Rolling with Fur Babies: The Joys (and Lessons) of RV Travel with Pets

This is Shadow. He lived to be 22 years old and traveled the world with us. He was born in England.

For many of us, pets are not just animals — they’re family. So when we hit the open road in our RVs, it only makes sense to bring our fur babies along for the ride. For us, that was our two cats, Shadow and Ginger. There’s something special about watching your dog’s ears flap in the breeze as you cruise down scenic byways or having your cat curl up beside you under a sky full of stars. Traveling with pets in an RV can be incredibly rewarding, but like all great adventures, it comes with a few valuable lessons.

The Joy of the Journey

1. Constant Companionship

One of the greatest pleasures of RVing with pets is that you’re never alone. Whether you’re taking a sunset stroll through a campground or enjoying a rainy day curled up with a book, your pet is right there sharing every moment. When they were little, they slept in my slippers by my chair. After they grew up, Shadow’s spot was on my lap. Ginger was more independent and would just curl up on a chair or in her cat bed.

2. Built-in Routine

Pets are creatures of habit, and their daily needs — feeding, walking, and playtime — provide a comforting structure to life on the road. These simple rituals can make even the most unfamiliar places feel like home.

3. Exploring Through Their Eyes (and Noses)

Watching a dog sniff their way around a forest trail or a cat perch by the RV window, observing birds and wildlife, helps us see the world with fresh curiosity. They remind us to pause, breathe, and savor the moment. Our favorite experience was in Alaska when a moose looked into the rig and sent the cats into a frenzy!

4. New Friends and Conversations

Pets are the ultimate ice-breakers. Fellow travelers will often stop to admire your pet, swap stories, and share tips. You’ll be surprised how many lifelong friendships begin with a simple “What breed is he?” We got our cats while in the Air Force in England. I always told folks that our cats meowed with a British accent.

Lessons Learned Along the Way

1. Preparation is Key

Not all campgrounds are pet-friendly, and not all trails welcome four-legged hikers. Do your research before rolling in. Apps and websites like BringFido or Campendium can help steer you to the right spots.

2. Health and Safety First

Keep your pet’s medical records handy, make sure their vaccinations are up to date, and don’t forget flea, tick, and heartworm prevention — especially if you’re traveling through different climates and regions. This is especially important if you plan on crossing borders into Canada or Mexico.

3. Comfort Matters

Create a cozy, familiar space inside the RV where your pet can relax. Bring their favorite bed, toys, and blankets to reduce stress and make the RV feel like home.

4. Be Mindful of Temperature

RVs can heat up or cool down quickly. Never leave pets unattended in the rig without proper ventilation or climate control. Invest in temperature monitoring systems and fans if needed.

5. Leash Laws and Local Wildlife

It’s tempting to let pets roam in wide open spaces, but many parks require leashes — and for good reason. Wildlife encounters can happen fast, and even the best-trained pets can get startled or chase after a critter. We’ve all heard stories of a pet that darts off into the wild and the searches that have taken place.

6. Clean Up and Be a Good Neighbor

Always clean up after your pet and be respectful of quiet hours. Not everyone is a dog lover, and barking in close quarters can wear thin quickly.

Final Thoughts

RVing with pets isn’t just possible — it’s joyful, heartwarming, and deeply fulfilling. It deepens your bond and brings an extra layer of adventure to the road. Yes, there are challenges, but with a little planning and patience, you and your furry co-pilot can make memories that last a lifetime.

So pack the kibble, grab the leash, and hit the road. There’s a whole world out there waiting to be explored — paw by paw.