RVing with Pets: Visualizing Safety
How to keep Fido safe on the road. Temperature monitoring, fences, and vet records.
RVing with dogs/cats is amazing, but it introduces risks you don’t have at home. The temperature inside an RV can soar to 100°F in 30 minutes if the power fails.
1. Temperature Monitoring
You cannot rely on the campground power staying on.
- The Gadget: Marcell or Waggle.
- How it works: These devices use their own cellular connection (Verizon/AT&T) to text your phone if the temperature rises or power is lost.
- Rule: Never leave a pet in the rig without a monitor.
2. The “Pet Inside” Sticker
If there is a fire while you are gone, firefighters need to know who to save.
- Place a high-visibility sticker on your door: “Pets Inside: 1 Dog, 1 Cat”.
- Include your cell phone number on the sticker.
3. Vet Records
- Many private campgrounds requiring proof of Rabies Vaccination at check-in.
- Keep a physical folder and a digital copy (Google Drive) of all vaccination records.
4. The Fence
- Portable exercise pens (“X-Pens”) are great for setting up a small yard under your awning.
- Rule: Never leave a pet outside unattended. Coyotes and bears are real risks in nature.
5. Travel Anxiety
- RVs shake and rattle. If your dog is anxious, create a “safe space” crate that is secured while driving.
- CBD treats or Vet-prescribed Trazodone can help on long travel days.