If you’ve ever planned a trip and wondered what to do with your dogs — you’re not alone.

That was one of the biggest reasons we moved into RV life in the first place. No more kennels. No more coordinating sitters. No more cutting trips short.

Now they go everywhere with us.

And while it’s absolutely worth it… there are definitely some things we’ve learned along the way.

RVing with Pets Checklist (Don’t Skip This)

• Food + treats
• Water + portable bowls
• Leash + backup leash
• Towels (you will need more than you think)
• Vaccination records
• Medications
• Tick/foxtail check routine
• Emergency vet saved in your phone
• Cleaning supplies

Everything revolves around them (and that’s just reality)

Traveling with dogs changes your schedule — not in a bad way, just in a real way.

You’ll stop more often. Plan routes differently. Think about shade, walking space, and rest breaks.

Travel days take a little longer… but they’re usually better because everyone is more comfortable.

The adjustment period is real

Even easygoing dogs can feel unsure at first. New smells, new sounds, new environment.

What helped us most was recreating “home”:

• Same beds
• Same feeding schedule
• Same routines

Heat is the one thing you don’t mess around with

RVs heat up fast — way faster than you expect.

• Reliable AC is critical
• Know your hookups (30/50 amp)
• Plan ahead before leaving pets inside

This is not something to figure out later.

Your RV will get dirtier. Period.

Dogs track in dirt. They shed. They find mud you didn’t even see.

You’ll vacuum more. Sweep more. Keep towels by the door.

Once you accept it, it’s a lot less frustrating.

Water usage sneaks up on you

Between drinking, rinsing muddy dogs, and cleaning — water use increases fast.

Outdoor showers and extra towels become essential.

Every campground is different

• Leash rules
• Length restrictions
• Dog park access
• Barking policies

Most are relaxed… but some are strict. Always check ahead.

Barking can become a problem fast

Campgrounds are full of unfamiliar noise.

What helps:

• White noise or a fan
• Short practice runs leaving them alone
• Reducing triggers
• Check Camground Rules

Things you don’t deal with at home

• Ticks
• Foxtails
• Snakes
• Toxic plants

We check paws and fur every night now.

Finding Emergency Vet Care While RVing

Pet emergencies never happen at a good time.

For us, the last few times we’ve needed a vet were all Friday evenings — after regular clinics had already closed.

That meant scrambling to find an emergency animal hospital in an unfamiliar area… which is stressful and usually more expensive.

Now we always plan ahead.

• Search nearby vets before arrival
• Locate a 24-hour emergency hospital
• Save phone + directions
• Check drive time from campsite

Helpful tools:

• Google Maps (“emergency vet near me”)
• BringFido
• Campground hosts

It takes 5 minutes — and can save a lot of stress.

Mistakes We Made RVing with Dogs

• Not checking campground pet rules
• Not planning vet locations ahead of time
• Underestimating how fast RVs heat up
• Not bringing enough towels (seriously)

Start small if your dog is new to RV travel

Short trips help them adjust faster and help you figure things out.

Final thought: it’s worth it

Traveling with your dogs slows things down in a good way.

And once you get used to it… you won’t want to travel without them.

One less thing to worry about

When you're managing muddy paws, shedding, water use, and everything else that comes with RV life with pets… the last thing you want is tank odor or maintenance issues.

A reliable holding tank treatment keeps one more problem off your plate — so you can focus on enjoying the trip.

Frequently Asked Questions About RVing with Pets

Can dogs stay in an RV alone?

Yes, but only if temperature is controlled and they are comfortable being alone.

How do you keep pets cool in an RV?

Use air conditioning, ventilation, and monitor temperatures carefully.

Are dogs allowed at most campgrounds?

Most allow dogs, but rules vary. Always check ahead.

How do you find a vet while traveling?

Use Google Maps, pet travel sites, or ask campground hosts.