Many dog owners enjoy heading out in their RV on adventures. However, many worry about having to leave their best friends behind. But you don’t have to leave your dog behind just because you want to go on an epic RV adventure. You have many options for RV dog crates, so you can have some company when you hit the road.
Today, we’ll share how you can RV with a dog kennel and even provide you with some of the best ones on the market. Let’s dig in!
Do Campgrounds Allow Dogs?
Many campgrounds allow guests to bring dogs with them. However, some prohibit certain breeds known for being aggressive. This is often the result of insurance policy requirements and to protect the campground from a lawsuit if a dog were to attack another dog or camper.
In addition to breed restrictions, campgrounds may also have a list of rules that dog owners must follow.
Common regulations include keeping your pet on a leash, cleaning up after them, and not leaving them unattended. Some campgrounds create enclosed dog-friendly spaces where dogs can run freely and play with other dogs.
The Benefits of Taking Your Dog Camping
For some people, dogs are part of their family. They can be a source of comfort during an anxiety attack or when in an uncomfortable situation. Many dog owners enjoy the loyalty and companionship that dogs provide. Thus, it’s easy to see why they want to bring their dogs along while camping. However, dogs can serve a bigger purpose in some cases.
Dogs often do whatever they can to protect their owners during an unsafe situation. Whether it’s a wild animal encounter or an individual up to no good, taking a dog camping can increase your safety.
A dog’s presence will prevent some individuals from messing with you or your stuff. If boondocking in a remote area, a dog barking inside your camper or tent can scare off unwanted visitors.
The Disadvantages of Taking Your Dog Camping
While bringing your dog with you on a camping trip can be helpful, it’s not always easy. You can’t take your dog everywhere with you, including some national parks. You’ll have to plan out your stops to ensure you can take your dog with you wherever you plan to go.
If you can’t take your dog with you on an adventure, you’ll need to leave them behind in your camper. Even if you have a quality RV dog crate, you’ll still have to worry about leaving your dog alone for too long and whether they’re safe and comfortable.
Some RVers invest in devices that allow them to monitor the temperature of their RV remotely. This can help them to know that their dog is safe if the campground loses power or an air conditioner stops working. They can then return to their rig to rescue their dog before the temperature inside the RV becomes excessive and dangerous.
Pro Tip: Want to bring your fur baby along with you while RVing? Make sure you know these 5 Rules for RVing with Pets before you hit the road.
Where Do Dogs Sleep in an RV?
Dogs can sleep in a variety of places in an RV. Some dog owners allow their pets to sleep in bed with them.
However, other people like more space when sleeping or prefer their pets to have their own space. These RVers will have a comfortable bed or crate for their dog to catch some Zs. If their dog isn’t picky about where they sleep, they may settle for a spot on the floor next to the bed.
What to Look for When Buying an RV Dog Crate
When shopping for an RV dog crate, the two most important factors are that it fits your dog and fits in the designated space. Dog crates are large and can take up a tremendous amount of space, which most RVs lack.
You’ll want to pick a dog crate that won’t create any issues with storage when it’s not in use. Measure twice, order once.
If you do not have a lot of space in your rig, you may have to make some DIY modifications to have an RV with a dog crate. Think through where you’ll use and store it to avoid potential complications or wasting money. Also, consider how much the kennel will weigh and whether you can easily move it when you need to use it inside or outside your RV.
Pro Tip: Your pet’s safety is key. If you plan to travel with your furry friend, make sure you know Is It Illegal to Leave Your Dog in Your Vehicle before you go.
7 RV Dog Crate Ideas to Bring Your Dog Along
We’ve got several options worth considering if you want to enjoy your RV with a dog kennel. They’ll get the job done and store away for ease of use. Let’s look and see which RV dog crate will work for you.
1. ECOFLEX Dog Crate
The ECOFLEX Dog Crate would also make a great end table in an RV. It’s functional and looks great. Weights range from 20 to 60 pounds, depending on which size you select.
- Elegant way to house your pet while disguising the pet crate as a...
- Made of ECOFLEX, a non-toxic recycled plastic-wood polymer...
- Spindles made of stainless steel tubing and a stainless steel...
You can find multiple color options to help match the look and feel. This option works well if you want to avoid a gaudy crate occupying space in your rig. This one blends right in as a piece of furniture, and guests might not even know what it is.
2. Midwest Double Door Crate
The Midwest Double-Door Crate may not be the flashiest or best-looking, but it does the job. It has alloy steel and comes in 36-inch and 42-inch versions.
- Double door folding metal dog crate designed to fit SUVs, vans...
- Dog crate measures 37L x 20.875W x 26H inches, weighs 30.3 lbs....
- Versitile double door design w/ front & rear door acess makes...
Its slim design makes it easily fit in the back of an RV, SUV, van, or in tight spaces. These crates can hold dogs from 60 to 90 pounds and have a tray to help prevent dog hair and other dirt and debris from getting into your carpet.
