RVing With Your Dog

RVing with dogs

Thinking of bringing your best buddy along on your adventure? That’s a great way to make your RV trip even more fun and exciting, and thanks to the comfort and convenience that an RV provides, your pets can feel at home, making it easier for them to adapt to the new routine. There’s also the advantage of large compartments to store all your pet’s necessities.

With a little research, planning, and following our tips below, you and your dog will be all set to heed the call of the wild and have a blast.

#Introduce your dog to the RV before embarking on your trip: If you are bringing your four-legged friend for the first time, It’s important to get him used to the RV until becomes completely comfortable riding around in his new home. Start out with some short trips, create a space in the RV for your dog and place his favorite blanket or toys. It’ll help your furry feel more relaxed.

#Pet packing list: Before hitting the road, make sure to pack all your pet needs:

  • Pet’s identification tag – with the phone number you can be reached at during your travel;
  • Proof of vaccinations;
  • Medications, supplements and a first aid kit;
  • Food and treats;
  • Food and water bowls (plus travel water bottle);
  • Your dog’s bed and his favorite toys to keep him entertained;
  • Leash and waste bags;
  • Pet Bathing Tool Tub for bathing your best friend after a day in the wild. It can be easily connected directly to your water hookup;
  • Bring some towels, in case of rain or after swimming, and to wipe off muddy paws;
  • Dog Hiking Gear for a day of adventure.

#Plan a pet-friendly itinerary: Plan a road trip that’s enjoyable for everyone and the most important… find dog-friendly campsites and trails. You really don’t want to hit the road with your furry and find a “No Dogs Allowed” sign when you arrive at your destination. Make sure you know the pet policies of where you are going. Some pet-friendly campsites may have rules about on-leash and off-leash areas. Also, bringing dogs to backcountry campgrounds is generally discouraged (the majority of national parks don’t allow it), as they can chase/harass wildlife or attract wildlife to you.

#Practice pet safety: It’s a must when RVing with pets, so make sure you have crates, carriers, or car harnesses. It’ll prevent your pet from distracting you or jumping in your lap while you’re driving, and will protect him from injury in case of an accident. 

Keep your Fido safe and comfortable! The temperature inside an RV can rise very quickly, even with the windows “cracked” or on relatively mild days, so If you plan a sightseeing trip without your friend, make sure to leave the air conditioner running (and the fan as a backup measure) to keep the RV cool on hot days. But power failures are always a possibility, that’s why having a pet temperature monitor in your RV is essential. With a pet temperature monitor, you’ll be notified instantly (via email, text or a phone call) about changes in temperature, humidity, and loss of power.

#Let them get outside whenever you can: No one likes to be confined in a vehicle for hours on end, your dogs included, so make frequent stops and give your dogs a chance to stretch their legs, tire them out and sniff around.

#Be a good neighbor: Show good dog park etiquette at all times. Obey the campground’s leash laws and always pick up and properly dispose of your dog’s waste. Also, be considerate! Excessive noise from a barking dog can ruin the campground atmosphere for your fellow campers. Remember, other dogs – and some irresponsible owners -, are often present at campgrounds, weather conditions can change, wildlife can appear, so keep your pets near you at all times and do not allow them to be left unattended.

Whatever the reason – etiquette or safety – It’s important to keep a close eye on your dog, making sure he does not run off to get lost, hurt, or to harass other campers.

#Get out and have fun: Most BC’s private campgrounds and RV parks, provincial parks (some of them have special beaches for dogs), recreation sites (forestry sites), and national parks, are happy to host your pets, meaning you have ample opportunity for exploring great outdoors with your four-legged friend.

Hope you have a great RV adventure, and use these tips to ensure a unique camping experience for you and your furry. Happy trails! 🙂