RV and Camper Life with Pets: Tips for Traveling with Your Furry Friends in 2025

Traveling with pets can be a joy, and RVing with your furry companions is an experience that many pet owners cherish. The open road, new sights, and the chance to explore the outdoors together can create lifelong memories.

However, traveling with pets in an RV comes with unique challenges, from ensuring their safety and comfort to finding pet-friendly destinations.

In 2025, as RV travel continues to grow in popularity, many RV owners are opting to bring their pets along for the ride. In this blog post, we’ll explore some practical tips to make RV life with pets easier and more enjoyable for both you and your four-legged friends.

1. Preparing Your RV for Pet-Friendly Travel

Before you even hit the road, it’s essential to make your RV pet-friendly. With limited space inside an RV, it’s important to ensure your pets have a safe and comfortable environment to enjoy during your travels. Here’s how to prepare your RV for pets:

a. Set Up a Designated Pet Area

RVs are compact spaces, and it can be difficult for your pet to adjust to a new environment. Setting up a dedicated area for your pet can help them feel secure and avoid any stress during the trip. This could include a comfy pet bed, blankets, and toys in a corner or the area where they’ll spend most of their time.

Pet Gates or Crates: Use a pet gate or crate to keep your furry friend from wandering around the RV while you’re driving. This keeps them safe during transit and gives them a designated area for rest.
Non-slip Rugs or Mats: When the RV is in motion, the floor can get slippery. Place non-slip mats or rugs to give your pet a stable place to walk around. This can prevent injuries, especially for senior pets.

b. Pet-Proof Your RV

Much like childproofing a home, pet-proofing an RV is essential to ensure your pet’s safety. Consider securing items that could be harmful or dangerous to your pet during travel.

Storage Areas: Keep dangerous items, such as chemicals, cleaning supplies, and sharp objects, locked away. Use childproof locks on cabinets if your pet is curious and tends to open them.
Secure Loose Items: During travel, objects inside your RV may shift. Make sure everything is properly secured to avoid accidents.

c. Provide Ventilation and Temperature Control

Pets can easily get overheated in an RV, especially during the summer months. Ensuring proper ventilation is crucial to keep your pets cool and comfortable.

Window Screens: Install window screens to allow fresh air to circulate while keeping your pet safely inside.
Fans and Air Conditioners: Make sure your RV’s air conditioning system works efficiently to keep the temperature comfortable for your pet during hot weather. Portable fans or a vent fan system can also help with air circulation.

Video Overview: RV Life With Pets! 10 Hacks You NEED TO KNOW To Make It Work

2. Packing for Your Pet’s Comfort and Safety

When traveling in an RV with pets, packing the right supplies is key to ensuring their comfort and safety. Here’s a checklist of essential items to bring for your pet:

a. Pet Food and Water

Just like humans, pets need food and water throughout the trip. When preparing for long journeys, bring enough food and water to last between stops. You may also want to carry an extra supply of your pet’s food in case you can’t find their brand on the road.

Water Bowls: Portable, spill-proof water bowls are essential for hydration. Consider collapsible bowls for easy storage.
Food Storage: Invest in airtight containers to keep your pet’s food fresh and prevent spills in the RV.

b. Pet Health and Safety Gear

Keeping your pet healthy while traveling is vital. Bring along the necessary medications and health supplies, including flea and tick prevention.

First-Aid Kit: Assemble a pet first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and any medications your pet may need.
Pet Identification: Ensure your pet has a collar with up-to-date identification tags and, if possible, a microchip. If your pet tends to wander off, this is an essential precaution.

c. Leash and Harness

A good leash and harness set are necessary for outings when you stop at a campsite, park, or a trailhead. This keeps your pet under control and safe when exploring new environments.

Retractable Leash: A retractable leash can give your pet more freedom to roam while still allowing you to maintain control in unfamiliar or crowded areas.

d. Pet Comfort Items

Traveling can be stressful for pets, especially in unfamiliar surroundings. Bringing along familiar items can help your pet feel more at ease.

Toys: Bring your pet’s favorite toys to keep them entertained during downtime.
Blankets and Bedding: Familiar bedding or blankets can help your pet feel more comfortable and at home inside the RV.
Calming Products: If your pet experiences anxiety while traveling, calming products such as pheromone sprays, calming collars, or anxiety-reducing music can help.

Video Overview: Tips for Traveling in an RV With Pets

3. Finding Pet-Friendly Campsites and Destinations

Finding places where both you and your pet can enjoy the outdoors is a major consideration when RVing with pets. Thankfully, many campsites and national parks are becoming more pet-friendly, offering amenities for travelers with pets.

a. Research Pet-Friendly Campgrounds

Before embarking on your journey, research pet-friendly campgrounds along your route. Many RV parks and campgrounds now welcome pets and offer dog-friendly amenities, including dog parks, pet washing stations, and pet sitting services.

Online Resources: Websites and apps like BringFido, PetFriendly, and Kampgrounds of America (KOA) allow you to search for campgrounds that accept pets and provide pet-friendly accommodations.
Check Rules: Different campgrounds have different rules for pets, including leash requirements and limits on the number of pets allowed. Be sure to check their policies before booking your site.

b. Outdoor Activities with Pets

Many outdoor activities are perfect for RVers who want to enjoy nature with their pets. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or exploring new areas, there are countless ways to share the adventure with your furry friend.

Pet-Friendly Trails: Look for pet-friendly hiking or biking trails that welcome dogs. Many national parks have designated pet-friendly trails, allowing your dog to accompany you on your outdoor adventures.
Beaches and Lakes: Some beaches and lakes offer pet-friendly access for swimming or lounging in the sun.

c. Pet-Friendly Destinations

In addition to pet-friendly campgrounds, consider visiting pet-friendly destinations. Cities like Asheville, NC, or San Diego, CA, offer pet-friendly parks, restaurants, and walking tours that make it easy to bring your pet along on your travels.

4. Safety Tips for Traveling with Pets

Traveling with pets in an RV requires a bit of extra attention to their safety. Here are some important safety tips for RVers with pets:

Keep Your Pet Secure While Driving: It’s important to keep your pet secure during transit to prevent distractions and accidents. Use a pet seat belt harness or crate to keep them safely in place while the RV is in motion.
Never Leave Your Pet in the RV Alone: During hot weather, the temperature inside an RV can quickly rise to dangerous levels, putting your pet at risk of heatstroke. Never leave your pet in the RV alone, even with the windows cracked open.
Watch for Wildlife: While camping in remote areas, keep your pet on a leash to avoid encounters with wildlife. Be cautious of snakes, coyotes, or other dangerous animals.

5. Conclusion

RVing with pets can be an incredibly rewarding experience that strengthens the bond between you and your furry friends. With the right preparation, your pet can enjoy the journey just as much as you do. By creating a pet-friendly RV environment, packing the necessary supplies, and finding pet-friendly destinations, you’ll ensure that both you and your pet have a safe, enjoyable, and memorable adventure in 2025 and beyond.

Whether it’s hiking, beach outings, or simply relaxing at a campsite, traveling with pets opens up a world of possibilities and makes RVing even more special. So, pack up your pet’s favorite toys, secure their essentials, and hit the road for an unforgettable adventure together!