Travelling by motorhome with your furry friend
Searching for the best pet-friendly campervans for your next family trip? For those of us with furry family members, going on a road trip often means deciding whether to bring those loveable creatures along for the ride or leaving them behind. Fortunately, you have plenty of options when travelling by campervan. Yes - fur real! We’ve compiled helpful information about travelling with pets, a list of specific pet-friendly companies across various countries, and helpful guidance for bringing your bestie along.
How do I find pet-friendly campervan hires?
Remember—not every company will allow pets, so select the ‘Pet-friendly’ filter when searching for campervans to narrow down your results. Then, check the specific terms to make sure you understand the individual pet policies and any associated costs.
Which countries offer pet-friendly motorhome hires?
We’ve compiled a list of motorhome hire companies that offer pet-friendly rentals and categorised them by country. Check out the options for your holiday destination.
USA
See the wonders of the United States with your pet by your side for no additional charge with Cruise America, Escape Campervans, Mighty Campers and El Monte RV hires. There are no restrictions on the type of pet you can take, whether it’s your dog, cat, goldfish, goat, monkey or marmot. Although, if you turned up wanting to take a tiger on board, there might be a problem. The only condition is that you clean up after your four-legged friend—a pretty mild demand! Clippership RV also has pet-friendly vehicles, but they charge a pet fee.
Canada
Both Motor Home Travel and Cruise Canada – as well as Canada’s arm of Escape Campervans – are happy for you to travel with your beloved pet on your Canada motorhome holiday for no charge. You also have more options with CanaDream, Four Seasons RV Rentals and Fraserway RV Rentals, which will allow your pets for an additional fee.
As long as you have well-behaved pets and you clean up after them, you’re good to go.
Paw-some, right?
Australia
If you’re hitting the road Down Under, a number of campervan rental companies will allow Fido to climb aboard certain vehicles. Hippie Campers, Mighty Campers, Britz, Apollo, and Cheapa Campa have cat and dog-friendly options at no additional charge. Autosleepers Australia allows your furry friends onboard for an additional fee. Always check the specific terms of each rental before booking.
New Zealand
Exploring the wonders of New Zealand can only be made better with a fuzzy family member on board. Similarly to Australia, several companies will allow pets to join you on certain vehicles, including Hippie Campers, Mighty Campers, Britz, Apollo, Cheapa Camper, Mojo Campers, Spaceships and JUCY. We recommend you check the terms thoroughly before booking.
United Kingdom
The UK has fewer campervan rental options for bringing your pets, but certainly enough to make it happen. Bunk Campers, Just Go, and Anywhere Campers offer pet-friendly rentals for no additional cost. McRent, Easi Campervans and Open Road Scotland will let your furry friends on board for an extra charge.
Germany
Our rental partners in Germany that allow pets to travel in their vehicles include Apollo, McRent, Anywhere Campers, Autocaravan Express and Euromotorhome Rental. Make sure your chosen supplier is aware that you want to take a pet and that you read the terms and conditions to understand any fees or special cleaning requirements.
France
The two suppliers that allow pets in their vehicles in France are McRent and Van IT. Regarding McRent, you must get prior approval, while Van IT will charge you extra if the vehicle doesn't come back as clean as it was when you picked it up.
Certified service dogs
Travelling with a service dog, whether an emotional support, therapy or disability dog, is generally allowed across the board with campervan companies. Just be sure to indicate this upon making your booking.
Where can you go?
Even if your campervan rental allows pets, you’ll need to check into pet-friendly holiday parks or campgrounds. While some are happy to host animals, there may be some restrictions (e.g. type of animal, breed, on-leash only), and some may not allow pets at all.
In addition, some areas, including selected national parks and campsites, have restrictions on which animals can enter to protect vulnerable wildlife. When choosing where to take your furry friend, make sure you Google whether it allows pets beforehand to avoid disappointment.
Some holiday parks are so welcoming of pets that they have kennels where your pooch can be looked after for the day while you’re out exploring. If you do your research, you’ll find you have many fantastic options. Always book well in advance to get the best selection.
Some essential tips to keep in mind:
-
When you arrive to pick up and drop off your rental vehicle, please ensure any dogs are secure on a leash, cats are in carriers, and all are under the supervision of an adult.
-
Most vehicle hire companies do not allow wet dogs in their motorhomes.
-
While driving the vehicle, ensure your dog is securely restrained to prevent distractions.
-
Any damage caused by dogs or cats due to negligence is the hirer’s responsibility, and this is not covered under a liability reduction option.
-
Pack your pets’ food bowl and bedding so they feel at home in your dog-friendly campervan (and don't sleep on your bed).
-
Many motorhomes are equipped with a compact refrigerator to place your pet food in to maintain freshness.
-
Campsites and holiday parks do not supply plastic bags, so you will need to bring your own poo bags.
Ready to kick off your campervan adventure? Browse Motorhome Republic’s range of safe, reliable and comfortable motorhomes for rent today. Pick up a quality vehicle to suit your family’s travel needs and get a great deal today.
Written By: Meghan Advent
Struck with an incurable case of wanderlust many years ago, I have traveled all over the globe determined to see and experience it all. Highlights are an African safari and a Great Barrier Reef diving adventure. From beach to mountains, I love it all! Next to cross off my list, Antarctica - the last and coldest continent for me to experience. Until then, I’m more than happy exploring the beauty and splendour that is Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. Inspiring others to travel is what makes me tick, and I hope to help you find your next adventure sooner rather than later!
Struck with an incurable case of wanderlust many years ago, I have traveled all over the globe determined to see and experience it all. Highlights are an African safari and a Great Barrier Reef diving adventure. From beach to mountains, I love it all! Next to cross off my list, Antarctica - the last and coldest continent for me to experience. Until then, I’m more than happy exploring the beauty and splendour that is Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. Inspiring others to travel is what makes me tick, and I hope to help you find your next adventure sooner rather than later!