Pets: Full-Timing with Dogs

Living full time in an RV with dogs was not a goal I had when we first started traveling almost seven years ago. But after a year on the road, I knew that we were not the same people (nor dogs) as we were when we drove that first mile.

Full-time travel had changed us, and we’ve made it our goal to keep traveling as long as we are able to. However, if I told you that living full-time on the road with dogs is easy and doesn’t require extra work, that would be a lie. But I will tell you that I would do it all over again.

Social media has a way of making the ordinary seem extraordinary. We look to others for inspiration and motivation. But we often do not see the “behind the scenes” of life. What I have found is that the imperfect moments of full-time travel make for the best memories, teach us the most important lessons, and every mishap is used to make traveling better for us and our dogs. The realities of full-time RV life with dogs are one of the best ways to make the most out of your life and your dog’s as well.

When other travelers ask me for the most important tip when it comes to full-time travel with dogs, I say plan, plan, plan! Although our dogs love adventure, they do not love missed mealtimes or long stretches on the road without breaks. Planning takes effort, especially if you are usually spontaneous like us. But if you have dogs as your travel “pawtners,” it is imperative to plan ahead.

Choosing an RV with Your Dogs in Mind

Our first RV was a Class A motorhome. Although this RV enabled us to all be together on travel days, get snacks, and stretch, it also was harder for us to keep our rig clean. It was more stressful on our senior dogs as well because it moved more, and they did not like the noise of the electric leveling jacks.

When we changed to a fifth-wheel, our dogs were more comfortable riding in a truck, and it was easier for us to keep our home on wheels cleaner. But every dog is different when it comes to what RV is the best.

Taking your dog to a dealership with you to look at RV options is a great way to test out what your dog likes. Keep in mind how you will get your dog in and out of an RV, how you will safely secure your dog during travel, and what needs your dog has. Make sure that your dog has a place to call her own in your RV with a comfortable bed, toys, and whatever else she loves.

Planning Your Route with Dogs

If we did not have dogs with us on our travels, we definitely would arrive at our destinations faster. But faster doesn’t always make for the most enjoyable of travels. With dogs, you will have to stop more often for breaks, and you have to ensure their safety before exiting the RV.

Busy rest areas or fuel stations are not the best for our dogs. We want our breaks to be enjoyable for us all, so when we plan our routes, we map out potential spots for breaks, like parks or ones with hiking trails, so we can all stretch our legs. We also do not make our travel days very long and try our best to get to our campsite before dark so that our dogs have an opportunity to get settled in.

Ask About Dog Rules

Don’t just assume that every park or campground allows dogs. We have found that there are more places with rules than not. Many parks and campgrounds have breed restrictions, limit the number of pets, or even have weight limits. We have made the mistake of showing up for our reservation and finding out that one area of a park allows dogs while another does not.

Having to leave after setting up or having nowhere to go is no fun at all. If in doubt, or you cannot find the park rules for pets, ask. Have copies of your dog’s vaccination records and license with you at all times. Many state parks, like those in New York, require these records when you check in, and no exceptions are made.

It May Take Some Time

We started our travels with Peanut Butter Brickle and Digby Pancake. They were used to traveling from an early age, and they were used to traveling together. When Digby passed away, and we adopted Fruitycake, we honestly were not prepared for the fact that he would not settle into traveling immediately.

The first few months with Fruitycake on the road tried my patience and made me question if he would ever adjust. It was not relaxing for any of us with him barking at other dogs. But after training and patience, he is now an official traveling dog who enjoys this lifestyle.

Traveling helped Fruitycake develop skills that he would not have had an opportunity to learn in any other lifestyle. He is now great with most dogs and people, and we recognize his favorite traveling activities. It has brought us so much joy to see him enjoy full-timing life.

Remember that not all decisions have to be permanent. There are opportunities to make changes and to live your best life. Time with our dogs is also short, so make the most of it. If you make the sacrifices for full-time travel, you will see the rewards and memories that can’t be compared to any other way of life!

Gear for RV Life on the Road with Dogs

Our dogs are along for the ride with us, even when the roads get bumpy. Here are some things to keep them safe and happy.

If you leave your pet alone in your RV, a device like Waggle monitors inside temps and humidity and provides instant alerts. Some require a monthly subscription.

Backpacks need to be large enough to stow what you need for a day’s adventure, including water and a water bowl for your pooch, like this collapsible one.

Who doesn’t appreciate a comfy bed after a “ruff” day on the trail? The Disc-O-Bed allows your hiking buddy to rest his weary paws while in camp with you.