Home is where the fur gathers.

Growing up, we’ve all tended to have pets of one form or another. Pets are often the heart of the home. They comfort us when we’re down, they make us laugh when we’re blue, and they calm us down when we’re anxious. They become a part of our lives, and they hold on to the very last, making sure their humans are taken care of and happy. They make us feel a gamut of emotions that other humans often can’t.

For many people, pets are like children, and we worry and fret over them just as a parent would over a child. Their personalities match or contrast our own, and we can’t think of any better feeling than giving them a great big hug and a kiss on the forehead. When you’re living life in an RV, it may seem hard to take your pet along with you, but it’s really not. But if you’re getting a pet on the road, there are more things to consider than their care and safety.

Cats

OK, so cats are super simple to take along for the ride. They’re pretty independent creatures that don’t require much more attention than food and water. They want love – but on their terms. They’re fine sleeping while you’re off doing your thing. They make their bed wherever they want, they eat when they want, and they get love when they want. They’re pretty chill travel companions, and while different breeds have their own little quirks, they’re not as drastic as dogs.

The downside of most cats is it’s not as easy to take them out and about camping with you. They don’t always listen to commands, and getting them to stay at your campsite may be troublesome without a carrier or leash (and what cat loves spending the entire day in a carrier)?

Dogs

Then we have dogs to consider. They’re vastly different from breed to breed. Their personalities are very different from dog to dog, and how they take to strangers may be a positive or a negative for your lifestyle. Dogs require exercise and activity. Most have to go outside to use the bathroom rather than using a litter box. They can be a bit messier through their younger years, and they demand more love than cats. Besides all this, you have to consider the size of the dog. What’s the maximum height and weight that’s typical for the breed you’re getting? Will it fit comfortably in your RV? Is the space big enough for it to roam around? Will it be calm enough to handle life on the road, or will it need a bigger space to run and play?

No matter what breed you get, it’s going to need to get plenty of playtime, and it will need to get out of the RV from time to time. The good thing about most dogs is you can take them camping right along with you – as long as there’s shade and you have a leash to keep them tied so they don’t wander off and get lost or injured. But will your dog’s energy match your activity level?

Dog breeds

Thankfully, some breeds are more active than others. Some are fine sleeping all day and not doing much at all, while others want to be on the go all the time.

• Chihuahuas are great for smaller-space living. They can fit easily into cramped spaces, tend to be OK with strangers, and love keeping pace with you. Their personalities can be touchy, so keep an eye on them when you’re at larger gatherings.
• Poodles are a bit more relaxed, though they do love to play. They’re devoted and love hanging out with their humans. The issue comes with their tight, curly fur if you plan to take them camping with you.
• Boston terriers are great little companions for active people. They love being on the go, and they’re over the moon about people, which makes them great for campgrounds, where there can be a lot of strangers.
• Beagles can be trouble if you’ve never owned one before and don’t know how to train them. Their noses love to get them into trouble, and they’re apt to run around the campground chasing after whatever scent they find intriguing at the moment.
• Siberian huskies should only be owned by people that can keep up with them. They’re vocal, they’re ambitious, they’re energetic, and you’ll have to keep up. Camping in the cold isn’t an issue for them because they’re bred for it.
• Labrador retrievers are amazing companions. They’re a great mix of all the personalities, and they love to swim! Loyalty isn’t an issue for them, and if you’re a hunter, you can teach them to retrieve your game.
• German shepherds make amazing guard dogs, even if you haven’t trained them to be, because they’re wary of humans they don’t know. If you raise them around kids and other pets, they’ll be great with both throughout their lives. Taking them to a campground may be a bit interesting since they don’t love strangers, but a little planning can help you out.

These are only a few breeds to consider. When choosing a dog for your time on the road, you must know its personality and what it will need from you to stay happy, healthy, and safe while camping and spending time around strangers.

If you enjoyed this tips article, be sure to check out all the other great articles we share on our blog. We have tips for hikers, campers, RVers, and RVing pet owners! Remember to keep your pet happy, and it will love you for a lifetime on the road.