Guide to RVing with Dogs: 10 Top Tips for Tail-Wagging Adventures

Planning an RV trip? Don't leave your dog behind! Traveling in an RV offers a unique opportunity to explore new places, and it's even better with your canine companion by your side. Bringing your dog on your RV journey eliminates the hassle of finding pet-friendly hotels and ensures they're part of the fun. Here are some essential tips to ensure both you and your dog have a great time on the road.

1. Book at Pet-Friendly RV Parks

Selecting dog-friendly campgrounds along your route is the first step to ensuring a successful RV adventure with your furry friend. While many RV parks allow dogs, several have more specific rules like weight and breed restrictions including large dogs like pit bulls, rottweilers, and German Shepherds. Also, some parks only allow one pet, and if they do allow multiple, there may be a combined weight limit for the two canines. If you're not sure about the park policies, it never hurts to call ahead!

Beyond checking into restrictions, it’s also important to consider the park’s pet-oriented amenities. Many parks offer off-leash dog parks and pet waste disposal stations, and some parks truly go above and beyond for man’s best friend, featuring luxury amenities like doggie spas and wash stations.

2. Create a Comfortable and Familiar Space

If your dog is accustomed to living in a residential home, transitioning into a motorhome can be a big change. It’s important to create a comfortable space for your dog that has some of the same attributes of the home they’re used to. Start by bringing your buddy’s favorite toys, dog bed, and familiar blankets or pieces of furniture into the RV. Bringing along a kennel or optional crate can also be a great way to give your dog their own little space to hang out in when they’re feeling insecure. And consider installing a temperature monitor as well as an air conditioner, as keeping the RV ventilated and at a comfortable temperature will do wonders for your pup’s comfort levels.

3. Designate a Sleeping Area for Your Dog

Designating a comfortable sleeping area for your dog in an RV is a great way to help you dog feel more at home during your RV trip. Choose a spot where your dog can rest undisturbed and secure, like a cozy corner or a couch. Place your dog's bed or blanket in this area to provide familiarity and comfort. This designated space not only offers your furry companion a sense of security but also helps establish a routine, ensuring your dog gets the rest they need during your RV adventures.

Any RV owner knows that space is a premium in a mobile home, and setting aside extra space for your dog may become a challenge. Check out our guide on maximizing floor space in your RV to ensure you and your pup have all the space you need!

4. Designate a Travel Area for Your Dog

Like the designated sleeping area, giving your dog a specific travel area can help ease them into this new experience. If you’re traveling with a towable camper or travel trailer, your dog will need to travel in your truck with you to ensure their safety. If you have a motorhome, the sensation of moving in a place that resembles home — usually a stable and safe environment for your dog— can be an adjustment. Giving them a consistent place to settle in when you’re moving can help keep them comfortable. And for your dog’s safety, it’s important to use a seat belt and a crash-tested harness to buckle them up whenever you’re on the go.

5. Health And First Aid

Any pet owner knows that keeping your dog safe and healthy is always priority number one. If you’re setting out on an extended road trip, be sure that your pup is all up to date on their vaccinations, as well as their flea, tick, and heartworm medicine. Depending on where you’re traveling, it can also be a good idea to ask your vet if that region requires any special medications or vaccines and if they have a recommended vet in the area in case of emergencies.

And just as you'd prepare an emergency kit for your family, it's important to have one specifically tailored for your dog. Include items like a first-aid kit with bandages, tweezers for tick removal, antiseptic wipes, and any special medications your dog might need. Also pack extra food, a spare leash, a copy of your dog's vaccination records, and a recent photo in case they get lost. Familiarize yourself with basic pet first-aid procedures or even consider taking a course before your journey. Being prepared for emergencies ensures you can respond quickly and effectively should your pup need it.

6. Prioritize Daily Exercise and Adventure

Exercise and adventure in the wild with your pup is a great way to bond. Remember, their world is only as big as you make it.

A morning walk or hike is a great way for your dog to start each day, allowing them to burn some energy and stimulate their mind. Depending on the breed, your pup may need consistent exercise throughout the day, so choosing RV parks with dog parks or close proximity to trails can be a great way to keep them happy all day long.

7. Establish a Routine

Establishing a routine for your dog while traveling in your RV provides a sense of security and comfort in an ever-changing environment. Consistency is key; maintain regular feeding times and bathroom breaks. Designate a specific spot for their food and water bowls. Create a familiar bedtime routine to signal rest time. And while exploring new places is part of the adventure, try to stick to similar walking schedules.

