An RV pet monitor is a must-have if you’re traveling with your dog or cat in an RV.
Whether you’re taking short trips or living on the road full-time, a pet monitor helps you track the RV’s temperature, humidity, and power status when you’re away.
If you’re searching for the best RV pet temperature monitor or one with a camera, this guide breaks down the top options to keep your pets safe while you explore.
How RV Pet Monitors Work
Cellular pet monitors
Cellular pet monitors have internal SIM cards that communicate over a cellular network to send data between the service provider’s cell tower and your pet monitor. To receive alerts, you must park your RV in a location with strong enough signal strength to relay data between the pet monitor, the service provider’s tower, and your mobile phone. You won’t receive real-time alerts if there’s no coverage in your area. Cellular pet monitors typically won’t work unless you have a paid subscription to use the device, as the subscription covers the data plan needed for connectivity.
Wi-Fi pet monitors
Wi-Fi-enabled pet monitors connect to the internet through your RV’s or campground’s Wi-Fi network — or even your smartphone’s hotspot — rather than a cell tower. That means your monitor needs a stable, working Wi-Fi connection to send alerts and updates to your mobile phone. If your RV isn’t parked where reliable Wi-Fi is available or your internet goes down, you won’t receive real-time notifications. Keep in mind that Wi-Fi reliability also depends on network speed and congestion. Unlike cellular monitors, most Wi-Fi models don’t require a monthly subscription for basic functionality, although some companies may charge optional fees for premium features like cloud storage.
The Best RV Pet Monitors
When picking an RV pet monitor, go with one that fits your needs. Not everyone will want extras like GPS tracking or cameras, but they can be a game-changer for some. Think about what’s most important to you — basic temperature monitoring, connecting multiple devices, or seeing what your pets are up to while you’re gone.
Here are the three best RV pet temperature monitors on the market today.
Waggle Pet Monitor
Cost to buy: $199-$329 (check for bundles or sales).
Cost of service: Between $10-$20 monthly (various plans available).
Waggle Pet Monitors are cellular-enabled devices that send real-time temperature and safety alerts to your phone using a Verizon 4G cellular signal. The stand-alone device goes inside your RV and continuously measures the interior temperature, humidity, and power status when plugged into power.
How it works
A Waggle Pet Monitor controls everything through the Waggle mobile app (available on iOS or Android). You can decide what conditions to monitor inside the RV (e.g., temperature, humidity, or power) and set up your preferred alert methods in the app. Once you’ve set up the device the way you want, you’ll get instant notifications whenever those conditions go out of range.
Device types
The Waggle Lite+ monitors temperature, humidity, and power loss, and sends real-time alerts. If you want advanced features like GPS tracking, geofencing alerts, or air quality alerts, choose Waggle Pro+ or the Waggle Pro+Air.
Add-on devices
Waggle RV Mini Cam is a Wi-Fi-enabled device with 1080p HD live streaming, night vision, motion alerts, and two-way audio. The WaggleCam Pro adds motion tracking, a treat tosser, and interactive features. You must be connected to power and Wi-Fi to monitor your pets with an add-on camera.
Pros
- Designed specifically for RV use, with built-in battery backup for power outages.
- Uses Verizon 4G cellular service for reliable, real-time alerts.
- Easy setup and intuitive mobile app available on iOS and Android.
- Provides real-time temperature, humidity, and power monitoring.
- Alerts you to power outages, giving you time to return to the RV before conditions become unsafe.
- Optional add-on cameras for additional monitoring features, like live streaming and motion detection.
Cons
- Upfront costs can be expensive, especially for advanced models.
- Requires a monthly or yearly subscription for cellular connectivity.
- Functionality is dependent on Verizon signal strength; it may not work in areas with poor or no coverage.
- Add-on cameras require a Wi-Fi connection and do not work over cellular networks.
- Limited battery life when unplugged, as the built-in battery is only for backup during power outages.
MarCELL Temperature Monitor
Cost to buy: $199-$249 (check for seasonal discounts).
Cost of service: Starting at $8.25 monthly (yearly plans available).
MarCELL temperature monitors are cellular-enabled devices that send real-time temperature, humidity, and power alerts to your phone. The stand-alone device goes inside your RV and continuously measures the interior temperature, humidity, and power status when plugged into power. The MarCELL monitor isn’t made specifically for pets, but RVers and pet owners still use it because of its reliability and alert features.
How it works
The MarCELL monitor is controlled through a secure online portal, which allows you to configure and manage your settings remotely. After placing the device in your RV, you can set specific thresholds for temperature and humidity. When the device detects conditions outside these thresholds, it will send you an alert via text, email, or phone call. MarCELL uses a nationwide Verizon or AT&T 4G LTE cellular network.
