RVing with Dogs and Cats: Don’t Hit the Road Without This Essential Checklist

Hitting the open road in your RV with your furry companion by your side can be an exciting adventure, right? With the wind blowing through the open windows, their ears flapping in the breeze, or your cozy kitty snoozing in their pet bed, basking in the warm sun. And then you suddenly remember you forgot their food, leash, favorite bed, or, even worse, didn’t consider how hot it can get inside the RV when you step out for a quick errand. Traveling in an RV with pets is enjoyable and fulfilling, but it requires careful planning to keep them happy, safe, and comfortable.

Luckily, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to ensure a seamless journey for both you and your furry friend. From essential packing lists to expert advice on creating a pet-friendly RV environment, you’ll be equipped with everything necessary to make RV life with pets enjoyable.

Download the RVing with Pets Travel Tips Checklist to ensure you don’t overlook anything!

What to Pack for RV Camping with Dogs and Cats

Packing for your pet is just as important as packing for yourself, and it goes beyond simply throwing their food and bed into the RV. In fact, proper preparation can be the key to a delightful, tail-wagging trip versus a stressed-out pet who refuses to eat, sleep, or – worst of all – considers your brand-new RV carpet as a bathroom alternative. 

Identification and Documentation

A lost pet in an unfamiliar place is every RV traveler’s worst nightmare. Make sure your pet has:

• Updated ID tags and microchip information (including your current phone number!)

• Vaccination records (some campgrounds require proof!)

• Medical history (store both digital and printed copies)

• Proof of rabies vaccination (especially for interstate travel)

• A recent photo of your pet in case they wander off

Helpful tip: We highly recommend placing a GPS pet tracking device on your pet’s collar during travel. Sync it to the device’s app on your smartphone and you’ll always have an ‘eye’ on your pet. This is especially comforting when you need to leave the RV for a short time. 

Comfort Items

Even the most adventurous pets need their creature comforts. Bringing familiar items can help them adjust to the new environment. Consider the following items:

• Cozy bedding or a crate for safe sleeping

• Favorite toys for entertainment and stress relief

• A scratching mat or post for cats (unless you want them using your furniture!)

• A portable playpen for secure outdoor relaxation

• Anxiety wraps or calming sprays for nervous travelers

• A favorite blanket or an old t-shirt that smells like home

Food and Feeding Supplies

Let’s avoid any hangry pet meltdowns by making sure you have:

• Enough of their regular food to prevent digestive issues

• Extra food in case of delays

• Treats and travel-friendly snacks

• Collapsible food and water bowls

• Bottled or filtered water to prevent stomach upset

• A spill-proof mat for messy eaters

Safety and Restraint

Keeping pets secure while traveling in an RV is crucial. A loose pet in a moving vehicle is a safety hazard for everyone! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Pet seat belts or secured travel crates

• A harness and leash for bathroom breaks and walks

• Window screens or barriers to prevent unexpected escapes

• A pet-safe first aid kit, including:

• Pet-friendly antibiotic ointment

• Anti-diarrhea medication

• Calming treats

• Any prescribed medications

• Tick remover tool (because no one wants to deal with that surprise)

Preparing for RV Travel with Cats and Dogs

Your RV might feel like home to you, but for your pet, it can seem like a strange, moving box filled with unusual sounds and unfamiliar scents. It's important to take some time to help them adjust to the upcoming journey!

Creating a Safe Space

First, start by creating a cozy “home within the home” for your pet inside the RV.

• For cats: Find a secure place for their litter box, such as under a sink, in a designated storage area, or even in a modified cabinet. 

• For dogs: Set up a quiet spot with their bed where they can retreat if they feel overwhelmed. 

• Think about using baby gates or barriers to keep pets from wandering into unsafe areas, like under your feet while driving!

Temperature Control

Extreme heat or cold can pose serious risks for pets left in an RV. A Bluetooth RV thermostat is crucial for monitoring and adjusting the temperature remotely, giving you peace of mind when you step away. RVing with a cat is especially delicate considering their sensitive nature. Dogs in travel trailers also require special attention while on the road.

Temperature varies from city to city and town to town, so it’s essential to be able to control the climate as an act of preventative care for your pets. Check out the EasyTouch RV thermostat to ensure your pet stays safe and comfortable while you're gone.

Additional tips to keep your pet cool and cozy include:

• Make sure there’s good ventilation with open windows and fans.

• Utilize reflective sunshades to help keep your RV cooler.
  

• Set up an emergency contact plan with fellow travelers or campground staff in case of power failures.

Related reading: What Size Generator Do You Need to Run an RV Air Conditioner?

RVing with Pets: Travel Tips and Advice

So, what about some practical advice for helping pets adjust to the RV lifestyle? Here are some top tips for ensuring their safety, both while traveling and at the campgrounds.

Acclimating Your Pets to RV Travel

Start slow—your pet needs to feel safe in the RV before you hit the highway!

• Let them explore the RV on several occasions while parked at home.

• Take short test drives to observe their comfort level.

• Offer treats and praise to create positive associations.

• Practice setting up their pet space so they get used to where they’ll sleep and eat.

On the Road

• Schedule frequent bathroom breaks (because accidents happen!).

• Keep water readily available.

• Monitor signs of stress like excessive panting or whining.

• Never leave pets alone in the RV without a climate control plan (like the EasyTouch RV thermostat).

At the Campsite

• Keep pets leashed or in a secure play area.

• Provide shaded areas for outdoor relaxation.

• Be mindful of campground rules regarding pets.

• Clean up after your pet to maintain a welcoming environment.

• Check for local wildlife risks (snakes, coyotes, or toxic plants!).

Health and Safety Considerations When RVing with Dogs and Cats

In terms of preventing illness or emergencies, there are many preventative measures you can take. So, here’s some advice about how to prepare and monitor pet health during your trip!

Emergency Preparedness

• Research veterinarians along your route.

• Have emergency contact numbers stored in your phone.

• Locate 24-hour pet clinics before your trip.

• Create an emergency pet plan in case of severe weather or accidents.

Preventative Care

• Ensure pets are up to date on flea, tick, and heartworm prevention.

• Watch for signs of stress or illness.

• Keep a backup supply of any necessary medications.

Make RV Travel with Dogs and Cats Safe, Simple, and Stress-Free

Ultimately, traveling in an RV with your pets goes beyond ensuring their safety; it’s about making lasting memories together. Imagine your dog relaxing in the shade as you enjoy your morning coffee, or your cat peacefully snoozing in a sunny window. Now that’s RV living with pets!

With some thoughtful planning, hitting the road with your furry friends can turn into an amazing adventure for everyone involved. Be sure to download the RVing with Pets Travel Tips Checklist to assist you in packing and organizing your trip!

For added reassurance, think about upgrading to the Micro-Air EasyTouch RV thermostat, which allows you to monitor and adjust your RV’s temperature from afar. Micro-Air has been a family-owned business since 1983, and its products are made and tested here in the U.S. You can count on us for the quality you (and your pet) deserve!

About MicroAir

Micro-Air has been designing smarter climate control solutions for RVers since 1983. Known for the EasyTouch RV thermostat, Micro-Air helps travelers keep their pets (and themselves) comfortable on the road with reliable, remote temperature control. Proudly made and tested in the USA, Micro-Air products are built for peace of mind—wherever your adventure takes you.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only; Micro-Air does not make recommendations or provide support outside of Micro-Air products.