When you bring your pet along on your camping adventures, you’re responsible for their comfort and well-being. Since you can’t always be in the RV with them, a pet temp monitor can be a huge help.
We’ve researched 6 products and decided that the Temp Stick from Ideal Sciences is the best pet temperature monitor for RV and camping use.
Even when the weather outside seems mild, the sun can heat the interior of your vehicle to dangerous levels. If you have an air conditioner, you can leave it running, but there’s always the possibility that it might break down while you’re away. An RV temperature monitor will notify you if the temperature in your rig is getting too high for your pet’s safety.
The device can also work the other way, sending notifications when the temps are dropping below a comfortable level. In either case, it’s essential if you want to bring Fido or Fluffy on the road with you.
1. Ideal Sciences Temp Stick WiFi Temperature and Humidity Sensor -Best Overall
2. Waggle RV PetSafety Temperature Monitor -Best Backup Option
3. MarCELL Cellular Monitoring System -Best For Beginners
4. Govee Digital Indoor Thermometer & Hygrometer -Best App
5. La Crosse Technology Monitor System -Best for Long-Range Use
6. SensorPush Wireless Thermometer & Hygrometer -Best For Small RVs
The Ideal Sciences Temp Stick WiFi Temperature and Humidity Sensor is, in our opinion, the best RV temp monitor for pets. It’s simple, reliable, and provides accurate updates for temperatures ranging between -40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s also very small, so you won’t notice it unless it’s sending you a notification.
Let’s find out more about the Ideal Sciences Temp Stick and the rest of the competition.
Read on to find out why the Ideal Sciences Temp Stick is our number one choice for a pet temp monitor.
Our Top Pick
Best Pet Temperature Monitors For RV And Camping-Reviews
1. Ideal Sciences Temp Stick —Best Overall
With this device, you can set triggers for humidity levels as well as temperature, making it a highly versatile choice. It works by sending alerts in the form of texts or emails every time there’s a change detected in your RV’s environment. Its temperature range is -40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, and it can monitor humidity from 0 to 100 percent.
You can expect to get a few solid years of use out of the Ideal Sciences unit, and the company offers a 3-year warranty to prove it. While it doesn’t require a subscription, your mobile home will need a dedicated mobile hotspot in order to use the device.
2. Waggle RV PetSafety Temperature Monitor—Best Backup Option
If you can’t find the Ideal Sciences model, consider the RV PetSafety Temperature Monitor from Waggle. It can send alerts to up to 5 different users, thereby bolstering your pets’ safety when they’re left alone in the rig. It even comes with a backup battery that will kick in if your vehicle loses power for any reason.
The Waggle model is compatible with both iPhone and Android phones, but it does require a cellular subscription that’s available through the app. The annual plan is the best value, since the pay-as-you-go option charges activation and deactivation fees should you stop and restart the service.
3. MarCELL Cellular Monitoring System—Best For Beginners
If you’re a first-timer, consider the MarCell Cellular Monitoring System. It can send alerts via text, email, or phone, so you can receive updates on your furry friend’s current environment at all times. In addition to monitoring the temperature and humidity, it also provides alerts on power status and water leaks.
Best of all, the MarCELL will give you real-time updates. Even the best RV temp monitor for pets, the Temp Stick, can only provide you with that information in 5-minute increments. That’s what makes this a great choice for beginners who tend to worry overtime about whether their pets will be safe in the camper while they’re away.
4. Govee Digital Indoor Thermometer & Hygrometer —Best App
The Govee Digital Indoor Thermometer & Hygrometer comes with a highly navigable app, making it another good choice for beginners. Its digital readout is visible even from across the room, so it also comes in handy when you’re inside the camper yourself. It’s also more affordable than most of the other units listed here.
This device comes with its own WiFi connection, so it can be used while boondocking. It’s compatible with Bluetooth as well, and it offers several display methods. While the built-in WiFi is a nice perk, bear in mind that you might have some connection issues from time to time.
5. La Crosse Technology Monitor System—Best For Long-Range Use
Hikers who plan on taking to the trail while their pets are relaxing in the camper should consider the La Crosse model. This system uses dry probe technology to extend the monitor’s range, so you can receive signals even from a long distance. It’s also possible to add extra probes that allow the signal to reach even further.
