RV life with pets brings a unique set of challenges we never expected when we hit the road full-time two years ago with our 80-pound rescue dog Hugo. What started as an adventure with our distinctive-eyed, cow-nosed pup has evolved into a master class in RV pet safety. Through power outages, sudden illnesses, and campground mishaps, we’ve learned crucial lessons about keeping our four-legged family members safe in this mobile lifestyle. Today, we’re sharing everything we wish we’d known from day one – from temperature monitoring solutions that prevented disaster to security measures that gave us peace of mind.
Why Pet Safety Became Our #1 Priority in RV Life
After two years on the road with our 80-pound rescue dog Hugo, we’ve experienced nearly everything RV life can throw at pet parents. From navigating sudden power outages to managing unexpected health scares in remote locations, each challenge has taught us valuable lessons about keeping our pets safe on the road. Hugo, our unique mixed-breed with his distinctive eyes and cow-spotted nose, has been our greatest teacher in understanding what it takes to transition from a traditional home to RV living with pets.
Hugo’s story starts with a wonderful rescue story – his mom, Noel, was rescued on Christmas Eve and had nine puppies. Through a Facebook group, we keep up with all his siblings, and Hugo turned out to be the most unique of the bunch. His transition from house to RV living wasn’t always smooth, but his adaptability and our learning curve have made us experts in pet safety on the road.
Smart Security Solutions That Changed Our RV Life with Pets
One of our game-changing discoveries was implementing keyless entry systems for our RV. Onnais Door Locks – These programmable locks aren’t just about convenience – they’re a crucial safety feature when you’re traveling with pets. We’ve heard too many stories about power outages at campgrounds leaving pets vulnerable in hot RVs. With these locks, you can give emergency access to campground staff or trusted neighbors without worrying about spare keys.
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Beyond just entry systems, we’ve developed a comprehensive security approach. We equipped Hugo with an Air Tag Holder for Collar -a comfortable plastic holder that eliminates the annoying jingling of traditional metal tags while providing peace of mind through constant tracking capability. Here is the rubber name and phone number tag we use as well.
Recently at a New Mexico state park, we witnessed firsthand why this matters when a fellow RVer’s cat went missing. Having tracking capability isn’t just about convenience – it can be the difference between a happy reunion and a heartbreaking loss.
For seasonal campers, these security solutions offer additional benefits. You can share access codes with trusted neighbors for pet care when needed, creating a reliable support system within your camping community.
The Truth About Temperature Monitoring: Lessons from 2 Years of Full-Time RV Living
Temperature management in an RV isn’t just about comfort – it’s about survival. After hearing too many heartbreaking stories of power failures leading to tragedy, we made temperature monitoring our top priority. We’ve partnered with Waggle because we genuinely believe in their monitoring systems. In fact, we were customers long before becoming partners, purchasing their system on day one of our RV journey.
The Waggle Pet Temperature Monitor has become our non-negotiable safety essential. Here’s why it’s so effective:
- Custom temperature threshold settings for both high and low temperatures
- Instant notifications via text, email, and app alerts when temperatures exceed your set limits
- Reliable Verizon network connectivity (in over two years of full-time travel, we’ve only lost signal once)
- Compact, easy-to-install design
- Affordable monitoring plan (less than 20 cents per day for the comprehensive package)
The Waggle system offers two camera options:
- Mini Cam:
- Compact design perfect for any RV size
- AI-powered pet tracking
- Crystal-clear day and night vision
- Two-way audio capabilities
- Perfect for smaller spaces or multiple room monitoring
- Pro Camera with Treat Tosser:
- All features of the mini cam
- Built-in treat dispensing system
- Larger capacity for extended time away
- Makes a distinctive sound Hugo recognizes
- Perfect for rewarding good behavior while away
Both cameras feature:
- AI tracking that follows your pet’s movement
- Clear night vision capabilities
- Two-way audio communication
- User-friendly app interface
- Remote camera control
🎁 SAVE BIG ON WAGGLE!
We highly recommend the Waggle Pet Monitoring System for RV temperature monitoring. We have TWO ways for you to save with Waggle:
Use the code “LIKE” at checkout to receive a FREE Mini Cam with purchase of the Pet Temperature Monitor. (it will not show in cart but when you use this code they will send you the camera as well)
Use the code “HUGO” at checkout to get 15% Off all three products, including the Pet Temp Monitor, Mini Cam and Treat Tosser (Pro Cam)
NOTE: this offer may change. While supplies last.
Travel Day Safety: What We Learned the Hard Way with an 80lb Dog
Travel days require their own special preparation when you’re RVing with pets. We’ve developed a comprehensive system that works for both us and Hugo, refined through many miles of trial and error. The key is creating a comfortable, safe environment while maintaining easy access to essentials.
Essential Travel Day Setup:
- Seat Cover – protects our truck’s leather seats from nails and hair
- Collapsible Water Bowl – clips to hiking packs for multi-use convenience
- Pre-portioned food bags for stress-free feeding
- Separate water supply specifically for Hugo
- Hair Removal Tool – for quick cleanup (this tool is amazing for gathering pet hair from carpet!)
Hugo, like many pets, has his own travel personality. He typically sleeps through most drives, making us lucky in the travel department. However, we know this isn’t everyone’s experience. For anxious pets, we recommend:
- Securing a crate if they feel safer confined
- Bringing familiar toys and comfort items
- Using anxiety wraps if needed
- Planning shorter travel days initially
- Maintaining regular potty break schedules
A crucial warning about rest stops: They can be surprisingly dangerous for pets. After Hugo found and ate what we suspect was a chicken bone, resulting in a month of emergency vet visits and thousands in medical bills, we became hypervigilant about ground scanning during our stops. We recommend:
- Checking the ground thoroughly before letting pets out
- Avoiding areas near garbage bins
- Being especially careful at truck stops
- Having a good pet insurance policy for emergencies
- Keeping pets on short leashes during stops
Emergency Preparedness: Our Full-Time RV Pet Safety Protocol
Pet insurance isn’t just a nice-to-have when you’re full-timing – it’s essential. We use Fetch Insurance, and it’s saved us thousands. When Hugo got sick at the sand dunes, having insurance gave us peace of mind to seek immediate care. That $5,000 vet bill that ended up costing us just $500 proved its worth.
Finding veterinary care on the road presents unique challenges. After struggling to find care in Lake Havasu due to vet shortages, we developed a comprehensive healthcare strategy:
Veterinary Care Solutions:
- Petco’s Vetco services for routine care
- National network means records are accessible anywhere
- Walk-in appointments available for basic needs
- Consistent care standards across locations
- Perfect for scheduled vaccinations and routine checkups
Emergency Preparedness Checklist:
- Digital copies of all vaccination records (some campgrounds require these)
- List of 24-hour emergency vet locations for each new destination
- Pet first aid kit readily available
- Current photos of your pet
- Emergency contact numbers posted in RV
- Plan for evacuations or unexpected hospital stays
Vaccination Planning:
- Research regional requirements (like Nevada’s special flu shot requirement for boarding)
- Schedule boosters around your travel plans
- Keep a calendar of due dates
- Maintain relationships with reliable vet networks
Special Considerations:
- Heat and cold tolerance for your specific pet breed
- Regional hazards (wildlife, plants, parasites)
- Campground-specific pet rules and restrictions
- Backup plans for pet care during emergencies
Through our experiences, both challenging and rewarding, we’ve learned that preparation is key to successful RV life with pets. Every mishap has taught us valuable lessons about keeping our furry family members safe and happy on the road.
