7 Tips for a Successful RV Trip with your Dog

There is nothing like traveling in an RV. RVs give travelers a place to unpack all of their belongings and transport their vacation home on wheels, complete with a fully-stocked kitchen, accessible bathroom, and comfy bed, to their destination of choice. Because of this, many love the freedom and benefits that come along with vacationing in an RV. One such benefit is the ability to bring the whole family along on trips, including the family dogs.

The idea of bringing your beloved dog along on an RV camping trip may seem daunting. After all, traveling in an RV is most likely entirely new for most dogs, and owners may not know what to expect. Consider the following tips for the successful planning of an RV trip that the entire family can enjoy. Also make sure to read our best RV pet hacks for even more tips.

1. Designate a place for your dog to travel.

When you are moving your RV from one place to another, you will need to choose a location for your dog to ride. If you are towing a fifth wheel or travel trailer, your dog will need to ride in your truck with you, as it is never safe for anyone to ride in the trailer while towing. Many dogs prefer to stretch out on the back seat, but some dogs may need to be crated due to travel anxiety. Since most dogs tend to enjoy riding in the car, this shouldn’t be too much different from any other time you take your pup for a rude.

If your RV is a motorhome, your dog may initially be nervous. After all, the feeling of being inside a moving motorhome is fairly different from being inside a moving car. Your dog may need some time to adjust. Consider laying his bed somewhere near where you will be riding or encouraging him to rest on the couch. This will ensure he is relaxed and less anxious during travel.

No matter where you choose for your dog to ride, be sure that he is comfortable when driving long hours, and plan to stop every few hours for bathroom breaks and water.

2. Decide where your dog(s) will sleep.

Your dog may not be accustomed to sleeping outside of your house. In this case, be sure to emulate a similar scenario to his sleeping situation at home. If he typically sleeps in your bed, allow the same in the RV. If he has his own dog bed, be sure to bring it along for your trip. This will ensure that your dog is comfortable and receives a good night’s sleep, which will also allow you and the rest of your family to rest as well. Find out more about dogs sleeping habits here.

3. Bring along plenty of food, toys, and water.

This is fairly basic, but it’s also important. Plan to bring along extra food for your dog, in case the worst should happen and you break down or are away longer than you initially expected. Keep his water bowl clean and accessible at all times, and bring plenty of fresh water along. Pack your dog’s favorite toys to ensure he has something to occupy himself when you are relaxing in the RV. Even your four-legged friend loves a good camping treat–but before you give your pup a perfectly golden roasted marshmallow find out here if that is a safe option.

4. Provide exercise and mental stimulation.

Your dog may be accustomed to frequent exercise in his backyard. If you are staying in a campground or at a Harvest Host location, you likely will not have a fenced in area for him to play. Some RV parks and campgrounds have fenced-in, off-leash areas for traveling pups. If this is not the case, you could find a local off-leash dog park, or take your pup for a nice long walk or jog to wear him out.

Whatever you do, try to provide your pup with the same amount of exercise that you typically do at home. After all, your dog doesn’t know that he is on vacation and will likely expect the same amount of mental stimulation as usual.

5. Decide where to leave your pup when engaging in activities that are not dog-friendly.

This tends to be one of the biggest factors when bringing your dog along on an RV trip. Perhaps you want to check out a local restaurant without a dog-friendly patio, or maybe you want to take a hike in a national park that does not allow dogs. This may require you to leave your dog alone for a few hours at a time.

RVs tend to have ample space for your dog to wander, and most dogs should be fine with being left behind for a little while. After all, most dog owners leave their dog alone at home whenever they are working or running errands, so this is something your dog should be accustomed to. Draw the blinds and play some soothing music to block out extra light and sound. This will encourage your dog to spend more time snoozing and less time barking while you are away.

If you are truly uncomfortable with leaving your dog alone for a few hours, try to plan only dog-friendly activities. If this is not possible, seek out a local pet-sitter or dog-walker to spend time with your dog while you are away.

6. Have a plan in case an emergency situation should arise.

Emergencies are unlikely, but it is always good to be prepared. Have the number for a local veterinarian handy just in case the worst should happen. Be careful not to let your dog out when coming and going from your RV, and keep an ID tag on his collar at all times. This will ensure that someone can find you if your dog were to escape.

7. Go slow.

Remember that RV travel is likely brand new for your dog. He may adjust immediately, but he may also need some time to become fully comfortable in the RV. If you plan to bring your dog along for a long trip, consider practicing with a few shorter trips first. Perhaps you can plan to spend a few hours in the RV while it is parked in your driveway so that your dog can familiarize himself with the new environment. You could even plan to spend a night in the RV ahead of time, so that your dog knows what to expect.

Every dog is different, and some may adjust more quickly than others. You know your dog best and can develop a plan of action that works best for you.

RVing with your dog may seem like a hassle, but most dog owners can agree that it is more fun to bring your dog on vacation than it is to leave him at home. In addition, you will forgo the cost of a pet sitter by bringing your dog along. Most dogs are fairly adventurous and enjoy experiencing new things with their owners. With some prior research and thoughtful considerations, you can surely plan a trip that both you and your dog will enjoy together.

Have you ever taken an RV trip with your dog? Do you have any tips to add? Feel free to comment below, and be sure to read our article on RVing with cats!

In order for our hosts to continue letting dogs join you in your stays, please clean up after your pet!