People love this crate because it folds down and can easily stow away when not in use. It’s an excellent solution for dogs less than 25 inches tall and 32 inches long.
3. A4Pet Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate
The A4PET Soft-Sided Dog Crate is a great option for pets up to 30 pounds. It features a leak-proof bottom to help keep any accidents or water from ruining the floor of your vehicle or RV.
- For crate trained small/medium dogs up to 30 pounds. Dimension:...
- Leak-proof bottom protect your car and floor; Rounded Corners...
- 2 doors, 1 top access and 1 screen on side for easy access and...
It comes with two side doors and a top access point. The screened sides provide plenty of ventilation to keep air circulating for your pet. You can collapse this dog crate in less than 45 seconds, so you can quickly store it when done using it.
You don’t have to worry about adding any additional weight or struggling to move it around, as it only weighs 5.8 pounds.
4. K9 Sport Sack
The K9 Sport Sack is incredibly lightweight at 1.25 pounds. It also folds into a tiny carrying bag, making it easy to take on adventures.
- K9 SPORT SHACK PET TENT: Sometimes we need a break while...
- PORTABLE DOG CRATE: We made this dog pop up tent light weight and...
- FITS SMALL & MEDIUM DOGS: This soft tent can be used as a...
It comes in 20-inch and 30-inch versions, providing shade or shelter for your pet no matter where you take them. You can set up this pop-up tent in seconds, and your pet will have a safe resting place.
This portable RV dog kennel comes with tent stakes so you can secure the tent and prevent it from blowing away from you and your campsite.
5. PetNation Port-A-Crate
The PetNation Port-A-Crate uses mechanics similar to what you’d find on a child’s Pack-N-Play. It’s compact, folds up for storage, and can expand to 28, 32, or 36 inches.
- Lightweight, portable indoor/outdoor pet home
- Tightly weaved mesh fabric panels surrounded by extra-strong...
- For pets up to 35 pounds, Extra Small - 16"L x 11"W x 11"H;Small...
The honeycomb window design helps to maintain maximum airflow to keep your pet cool and comfortable inside the crate. The interior of the Port-A-Crate uses water-resistant materials, which makes it easy to keep clean.
You won’t have to worry about lugging around a bulky or hefty crate as weights range from 6.3 to 10.2 pounds.
6. Petsfit Portable Playpen
The Petsfit Portable Playpen comes in 34-inch and 42-inch diameters. It will require a large amount of space inside your RV, so this playpen works best outside.
- Spacious Space: 41.5"Dia x28.5"H, Folded Size: 32"L x20"W...
- Thoughtful Design. 8 panels mesh windows and 2 doors design,...
- Durable and Safe. Made of newly upgraded hexagonal structure grid...
It has eight windows and two doors to increase circulation and make it easy for your dog to get in and out of the playpen. You can remove the top and bottom to make cleaning as easy as possible.
There’s even a pouch and water bottle holder to help keep your dog hydrated while inside. When not in use, the Petsfit Portable Playpen folds flat to make storing this crate incredibly easy.
7. Create a Custom Space
Many RVers use their DIY skills to convert existing space in their rig into a dog crate. Creating a custom space will largely depend on your skills and the size of your dog and RV.
If you have a smaller dog, you can convert the storage space under one of the dinette bench seats into a dog crate. Or remove an end table and create a custom one that will blend in with the other furniture.
Pro Tip: Ensure your pup stays safe while you’re RVing! Make sure you know these Essential Dog First Aid Basics before you go!
Dog Campers
If none of the above RV dog kennel ideas interest you, you may want to consider getting your dog a camper all of their own. Dog campers are camper-shaped dog houses intended for setting up once you’re at the campsite.
While probably not the most practical for frequent movements, these are great additions to any dog-lover’s campsite.
Can a Dog Ride in the Back of a Camper?
Most states allow pets, including dogs, to ride in the back of a camper while towing. However, you’ll want to remember that traveling in an RV as it barrels down the highway can be a very traumatic experience.
If you thought the bumps and potholes in the road were tough in your vehicle, they can be substantially worse inside a camper.
You’ll want to do whatever you can to make your pet as comfortable as possible. You may need to give your dog some medicine to help them relax or anti-nausea medicine to help them avoid motion sickness.
Always secure your pet’s crate so it won’t move inside your camper. Keep in mind that you won’t have the AC going while driving, and if traveling in the summer, it can get scorching inside your camper.
Help Your Furry Friend Enjoy Camping as Much as You Do With These RV Dog Kennel Ideas
Taking your furry friend with you can help you enjoy camping. They’ll likely enjoy getting out into the great outdoors as much as you do, possibly even more. You’ll probably be surprised by how many dog-friendly hikes are near you at any given time.
Taking your four-legged friends with you can help you avoid making special arrangements for someone to watch them whenever you head out to camp. Using one of these RV dog crates, you can make memories with your pet and help them get some fresh air.
Which kennel do you think will work best for your adventures with your furry friends? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
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