Before Traveling in an RV with a Dog, You Should Know…

It has been a while since I’ve discussed the RV life! As most of you know, I experienced the loss of my camper-home, in 2020, which I traveled for 5 years with my good girl Chloe Rue. I have some great info about the RV life in these posts listed here!

Now, after trying a permanent job for a couple of years, Chloe and I are returning to the travel world once again! We are hoping to make some extra income before our adventures across the Pacific Crest Trail this summer.

Therefore we have begun to search for housing options and the camper-life has popped back into our minds with a toxic obsessiveness that is also quite delightful as are all things related to wanderlust for my brain. And though I’ve discussed what I LOVE about traveling in a camper, and how to get started and how to make it dog friendly AND how to find places to park… Well I think it’s time for a fresh reminder of the things I wish I knew before living in a camper with a dog.

1. I wish I would have known that dogs don’t need a ton of space to be happy.

Things dogs need: 3 toys (my trainer says no more than 3 to make them happy!), dog food, dog puzzles, outdoor equipment, a cute collar or six. All that Chloe and I have to do, is devote one (large) cupboard in our camper for her use! The outdoor equipment tends to be bulky, especially if you have a PFD (personal floatation device/life jacket) for your pup for kayaking adventures. But let me just say, minimalizing space is key, and even with two harnesses, a swamp cooler, and a doggy backpack for backpacking, we managed to fit it all into one small space.

2. I wish I would have known the importance of having good outdoor space

This is so real! On my opinion, my most difficult contracts were those in the city. My first Portland contract in particular was difficult, because the RV park was having construction work done to the walking path that normally went along the river, so Chloe and I usually walked along the busy road, or around the RV park (where we experienced so many dog barks and howls). My best contracts were those where outdoor space was abundant. Adrian Minnesota’s little community campground had this long, beautiful walking path that they kept mowed throughout the summer. Chloe and I would walk around it every day (sometimes twice a day); and their tent site area was rarely occupied which also led to so many explorations. Look for an RV campground that has outdoor space! It makes a WORLD of difference.

Chloe and I also love to consider parking at alternative campgrounds, where we may not have hookups. Campgrounds on hipcamp.com are usually remote, private and available in the off season! We also love looking at free campsites on BLM land or national forest land, and having nice trails, dog parks or sniffspots nearby. Even as you arrive to your location as a traveler, you might find many co workers have options for housing, and are willing to help you out!

3. I wish I would have understood how campers with carpets are a bad idea.

I am half-joking. Carpets are SO hard to clean when you have an abundance of long blonde human hair and short black dog hair! In general though, cleaning up a small space is more of a ‘constant’ job than it is a difficult job. If you leave dishes out on your counters in your house, you usually still have room to cook another meal. If you leave dishes out on your counters in a small space, suddenly there is NO room for cooking. Therefore, I LOVE small spaces as cleaning is easy and quick! But it is a constant job to stay on top of it, especially when things like muddy paws, shedding, and snow come into play.

I’ve found a few things helpful with cleaning up after Chloe Rue. An AWESOME vaccum such as a shark model, is very helpful if you do have carpets. I have one appliance that mops AND vacuums at the same time. It is also cordless, so that I am not knocking everything over while cleaning. I invested in it with my tiny house dream in mind, however I realize how incredibly nice it is to not have a broom, vacuum, mop etc and instead to have everything in one appliance. It does not work well on carpets though, SO we are back to how carpets are a bad idea in campers.

4. I wish I would’ve have known about the awesome safety controls available today for dogs in a camper

I have heard the WORST horror stories about travelers going to work for a day, returning home to find that their AC has malfunctioned, their camper is 130 degrees and their pets did not make it. It is absolutely tragic, and what a horrible memory to damage the RV life. Today there are so many safety considerations you can make when investing in the camper life, and I am excited to share them with you!

First, something like a furbo, arlo2go, or waggle (or all of the above if you so desire!). These are cameras that you can hook up to your favorite form of internet (wifi, mifi, starlink, cell data- whatever you prefer to use). Furbo throws treats at your pet, which is pretty darned cool to let them know it’s okay to be alone sometimes. Arlo2go is what I use, and is easy to transport especially as it hooks up to mobile data. I put it in my car if Chloe has to be in the truck for a bit, on my porch if I am worried about what is going on outside, and if I have to leave my RV somewhere- it just needs that mobile data so I have to have service for it to work. Both Furbo and Arlo do not do actual temp monitoring (at least I don’t believe Furbo does? Correct me if I am wrong please!), and you’ll need a thermometer in view so you can see how your doggo is doing. WAGGLE however is an amazing tool that does temp control, with cell coverage (same as the arlo) and can also jump between RV, vehicle, home etc.

These safety considerations make RV life such a win! I also love the idea of having a sticker on your camper saying that fido also lives inside and needs to be saved in case of a fire or other emergency. Another fun safety development with newer RV models are that they require 2 exits out of a small space, which is also very wise for emergencies. Plus, who doesn’t love a roof hatch for easy roof access from inside your RV?

What is your favorite safety feature for your pet living the best RV life?

5. I wish I would have known how ENTIRELY POSSIBLE, fun, and enjoyable it is to live with a doggo in a small space.

You know I am pretty stubborn sometimes. I like to be extremely positive even in rather difficult situations. I do have to admit though, that I thought Chloe and I would feel a little bit confined in a 28 foot travel trailer. I was absolutely wrong about that- in fact, I am currently hoping for an even smaller space to accommodate our dreams. We loved having our own space, that would travel with us everywhere. Chloe loved having a familiar place to call “home” even if her home moved all over the United States. In the end, when it comes to things I wish I would have known before traveling in an RV, it is that it really is much easier than finding formal housing, as long as you have an open mind and don’t mind a bit of extra work.

What is something you wish you would have known about traveling, before you hit the road? Would you ever travel around the country in a small space? I hope you all are doing wonderfully, with many happy trails and happy tails this winter season!

Barking Embarkers