A-Z Guide to Full-time RV Living: Traveling with Pets

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P is for traveling with Pets

Living on the road full-time with one or multiple pets is extremely common.  In fact, each and every one of our RVing friends has at least one cat or dog.  Traveling with a pet can enrich your travels because you have a companion to share them with.  A life filled with ever-changing sights and smells can be like a winning lottery ticket for some pets, and their excitement will make your experiences all the more enjoyable.  However, depending on your and your pet’s demeanors, some of the challenges that come with having a pet on the road may be a source of stress.  

In this article, I’d like to share some insights into what life is like on the road with a pet so that you and your pet have the best shot at thriving together in this unconventional lifestyle.

our experience traveling with pets

Mark and I used to have two dogs whom we adored, but having them on the road was a challenge.  They were both reactive around other dogs, had a knack for digging up and eating things that made them sick, and had a strong desire to chase wildlife.  They were such happy dogs off-leash, but we had to be extremely diligent about where and when we let them roam free.  On the upside, they loved hiking and riding in the truck.  Ultimately, the pros of having their companionship outweighed the cons and we loved sharing our travels with them.  However, once they reached the end of their lifespan, we decided to take a break from having pets so that we could enjoy a bit more ease in our mobile lifestyle.  

Our friends, on the other hand, all seem to do quite well with having pets on the road.  We’ve watched many pets make the transition from house life to road life, and while it may take time, animals are great at adapting.  Our friends, Claire & Brandon, spent two years living on the road with two cats and two dogs.  At first, I thought they were nuts, and then I went on to watch them all adapt to the lifestyle beautifully.  I’ll never forget what a cozy home their travel trailer felt like because there was so much love and life inside of it.  

How your pet handles full-time RV living may not be known until you’re actually out there doing it.  And how long it takes you both to adapt to this new life together is impossible to predict.  To set you up for success, here are twelve things to consider and plan for before transitioning to your new mobile lifestyle.

Things to consider when living on the road full-time with pets

1. How will you temperature control your RV when leaving your pet inside unattended?

This may be one of the most important things to consider in regards to the safety of your pet when living on the road.  You may be thinking that it’s not a big deal because your dog goes with you everywhere.  However, consider the instances where this is not possible, like going grocery shopping or wanting to visit a restaurant or attraction where dogs aren’t allowed.  

A vehicle parked in the sun, even on a mild 70 degree day, can quickly become an oven.  According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, a vehicle parked in 70 degree weather can reach an inside temperature of over 100 degrees in just twenty minutes.  Animals can sustain brain damage or die from heatstroke in just 15 minutes.  Exercise caution when leaving your pet unattended in your RV.  Below are a few things to put into practice when leaving your behind:

• Park in the shade.
• Turn a fan on and open a window to create cross-ventilation.
• Put window coverings in all the windows. We use reflectix because it’s affordable and can be cut to size for all your RVs windows.
• Leave plenty of water out for your pet.
• Ask a camp neighbor to check on your pet.
• Board your pet at a daycare facility if you’d like to recreate without your pet and aren’t certain they’ll be safe from heatstroke in your RV.

2. Dogs aren’t allowed on the trails at many national parks

National parks are a popular attraction for RVers.  But did you know that dogs aren’t allowed on the trails at many national parks?  We found this out the hard way and quickly concluded that national parks weren’t for us and our dogs.  Sure you can leave them in your RV while you explore but keep in mind the potential danger of leaving your pet unattended inside your vehicle (see previous point above).  And also don’t forget the exercise they’ll still be in need of after you’ve exercised yourself.

3. You’ll no longer have the convenience of simply letting your dog out into a fenced yard.

Having a pet on the road is a far more hands-on experience than having a pet in a house.  You may need to keep them leashed at all times depending on their demeanor and where you are.  If they’re left off leash you’ll still want to keep tabs on them for their own safety and to be respectful of others camped around you.

Some RVers choose to travel with a small fenced enclosure that they put up outside their RV.  This provides a miniature yard for your pet to enjoy and keeps them safe if you don’t want to have them on a leash 100% of the time. Keep in mind that you’ll need the space to store the fence panels when in transit.

