RV Pet Monitoring Options & Tips
RV Pet Monitoring Options & Tips
Plus, why Winnebago Connect is an ideal solution!
Bringing your pet along on your RV adventures can be a great way to travel longer and enjoy your trips more. However, traveling in an RV with a dog or cat comes with additional responsibilities and considerations. Keeping your rolling home at a safe temperature at all times is critical when RVing with a furry companion. RV pet monitoring helps you keep your pet safe when you are away from your RV.
From pet cameras and temperature sensors to smart alert systems, today’s pet monitoring options make it easier to check on your pet from almost anywhere. Some options, like Winnebago Connect, even allow you to make adjustments while away!
Camping with a dog in a Winnebago ARKA, which includes Winnebago Connect technology.
Why is RV Pet Monitoring Important?
An RV pet monitoring system helps keep your pet safe and comfortable while giving you peace of mind with the ability to check on them remotely whenever you’re away. A reliable monitoring setup can alert you to problems before they become emergencies.
Depending on the system, you may be able to see and talk to your pet, monitor the RV’s temperature, receive alerts about power changes, and check or adjust conditions remotely. Most RVers prioritize temperature monitoring since that is the top safety concern for pets. However, having a pet camera can add another level of security and offer more confidence in your pet's well-being while away.
Remember: Pets should never be left in an RV when conditions could become unsafe, even if you have a monitoring system. You should also keep in mind whether you will be able to maintain a cellular connection while away, and if you would be able to quickly return if something did go wrong.
RV Pet Monitoring Options
Which RV pet monitoring system is best for you will depend on your budget, type of RV, travel style, and how much information you want while you're away. Learn more about some of the top RV pet monitoring systems currently available in the list below.
However, it is important to note that a reliable internet connection is key for all of these options to be effective. So, it is ideal to pair your monitoring system with reliable internet coverage as well as a backup option in case your primary coverage goes out.
Winnebago Connect Built-In Pet Monitoring
Winnebago Connect is an intelligent RV platform that proactively monitors and controls on-board RV systems. With Winnebago Connect premium subscription options, users can monitor and control many RV systems anywhere cell phone coverage exists from the Winnebago App. Its Pet Minder feature is a huge perk for people who RV with pets and want to make sure the temperature in their RV remains safe while away.
Winnebago View with Winnebago Connect
Rather than requiring a separate temperature sensor, Pet Minder uses the RV’s existing systems to help monitor the interior climate while your pet is inside. Simply set your ideal climate for your pet and Winnebago Connect will ensure it maintains that temperature or notify you if there is a loss of power.
Winnebago Connect is currently available in the View/Navion and ARKA, but this advanced feature is planned to be added to the entire Winnebago lineup in the coming years.
Subscription-Based Pet Monitoring Options
- Waggle is a popular option for RVers requiring a pet monitoring system. The company offers multiple options, from basic temperature monitoring to more advanced systems. They use built-in cellular data to send notifications, instead of having to rely on campground WiFi. However, all devices do require a subscription plan for use.
- MarCELL Pet Watch is another commonly used cellular-enabled monitoring option that also requires a subscription.
Camping with a dog in a Winnebago Thrive travel trailer.
Subscription-Free Pet Monitoring Alternative
James and Stef of The Fit RV have found an alternative to paying for subscription-based pet monitoring for anyone wanting to monitor their pets on a budget. In the video tutorial, James shares their exact setup and goes through how to enable notifications and automations to get all of the updates you need to make sure your pet is safe.
Their setup involves using Apple Home Kit and an Apple Home Pod Mini (because it includes a built-in temperature sensor), devices to maintain an always-on internet connection and a redundant internet connection, and the Pushcut app (the free tier works fine for this). However, they do mention that a TempStick can also be used for temperature monitoring if you do not already have an Apple Home device.
Learn exactly how they set up their RV pet monitoring in this video ...
For questions about their RV pet monitoring, join the conversation here.
To learn more about RVing with pets, read these articles:
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