s hot outside, monitor the temperature inside your RV. Your dog can overheat quickly if the AC malfunctions, so invest in a reliable temperature monitoring system.
Enjoy the Ride
When you embark on RV travel with your dog, you’re sure to make countless memories together. Your companion with love the adventure and all the new sights and smells. With this quick guide, you can do your best to plan a fun, stress-free, comfortable trip for both of you.