4. If you have a dog that falls into the bully breed category, you’ll want to be aware of breed restrictions.

Some towns as well as some RV parks restrict certain breeds of dogs.  Our two dogs were pit mixes and so we always did our due diligence when it came to breed restrictions.  Always read an RV park’s rules and regulations or call and ask about breed restrictions before making a reservation.  

5. How will your cat or dog do with long driving days?

Driving is part and parcel with living the full-time RV lifestyle.  Do you know how your pet does riding in a vehicle?  If not, start taking them for short rides before you move out of your house to get them used to the experience.  If you have a dog that suffers from anxiety while driving, try a Thundershirt.  They are known to help ease anxious dogs.

6. food & supplies will require extra space

When moving in and configuring your RV space, don’t forget to consider where all your pet’s things will live.  Bowls, food, leashes, litter box, toys, treats, etc. will all need a place to live.

7. You will no longer be in a controlled and predictable environment 

Every place you go will provide new factors to consider.  A few examples include…

• If you’re in the desert, you’ll want to always have a tool on hand for removing pesky cactus spines from your pet’s paws.  We always carry needle nose pliers for ourselves and pets.
• If you plan on spending a lot of time in the desert, rattlesnake avoidance training may be a worthwhile investment for your dog
• If you’re in bear or moose territory you’ll want to keep a close eye on your dog so that they don’t have an encounter, then run back to camp with an angry bear or moose chasing behind them that you now get to deal with.
• A curious dog or cat might get into animal scat or trash left behind by other campers that makes them ill.
• Cats and small dogs are susceptible to being taken by coyotes or birds of prey. A CoyoteVest is a great way to protect your small dog against predators.

It’s important to be diligent when it comes to the potential threats posed to your pet.  Not only does it keep them safe but it saves you from a headache and the potential for a hefty vet bill.  If you’re in a new and unfamiliar area and aren’t sure what to look out for, stop by a visitor center or National Forest ranger station for local knowledge.

8. It’s a dirty lifestyle; having a pet on the road makes it even dirtier

If you’re drawn to wild camping rather than staying in RV parks, you’ll quickly learn that keeping clean can be a challenge.  This is especially true out west where there is far more dirt than grass.  I’m not sure it’s possible to live on the road and not have your pet constantly bringing the outdoors in.  If you like keeping your space clean, plan ahead and stock your RV with a good broom and vacuum.  For rainy (muddy) days, these rubber booties work well for keeping your dog from tracking all the muck inside.  

9. Keep pets up to date on vaccines 

Your pets are likely to come into contact with unknown pets and potentially with wildlife too.  Keep them protected by keeping them up to date on their vaccines.

10. Be prepared with the appropriate first-aid

If you love camping in remote places far from developed areas like we do, plan ahead with a well-stocked first-aid kit for your pet (and you too, of course).  It could be a long drive to the nearest vet and you’ll want the ability to help your pet in case of an injury or illness.  Before we moved onto the road we explained our situation to our vet and asked her if she could provide us with some basic supplies.  She was happy to help with first-aid items as well as basic medications.

11. Is your pet’s food easy to source?

When traveling full-time you’re not able to source pet supplies from the same shop that you would when living in a house.  Changing a pet’s food is a common cause of sickness. Choose a brand that is easy to source so that you don’t have to unexpectedly change what they’re digestive track is used to.

12. Does your Pet have proper identification?

With all the new and unfamiliar places you’ll be going, it’s vital to have an up-to-date ID tag for your pet.  Having your pet microchipped is worth considering as it will give you the best chance at being reunited with your pet in the event you get separated.

Pet supplies for the road

LED, USB rechargable collars
Sign to notify that there are pets inside your RV, in case of emergency
Poop bags
Collapsible travel bowls
Dog tie-out cable

There’s a lot to consider when transitioning your pet into a mobile lifestyle. With a little effort and patience, you and your canine or feline companion will adapt. May this post set you up for safe and enjoyable travels with your pets.