
Tips for RVing with Dogs
Are you ready to embark on an RV adventure with your furry friend? RVing with dogs can be a rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for both you and your pet. In this guide, we’ll share essential tips for RVing with dogs, covering everything from planning dog-friendly destinations and maintaining your dog’s routine to ensuring proper hydration and nutrition. Learn how to keep your dog physically and mentally stimulated, the importance of pet identification, and strategies for managing temperature control. We’ll also discuss the significance of bringing familiar items, effective training and commands, the benefits of pet insurance, and respecting other campers. Whether you’re a seasoned RV traveler or a first-timer, these tips will help make your journey with your canine companion smooth and memorable.
Tips for RVing with Dogs
- 1. Plan Dog-Friendly Destinations
- 2. Stick to a Routine
- 3. Hydration and Nutrition
- 4. Exercise and Mental Stimulation
- 5. Pet Identification
- 6. Temperature Control
- 7. Familiar Items
- 8. Training and Commands
- 9. Pet Insurance
- 10. Respect Other Campers
1. Plan Dog-Friendly Destinations
Research campgrounds and RV parks that are dog-friendly. Look for amenities such as dog parks, walking trails, and pet washing stations. National and state parks often have pet policies, so check the regulations before you go.
Best Websites To Find RV Parks & Campgrounds

2. Stick to a Routine
Dogs thrive on routine. Try to keep feeding, walking, and playtime schedules consistent. Familiar routines help reduce anxiety and make your dog feel more at home.
3. Hydration and Nutrition
Ensure your dog has access to fresh water at all times, especially during hot weather. Stick to their regular diet to avoid digestive issues and bring plenty of their usual food.
4. Exercise and Mental Stimulation
A bored dog can become a destructive dog. Provide regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep your dog happy and healthy. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and plenty of playtime can help burn off excess energy.

5. Pet Identification
Ensure your dog has up-to-date identification. Microchipping is highly recommended, and a collar with an ID tag that includes your contact information is a must. In case your dog gets lost, identification increases the chances of a safe return.
6. Temperature Control
RVs can get very hot or cold, so it’s crucial to monitor the temperature inside. Never leave your dog alone in the RV during extreme weather. Monitor the temperature inside the RV to ensure your pets are comfortable, especially during extreme weather conditions. Also, never leave your pets unattended in the RV, especially in extreme temperatures. Install window screens or shades to regulate temperature and provide ventilation while parked. Consider using fans, air conditioning, or heating systems to maintain a comfortable environment.
We keep a Temp Stick Remote WiFi Temperature & Humidity Sensor that we can monitor from an app on our phone when we are away from the RV and the animals are home alone. This goes for the van when we are traveling and the travel trailer when we are staying at the RV park living stationary. We also keep a wireless smoke and carbon monoxide detector (by X-sense) in both RVs as well all to help monitor the fur babies!

>> Temp Stick Remote WiFi Temperature & Humidity Sensor
Tempstick (Wifi Enabled)
Since we RV with animals we like to always monitor the temperature in the RV. We bought a battery-operated Temperature Monitoring Device that connects to our Wifi and allows us to see the temperature any time of day or night. Plus if the internet goes offline since the TempStick is battery operated it still keeps readings of the temperature in the RV so we can see when the Internet does come back on what it was reading. This is also great for when we are away from the RV and it’s really hot or below-freezing outside. We can keep a check of what all of our items are staying temperature-wise inside the RV.
>> Get this Temp Stick Remote WiFi Temperature & Humidity Sensor on Amazon!
Wifi Smoke Detector / Carbon Monoxide Monitor:
We have a Wireless Wifi Enabled Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Monitor that runs off of batteries and the internet. This is for the animals so we can keep check in case we are not in the RV. Obviously, if the internet goes down this does not work, but if the internet is offline we get sent a notification to our phone (since our cameras are also hooked up to it) and that let’s us know to check something out. We are never too far from our animals (aka the RV) when we leave them there. We stay locally or they go with us either in the RV Van on a road trip or back to the condo in the city when we are not RVing.
>> Get the wireless smoke and carbon monoxide detector (by X-sense) we use on Amazon!
Check out ALL of our Stationary RV Living MUST HAVE Essentials & Upgrades we’ve made to help accommodate the furbabies as well!
7. Familiar Items
Bring along your dog’s favorite toys, blankets, and other familiar items. These can provide comfort and reduce stress during travel and in new environments.
8. Training and Commands
Basic obedience training is essential for traveling dogs. Commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “leave it” can be incredibly useful in various situations. Training your dog to stay calm in the RV and around other campers is also beneficial.
9. Pet Insurance
Consider investing in pet insurance. Unexpected medical emergencies can happen, and having insurance can ease the financial burden of veterinary care.
10. Respect Other Campers
Not everyone loves dogs, so be respectful of other campers. Keep your dog on a leash, prevent excessive barking, and always clean up after them. Good manners ensure a positive experience for everyone.
RVing with dogs can be a rewarding and enriching experience, provided you’re well-prepared. With the right gear and a little planning, your furry companion can enjoy the adventure as much as you do. Happy travels!
Final Thoughts…
RVing with dogs can be a joyful and enriching experience, provided you take the necessary steps to ensure your pet’s comfort and safety. By planning dog-friendly destinations and maintaining a routine, you create a stable environment for your dog. Proper hydration and nutrition are crucial for their health, while regular exercise and mental stimulation keep them happy and well-behaved. Ensuring your pet has identification and managing temperature control are essential for their safety. Bringing familiar items helps them feel at home, and effective training and commands ensure they listen and behave well. Pet insurance provides peace of mind, and respecting other campers ensures a pleasant experience for everyone. With these tips, you and your furry friend are set for an enjoyable and memorable RV adventure.
Related:
- Tips for RVing with Dogs
- RVing With Dogs: Must Have Gear
- Tips for RVing with Cats
- RVing With Cats: Must Have Essentials
- RVing With Pets Guide: Tips + Must-Have Gear (Dogs & Cats)
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