Pets & RVs: Pet-Friendly RV Favorites & RV Accessories

Last Updated on August 20, 2024 by Christina

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If you have a pet, it’s likely that they are a part of your family camping trips and often go with you in your RV. In fact, a survey from Go RVing shows 68 percent of campers travel with their pets. While most might instantly think of dogs as the ideal travel company, it’s not uncommon to many other animals including cats, pigs, birds, and even monkeys!

Table of contents

Experience Joy While RV Camping with Pets

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Hitting the road with your pet can double the pleasure of RVing, and many RVers have countless stories of sharing the great outdoors with their two- and four-legged extra family members.

Here’s a few stories about camping adventures and memories with pets:

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 “I was on a solo camping trip up in the mountains of Colorado just south of Silverton, and I had made my way deep into the mountains, right off of a mountain stream. I was setting up and I saw the most amazing scene – a mother moose and calf walking within 25 feet of me. Knowing the danger I was in, I froze and prayed my dog did not startle her. In the end, it was the most amazing experience. But it was a great reminder that you always have to be safe in the wild. Once safely away I was able to snap this picture.” – Adam
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“It was the first camping trip after we rescued our dogs. We love disc golfing at the campground and took them with us. It was a hot day, and we decided to go for ice cream and get them pup cups. My dad, their grandpa, had a bonding moment with them by feeding them their ice creams!” – Emily
 “Our very first trip in my new Scope 18M. Beautiful beach on Lake Michigan, who would have thought the sand & view would have been so perfect. Three years later and still loving every adventure more than the last!” – Lucia

Preparing Your Pet for an RV Adventure

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Successfully travelling with your four-legged friend companion begins before you hit the road. Consider your pet’s needs regarding health, comfort and safety as you plan your destinations and itinerary. Here’s a few things to consider before setting out:

  1. Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date and that they are treated for fleas and ticks. A vaccination record for your pet may be required at check-in at some campgrounds or national parks.
  2. Some campgrounds don’t allow dogs, some have breed restrictions and others will charge a fee, so it’s best to call ahead.
  3. Pick up after your pet — every time, all the time. Then, properly dispose of the waste.
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The Department of Natural Resources has also issued some Camper Courtesy guidelines for those camping with pets:

  1. Never leave your pet unattended.
  2. Always keep your pet on a leash, which must not exceed six feet in length.
  3. Don’t take your pet to the beach.
  4. Don’t leave your pet unattended in a vehicle or camper.
  5. Wrap your pet’s droppings in a newspaper and discard it in a trash bin.
  6. If you walk your pet, do it in an isolated area of the park.
  7. Don’t allow your pet to run loose at any time.
  8. Don’t allow your pet to be noisy. Loud pets are a source of many complaints.
  9. For your protection, make sure your pet has its rabies shots.
  10. Don’t tie your pet outside unless you are with the pet and can control it.

What Pet Accessories Do I Need For My RV?

Making sure you pack everything your pet will need while you’re traveling is important. Living in a small space for extended periods of time requires some creative solutions to everyday problems. When you first RV with your pet, you may be able to get by with a few essential items beyond the normal pet supplies. However, the pet products we list below are gear you may want to invest in to help make RV travel enjoyable for you and your pet.

Pet Accessories by Dexas

MudBuster

Every dog owner knows there’s nothing worse than muddy paws trouncing through your clean RV. There’s a new product available at General RV that easily and effortlessly cleans their paws. The MudBuster by Dexas is available in a range of colors and small, medium and large sizes to accommodate every breed. The tumbler, bristles and retainer ring are even dishwasher safe, making the MudBuster easy to clean.

Collapsible Pet Feeder

The Collapsible Pet Feeder by Dexas features a clever twist on the traditional dog bowl. The feeder flattens to a mere 1.5 inches for easy storage. It’s also dishwasher safe. The Collapsible Pet Feeder’s versatility and sturdiness make it perfect for RVs and camping. This pet feeder is available in multiple sizes and can be used as a dog bowl, stand, cat bowl or general pet feeder. The Dexas Collapsible Pet Feeder also comes in single-bowl and double-bowl versions.