Device types
MarCELL Multisensor offers a single device with a streamlined set of features. Its simplicity makes it an excellent choice for pet owners who want reliable monitoring without needing multiple add-ons. MarCELL does have two Multisensor Pro versions, which extend the temperature monitoring ranges beyond the standard MarCELL Multisensor temperature monitoring of 0° F to 120° F, but those values are typically not necessary for RVers to monitor.
Add-on devices
While MarCELL doesn’t offer integrated cameras or advanced features like GPS tracking, you can pair it with optional wireless sensors to monitor additional areas, such as your RV refrigerator or external storage compartments.
Pros
- Simple and reliable monitoring of temperature, humidity, and power.
- Compatible with Verizon or AT&T 4G cellular service for flexibility based on travel locations.
- Long-lasting battery backup ensures continuous monitoring during power outages.
- Alerts can be sent via text, email, or phone call, offering multiple notification methods.
- Works in the U.S. and Canada, accommodating cross-border travelers.
Cons
- The initial purchase price can be high.
- Requires a subscription for cellular connectivity and alerts.
- No integrated camera or visual monitoring features.
- Limited monitoring capabilities unless paired with optional wireless sensors.
- Interface is less customizable than some competing devices.
Necto 3-in-1 Cellular Sensor
Cost to buy: $200 (check for sales).
Cost of service: Two years of cellular service is included with your purchase.
Necto is a compact, cellular-enabled sensor that continuously measures temperature, humidity, and power status in real time and sends you alerts via text or email when conditions fall outside your preferred settings. The stand-alone device isn’t made specifically for pets, but RVers and pet owners still use it for pet monitoring because of its reliability and alert features.
How it works
Once you’ve placed the sensor in your RV, use the Necto web-based interface to set your preferred temperature and humidity ranges. If the conditions in your RV go outside these ranges, Necto will send immediate notifications to your phone via text message or email. Necto can run up to 72 hours without power. When it’s connected to power, the sensor will send you an alert if your RV loses power. Necto sensor comes with a built-in SIM card that connects to three different cellular carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, and Cellular One), whichever has the strongest signal to your location.
Device types
Necto currently has only one sensor that monitors temperature, humidity, and power status.
Add-on devices
Necto doesn’t offer add-on devices or integrated cameras.
Pros
- Compact and straightforward design with no unnecessary add-ons.
- No monthly or yearly subscription is required; two years of cellular service are included.
- Built-in SIM card automatically connects to the strongest signal among AT&T, T-Mobile, or Cellular One.
- Battery backup lasts up to 72 hours, ensuring functionality during power outages.
- Sends alerts via text or email for seamless notification.
Cons
- No dedicated mobile app; all controls are managed through a web-based interface.
- Lacks a display screen for real-time status checks; users must log in to view data.
- No integrated camera system or additional sensor options.
- Limited to temperature, humidity, and power monitoring without customization.
- May not offer as many advanced features as other pet monitors.
Other RV Pet Monitor Options
Wi-Fi-enabled cameras
Wi-Fi-enabled cameras, such as Blink or Ring security cameras, are popular among RVers who want a visual way to monitor their pets remotely. These cameras require a stable Wi-Fi signal from your campground, Starlink Internet, or a mobile hotspot. While they don’t send alerts like cellular pet monitors, they allow you to log in through an app to see what your pets are up to in real time. Many models include features like two-way audio, motion detection, and night vision, making them an excellent enhancement to your pet monitoring setup. Wi-Fi cameras should be considered a supplementary tool since they rely on a stable internet connection and don’t provide vital notifications.
Micro-Air EasyTouch RV Thermostat
The Micro-Air EasyTouch RV Thermostat is a versatile tool that can add convenience and peace of mind for pet owners. Designed to replace your existing RV thermostat, it connects via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, allowing you to monitor and adjust your RV’s heating and cooling systems remotely. Using the EasyTouch mobile app, you can check the interior temperature of your RV and make real-time adjustments to ensure your pets stay comfortable. While not a dedicated pet monitoring device, the EasyTouch offers an extra layer of control over your RV’s environment.
Related reading
- RV Pet Safety: Tips for Your First Trip With Furry Friends
- The Mile Marker: Animals on the Move
- Visiting Hovenweep National Monument with Dogs
 Meagan Butler is an experienced RV owner who works and plays in the RV space. She’s a moderator in the RV Curious Facebook Group and loves helping people learn about the ins and outs of the RV lifestyle. When she’s not writing and editing RV-related content for industry organizations, she’s adventuring with her Cavalier King Charles Spaniels or refining her photography skills. Meagan has been a member of FMCA since 2018. |
Leave a Reply