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.