So, You Think RV travel with pets is a Breeze? Let Me Tell You a Story…
The first time I took my dog, Max, on an RV trip, I was convinced it would be magical. We’d drive into the sunset, Max would sit happily beside me, and every stop would be a picture-perfect adventure. Reality check: It was a disaster.
Max, my usually chill Labrador, turned into an anxious mess. He whined at every turn, refused to eat, and, at one point, tried to jump onto my lap while I was driving. Meanwhile, my cat, Luna, spent the first three hours dramatically hiding under the couch, glaring at me like I had betrayed her.
That trip taught me one thing: RV travel with pets is amazing—if you do it right. So, let me save you from the chaos I went through. Here’s everything I learned (the hard way) about RV travel with pets and how to actually enjoy the journey instead of wondering why you didn’t just stay home.
Whether it’s your dog’s first road trip or your cat’s latest attempt at a silent protest, these tips will help make your RV travel with pets fun, safe, and full of tail-wagging (or purring) memories..
(1) Is Your RV Actually Pet-Friendly? (Mine Wasn’t!)
Max had no space to stretch out, Luna’s litter box kept shifting around, and I hadn’t even thought about securing their food and water bowls (spoiler alert: spilled water in an RV is NOT fun).
Here’s what I wish I had considered before hitting the road:
- Can your pet move around without slipping and sliding?
- Where will their stuff go? (Trust me, their gear takes up space.)
- How’s the temperature control? RVs can turn into saunas or freezers FAST.
- Is your flooring pet-friendly? Carpet + pet accidents = nightmare.
Lesson learned: Take your pet on a test drive before the big trip. Watch their reactions—you’ll quickly realize what needs fixing!
(2) The Time I Forgot to Pack the One Thing Max Needed
When I first planned an RV trip with my pets, I thought I had everything covered—Max’s food, water, leash, and even his favorite blanket were packed. But guess what I forgot? His anxiety chews.
The moment we hit a bumpy stretch of road, Max started pacing and panting. To make matters worse, he knocked over my coffee all over the dashboard. That’s when it hit me: RVing with pets isn’t just about packing the basics—it’s about ensuring their comfort and mental well-being too. So, if you’re planning on RVing with pets, don’t forget the little things. Trust me, they make all the difference!
Here’s what you don’t want to forget:
- Food & Water (Always bring extra—running out is NOT an option.)
- First Aid Kit (Because pets get into trouble.)
- Comfort Items (A toy or blanket can make all the difference.)
- Seatbelt Harness or Crate (A loose pet in a moving RV? Not safe!)
- Waste Bags & Litter Box (Because nature doesn’t clean up after your pet—you do.)
Lesson learned: Double-check your packing list. Even the tiniest thing (like anxiety chews) can make or break the trip!
(3) The “Oh No” Moment When I Realized My Pet Gets Car Sick
Here’s something I never thought about until it was too late: Some pets get motion sickness.
Max had always loved car rides, so I assumed he’d be fine. But RV travel with pets? Completely different game. Somewhere between hour two and three, he started drooling like a broken faucet and looking miserable
Luckily, I pulled over before things got… messy. But it made me realize:
- Ease them into RV travel. Start with short drives before a long trip.
- Skip food right before driving. A full stomach + bumpy ride = disaster.
- Keep things smooth. Sudden stops can turn a slightly uneasy pet into a full-on sick one.
- Try calming treats or natural remedies. They worked wonders for Max!
Lesson learned: Don’t assume your pet is fine with long drives—prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
(4) The Night My Cat Almost Got Us Kicked Out of a Campground
Luna, my sweet but opinionated cat, has a special talent: screaming at 3 AM.
The first night at the campground, I thought she’d settle in. Instead, she meowed non-stop—loud enough for my neighbors to hear. By morning, an RV couple next to me gave me “the look.” You know the one.
Turns out, Luna was just stressed. New places, weird smells, and a bumpy ride? Not her thing. So here’s what actually helped calm her down:
- Setting up a familiar “safe zone.” (Her bed and favorite blanket did wonders.)
- Using a pheromone spray. (Yes, they exist for cats, and yes, they work!)
- Sticking to her routine. (Food at the same time, litter box in the same place.)
Lesson learned: Even the most confident pets can get anxious—make the RV feel like home.
(5)That Time Max Took Off at a Rest Stop
I thought Max was a good boy. And he is. But the moment he spotted a squirrel at a rest stop? All bets were off.
One second, he was next to me. The next? Gone.
Luckily, he didn’t get far, but it was enough of a scare to teach me:
(1) Always leash your pet at stops. Even the best-trained dog can get distracted.
(2) Make sure they have ID tags & a microchip. Just in case.
(3) Plan breaks every 2-4 hours. They need to stretch their legs, just like you.
Lesson learned: A leash isn’t just for hikes—it’s a must every time you open that RV door!
(6) My Biggest Regret: Not Researching Pet-Friendly Campgrounds
Did you know some campgrounds have breed restrictions? Because I didn’t.
I showed up at one, excited for a relaxing weekend, only to be told, “Sorry, we don’t allow large breeds.”
Cue me scrambling to find a new spot while Max gave me his best “you failed me” look.
Before booking, always check for:
1- Pet-friendly trails & parks
2- Emergency vets nearby
3- Breed & size restrictions
4- Extra fees (because yes, some places charge for pets!)
Lesson learned: Call ahead! The last thing you want is to be turned away after a long drive.
Final Thoughts: Was It All Worth It?
Final Thoughts: Was It All Worth It?
Absolutely.
Despite the mishaps, RV travel with pets is one of the best experiences ever. There’s nothing like waking up to a sunrise in the mountains, your dog curled up next to you, or watching your cat finally settle in and enjoy the adventure.
Would I do things differently next time? 100%. Would I leave my pets behind? Never.
Your turn! What’s your funniest (or most chaotic) pet travel story? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear it!