Collapsible Travel Bowl

This fully collapsible travel bowl is the perfect solution for the pup or kitty on the go. Store this collapsible bowl with a water bottle for an easy hydration option. Ideal for camping, RVs, boats, sporting events and more, the travel bowl is dishwasher safe and has a 2-cup capacity.  

Snack Duo Water Bottle & Food Container

The Snack-Duo container is the first reusable bottle that features two side-by-side containers. One compartment is designed to hold water with a leak-proof top, while the second compartment functions to hold kibble or snacks. Both the water and snack container each have an 8-ounce capacity. This innovative and space-saving design means you will have all you need for your pet and it even fits in a cup holder.

Travel Cup with Water Bottle Holder

The Travel Cup with Bottle Holder by Dexas provides a simple solution for the pup on the move. The silicone attachment slips over any size water bottle. When ready to use, the travel cup clips off the bottle and opens to provide the perfect drink dispenser for your four-legged friend. The travel cup is dishwasher safe and features a 1-cup capacity.

Collapsible KlipScoop

The KlipScoop by Dexas is a smart solution for your pet’s food portion control. This three-in-one tool is a measuring cup, food scooper and bag clip. The KlipScoop has a half-cup capacity with a clip on the handle that fits neatly on a cat or dog food bag. Use the clip to seal your pet food bag until next use. The KlipScoop is dishwasher safe and fully collapsible to save space and make for easing packing for RV travel.

Pet Bowl GrippMat

The Grippmat Pet Placemat by Dexas is a flexible, non-slip placemat designed to be catch spills underneath dog bowls, pet dishes and elevated feeders. Ideal for protecting hardwoods, tile floors and carpet alike, the Grippmat features a spill-proof border to keep splashes and spills on the mat, not your floor. Integrated silicone nibs hold dishes and bowls in place and prevent them from slipping and moving during mealtime. The Grippmat is fully reversible and can be used on either side.

Pet Accessories by Valterra

Tie Out Cables

Let your pet safely enjoy the outdoors with you with Valterra’s Pet Tie-Out Cable. At lengths of 10, 20 and 30 feet, your furry companion will be able to run around and still be in your sight. The cable comes with swivel clips and is made out of aircraft-grade steel featuring weather-resistant PVC vinyl covering. The tie-out cable is suitable for pets weighing up to 100 pounds.

Tie Out Stake

Valterra’s 18-inch Pet Tie-Out Stake is made out of strong steel that screws securely into the ground. The tangle-free swivel connector makes it quick and easy to place the stake in the ground. The tie out stake is compatible with Valterra’s tie out cables of lengths of 10, 20 and 30 feet.

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Doggy Waste Bags & Dispenser

Always have pet waste bags at your fingertips with the Doggy Waste Bag Dispenser by Valterra. This bone-shaped, glow-in-the-dark waste bag dispenser clips to your bag, belt or pup’s leash and holds a roll of wastes bags (included). The biodegradable waste bags come in rolls of 20 and easily interchange with the dispenser.

Pet Accessories by Oxygenics

Paw Spa Complete Pet Washing Kit

Take the bitterness out of bath time with the PawSpa SuperWash Complete Pet Washing Kit by Oxygenics. The SmartPause feature quickly brings the spray to a trickle as you lather your pet, and the rubber massaging nozzles produce a relaxing sensation. The 84-inch hose helps with those hard-to-reach places, and the easy spray setting selector makes for quick adjustments with five settings to choose from. The SuperWash also includes an outdoor spigot and two-way shower adapter, making it easy to use indoors and outdoors.