Keeping a consistent routine is especially important if you’re living in your RV full-time. Dogs thrive when they have structure and know what to expect. Consistently moving around can make that a challenge, but if your pup can rely on the essentials, they will adapt to full-time RV living with confidence and ease!

8. Leaving Your Dog Alone in the RV

Maybe you want to check out a restaurant that doesn’t welcome dogs. Or perhaps you want to spend a day hiking in a national park with a no-dog policy. While it may seem stressful to leave your dog behind, there are a few steps you can take to make the process easier for everyone. First and foremost, ensure that you have access to electrical hookups and can run the air conditioning or heat to keep a comfortable temperature in the RV. Draw the blinds and play some relaxing music to encourage your dog to spend their time alone snoozing instead of barking or getting into trouble. Leave some of their favorite toys out to keep them occupied and be sure to set out plenty of water!

If you aren’t comfortable leaving your furry friend alone in your RV, consider hiring local a dog sitter to watch them for a few hours. Some RV parks even provide this service!

9. Travel Day Tips

Achieving a smooth RV travel day with a dog hinges on preparation. Start the day with a walk, so they can get some energy out before a long day on the road. Schedule regular potty breaks along the way to keep your pup comfortable and avoid a mess. When you pull over for a potty break, take a short walk to prevent restlessness, and give your dog the chance to drink some water and eat some food depending on your feeding schedule. During the ride, ensure that they have a safe and comfortable space to travel and provide them with some comfort items like their favorite toys and bedding. Generally, dogs do pretty well on travel days and they’re just glad to be along for the ride, but keeping them comfortable ensures a smooth and stress-free day on the road!

10. Socialization and Behavior Training

Before starting out on an RV adventure, make sure that your dog is well-socialized and trained for different environments and situations. The RV lifestyle can introduce your pup to new people, pets, and surroundings regularly. A well-socialized dog will be more at ease in these scenarios, reducing stress for both you and your canine companion. If you anticipate crowded areas or encounters with other animals, consider refreshing or enhancing your dog's obedience training. Basic commands like "sit," "stay," "come," and "leave it" can serve as great tools in unfamiliar settings. And always have a strong recall command, ensuring that even in the excitement of new places, your dog will return to you promptly when called.

Best Pet-Friendly Resorts

Now that you know how to successfully navigate RVing with your pup, it’s time to pick a destination and start planning your trip! Here are some great options for pet-friendly RV resorts across the nation:

Camp Margaritaville RV Resort

Camp Margaritaville isn’t just a family-friendly luxury RV resort in the heart of Florida, it’s also a premier getaway for any canine companion. Take them for a stroll around the grounds and stop at any of the four “Bark-aritaville” dog parks, or pamper them with a bath and a blow-dry at either of the two dog spas!

Flying Flags RV Resort

Flying Flags RV Resort, ideally located in the heart of California’s Santa Ynez Valley wine country, is fully equipped for a comfortable stay, including a dog park and a wide array of dog-friendly accommodations. Flying Flags is one of those special places that will have you planning your next trip back before you even leave. 

Garden of the Gods

Nestled in the foothills of Pikes Peak, “America’s Mountain,” Garden of the Gods is the ultimate escape for your four-legged friend. The park features an expansive off-leash dog park and several pet-friendly RV sites. And the park is surrounded by some of the most beautiful wilderness in the world — paradise for your pooch.

Umpqua’s Last Resort

Located in Umpqua National Park in the misty forests of Oregon’s Cascade Mountains, this RV resort features several pet-friendly RV sites and cabins and is surrounded by stunning wilderness. Take your furry friend out into the fairytale-like woods and let them explore and sniff to their heart’s delight. 

Giant Redwoods RV and Cabins

Featuring several pet-friendly RV sites and cabins, and allowing up to three dogs per site, Giant Redwoods RV is the premier doggie destination for exploring the Redwoods. Take your little buddy out for a run at the on-site dog park, or let them explore the forest of giants!

Ready to start planning your next RV camping trip with Fido? Let us take some of the stress out of the process! Our user-friendly, interactive booking platform gives you easy access to RV parks and campgrounds all over the country with robust filters allowing you to only see results that are the perfect match for you and your furry friends. Come find out why so many RVers have made us their first stop for booking an RV site!