RV camping is a lot like taking your home on wheels. You can travel to almost any destination without sacrificing many of the traditional comforts you’re familiar with. There’s plenty of space to accommodate the needs of your family, including those with fur and four legs.
This chapter includes helpful advice on how to RV travel with dogs.
Where Do You Put Your Pet in an RV?
If your dog is well-trained, they’re typically safe to roam around the entire RV once you’ve reached the campground. If they’re not trained, all you’ll need is a simple crate to keep your pet secure and comfortable when they’re not on a leash. You can line the crate with a cozy blanket or dog bed to ensure their comfort. Including dog toys and treats can help them adjust to the crate if they’re not used to it.
Each time you move your RV to a new location, you may want to crate your pooch to keep them safe. Rough terrain and driving at high speeds can toss your dog around, so you want to make sure they’re protected.
Is It Safe to Leave Your Pet in an RV?
If you take the necessary precautions, you can leave your pet in the RV for short periods. However, leaving your pet in an RV for an extended period isn’t a good idea. On a hot day, the temperatures in your RV can reach 40 degrees higher than the temperature outside within an hour. These temperatures can pose serious health risks for your pet.
You can prevent this by parking your RV in the shade and checking the weather report to ensure the temperature is within a safe range. For added safety, you can install a temperature monitor that you can check, regardless of your location. The temperature monitor will allow you to keep an eye on the conditions in your RV and return when the temperature starts to increase.
If you have to leave for more than a few hours, plan several breaks to check on your pet and let them out. If this isn’t possible, find a local doggie daycare or dog walker to check on them.
Tips for RV Camping With Your Dog
Here are some of the best tips for RVing with dogs:
- Start with short trips: Adjusting from life at home to life on the road can be a big adjustment for your pooch. If they’ve never been camping with you or traveled in an RV before, the transition might make them anxious. Introduce them to RV life with short weekend trips and gradually increase the length of your adventures when they’re ready.
- Create a secure place to travel: When you’re on the road, bumps and sharp turns can leave your pup feeling unstable and distressed. Put them in a dog bed or crate that will hold them in place while your RV is in motion. If they’ve never been in a crate before, you can make it more comfortable by including blankets, a dog bed, toys and treats. You can even include an article of clothing so they can smell your scent and feel more comfortable while they’re inside.
- Plan daily activities: Dogs need exercise, even on the longest travel days. Plan pit stops where your pets can leave the RV and stretch their legs. Many highways have rest stops where you can park and take a quick break. You can even plan your stops ahead of time so you can find locations with adequate space to park your RV. Take your dog on longer hikes and engage in other physical activities when you reach your destination.
- Find a dog-friendly campground: Call ahead or go online to ensure your destination allows pets. Some locations will have specific rules and regulations for pets, so be sure to conduct thorough research. Look for pet-friendly trails and other amenities you can enjoy with your dog once you get to your location. KOA Campgrounds with KampK9 offer everything you need for you and your pup.
Plan Your Next RV Trip at a KOA Campground
Camping with your pet in an RV can be an excellent way to experience the outdoors with many of the comforts of home. Ensuring your pet’s safety in an RV should be a main priority. Check out the KOA Blog for more tips on keeping your pets comfortable and safe inside an RV.
Most KOA RV Sites offer the following amenities:
- Clean and level sites
- Back-In and Pull-Thru options
- Full hookups
- Laundry facilities
- Sites with a KOA Patio®
KOA Campgrounds have everything you need to make your camping trip with your pup a memorable experience. Find an RV Site at over 500 KOA Campgrounds across the U.S. and Canada.