Pet-Friendly RVs for Sale at General RV

Pet-Friendly Class A Motorhomes

Thor Resonate 32B Class A Motorhome

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Your beloved four-legged friends will travel confidently on your adventures with the Thor Motor Coach Resonate Class A motorhome’s pet-friendly features. Equipped with a Pet-Link multi-purpose tie-down and easy-to-clean residential vinyl flooring, this Class A RV ensures your pet’s safety and comfort wherever you go. Plus, the pull-out Kibble Station with an FDA-approved pet bowl liner eliminates the hassle of packing food bowls. Three slide outs and a seven-foot ceiling height provide a spacious feel and plenty of sleeping space, with room for up to seven people with the private king suite, bunk beds, jackknife sofa and drop-down overhead bunk. Relax outside under the 19-foot power awning with LED lights and catch a game on the exterior TV entertainment center.

Thor A.C.E. 30C Class A Motorhome

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Designed with your furry companions in mind, the Thor Motor Coach A.C.E Class A motorhome includes pet-friendly features like the Bird’s Eye window, Pet-Link multi-purpose tie-down and a Pull-Out Kibble Station with an FDA-approved pet bowl liner. The A.C.E. also features basement pass-through storage, framed windows and an exterior LP connection. Inside, you’ll find residential vinyl flooring, pressed laminate countertops, a glass tile backsplash in the kitchen and a wireless phone charger. The A.C.E has a fully-equipped indoor kitchen, plus an exterior kitchen and a full bathroom on board. The rear private bedroom features a king bed slide out and a large wardrobe. Guests can relax on the drop-down overhead bunk, the Dream Dinette or the jackknife sofa.

Pet-Friendly Fifth Wheels

Keystone RV Fuzion 425 Fifth Wheel Toy Hauler

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There’s room for everyone in the Fuzion fifth wheel toy hauler by Keystone RV. A 13-foot garage area connects to the side patio with a sliding door. Up to nine guests can sleep comfortably on the dual opposing sofas with top queen bed and in the loft with a bunk mat in the garage, or the hide-a-bed sofa in the main living area. There’s also dual opposing slides in this area for even more space and comfort. Carpet-free flooring throughout the Fuzion makes cleaning up easier than ever. Enjoying the outdoors is a breeze with two separate exterior awnings and an outdoor pull-out cooktop with refrigerator. Three entrances, including steps into the garage area and side patio, provide easy access to the Fuzion. With the combined pass-through and front storage there is always room to pack more gear including toys, beds, or treats for your furry friends.

Pet-Friendly Travel Trailers

Coachmen RV Northern Spirit 3272BH Travel Trailer

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The Coachmen RV Northern Spirit travel trailer is perfect for large groups or families, or those traveling with multiple pets. Pack just about anything with the massive storage in the Northern Spirit including the Stor-More Cargo area. A side exterior access door at the Stor-More Cargo area leads to the rear bunkhouse for storing large gear or can be used as a separate entrance for large dogs or multiple pets. There’s also a dedicated pet center with exterior dog wash and leash clip. Plus, the Northern Spirit features dual entry with one leading straight to the full bathroom for extra convenience.

Grand Design RV Imagine 2600RB Travel Trailer

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Bring along your favorite furry friend in the pet-friendly Imagine travel trailer by Grand Design RV. The Imagine features a dedicated pull-out pet dish to feed your pup, plus convenient shoe (or pet toy) storage below a wardrobe/pantry. An outdoor shower and spray port near the entrance of the Imagine makes cleaning off shoes and dirty pets more convenient. The large slide creates more interior space for superior comfort while lounging on the tri-fold sofa or U-shaped dinette with removable ottoman. The pass-through front storage provides plenty of room for the gear that won’t fit in the abundance of cabinet space inside. Carpet-free flooring helps keep the Imagine clean, and industry-leading tank capacities mean that you can fill and empty your tanks less often.

Visit Your Local General RV Today

Ready to take your RV adventures to the next level? Let General RV help you discover the RV lifestyle. We offer a huge selection of new motorhomes, travel trailers and fifth wheels, as well as used RVs for sale. Need RV parts? We’ve got those, too. And our highly trained technicians can help with all your RV service needs. Visit our RV Virtual Showroom to start browsing now. Or find a General RV dealer near you. Whether you shop online or in store, our experts will help you camp with confidence.