The La Crosse has night and day capability, which enriches its capabilities. The app is easy to navigate, and it monitors humidity as well as temperature. The drawback? You’ll need to pay for a subscription in order to access these features.
6. SensorPush Wireless Thermometer & Hygrometer—Best For Small RVs
If your camper is on the small side, consider the SensorPush Wireless Thermometer. This is a compact RV temperature sensor monitor that measures data in one-minute intervals, giving you a highly accurate picture of your pet’s current environment.
The SensorPush is reliant on Bluetooth and has a range of just 100 meters, so it’s not suitable if you plan on straying far from the campsite. However, it’s a reliable device that doesn’t require a subscription monthly fee, and it comes at an affordable price.
Pet Temperature Monitors For RV: Buying Guide
What Is A Pet Temperature Monitor?
An RV temperature monitor is designed to provide updates about the temperature and humidity levels in your camper or travel trailer. It may also be able to alert you to power outages or water leaks.
Here’s how it works: You set the pet temp monitor to a designated “safe temperature” range and provide your phone number and email address. The system will send alerts to your phone or inbox whenever the cabin temperature rises above or drops below this zone.
RV Pet Temperature Monitoring System Types
Some of these monitors run on a WiFi connection, while others use a cellular network. Let’s take a look at each one.
WiFi
As you probably guessed, these devices require an internet connection in order to provide you with alerts. Because the guest networks at campgrounds can be unreliable and complicated to use, we would recommend investing in a mobile hotspot for your RV if you choose to go this route. This will allow you to maintain a secure connection at all times.
If cost is a major factor in your decision, a WiFi pet temp monitor is probably your best bet. You won’t have to pay cellular subscription fees, and you’ll also be able to connect other devices to the mobile hotspot. However, bear in mind that the hotspot itself does incur a small charge.
Cellular
With a cellular RV temperature monitor, you’ll get a built-in network connection that’s often more reliable than WiFi. That said, you can also expect to pay a hefty price for the peace of mind. The device will incur monthly subscription fees, which can really add up in the long run.
Factors To Consider
Once you’ve decided what type of monitor to buy, you still have a few other decisions to make. Here’s a list of the most prevalent ones.
Cost
It’s possible to buy a pet temp monitor for under $100. These models will deliver push notifications about temperature swings via WiFi or a cellular data network. Sometimes, a month-to-month membership fee will apply; check the fine print before you make a purchase in this price range.
If you can afford to spend more than $100, you can expect more high-tech features. The company might provide you with backup alerts every time the system sends a notification, which is a nice safety net. The best RV temp monitor for pets will also alert you to things like water leaks, and should be more reliable in general.
Safety
It’s best to find a monitor that will let you know when the RV’s power has gone out. That way, you’ll be able to return to the camper to tend to the situation before it can affect your pet’s comfort—or possibly endanger its life.
Battery
Speaking of power outages, a built-in battery is an essential backup feature. Remember that you may need to replace the batteries in order to guarantee a smooth transition in the event of a blackout. Some models will run off regular AA batteries, while others might require supplies that are more difficult to find. Make sure you have all the pieces in place before using the monitor for the first time.
Potential Issues
Remember, even the best RV temp monitor for pets can’t be relied upon entirely. These are machines that can malfunction in certain circumstances, so you’ll need to use common sense as a backup.
Each system on our list requires a working cell phone if you want to receive regular updates. You also need to be within range if the device runs on a cellular network, and to have an internet connection for a WiFi-operated unit.
Finally, if you’re expecting extreme temperatures, don’t leave your pet alone in the camper. In these cases, the temps can rise or fall to hazardous levels in short order, no matter how reliable your device is.
The Bottom Line
After reviewing all the data, we believe that the Temp Stick from RV Sciences is the best RV temp monitor for pets. The interface is user-friendly, it runs off AA batteries, and you won’t incur any huge fees by using it. It’s also a very popular choice, so you shouldn’t have a hard time finding one.
Best of luck, and happy camping!
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