Whether you’re renting an RV for a pet-friendly adventure or buying one for a life on the road with your furry friends, this question is probably on your mind. So, what RV type is best for your pet?
Well, there are a variety of factors to consider, including:
- pet type/size
- trip length
- your pet’s personality
Let’s get into it.
Pet size & type
One of the main factors to consider is what kind of pet you have and how big they are.
Small breeds
If you have a small breed dog, say a chihuahua or a dachshund, or even a cat, a teardrop trailer or small travel trailer are great options. Because of their small size, they don’t need as much room to roam as other breeds do. Daily walks and time outside are good enough for them.
Medium breeds
Golden retrievers, German shepherds, Pitbulls, and other medium-sized dogs will do better in something a little bigger. Campervans, though a bit on the smaller side can be a good option if you take your pup out a good amount of the day, on hikes and other adventures. To offer them a little more space, consider a larger sprinter van or Class C RV.
Large breeds
If your little guy or gal is not so little, you may want to venture in a fifth-wheel trailer or Class A RV. Great Pyrenees, Great Danes, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and other large dogs will do best in the larger models of RVs with more room to stretch their legs.
Trip length
Are you taking a quick weekend trip or planning for full-time van life?
Weekend getaway
If you’re planning a weekend getaway with your pet, you can easily get away with renting a smaller rig, as it is a temporary home away from home. Though, if you do have a larger pet, it’s best to go with at least a Class C or travel trailer for their comfort and yours.
Week-long adventures
If your pet-friendly adventure is a week or weeks long, go with the RV types recommended by size above.
Full-time RVing
If your planning for life on the road, you’ll definitely want to put some more thought into what RV you choose to buy. This will be yours and your pet’s home, so beyond the size of the RV, you’ll want to consider what amenities and features the RV has.
Some questions to ask:
- Can the shower accommodate your dog or is there an outdoor shower?
- What kind of floors are there? Tile is the easiest to clean, especially when it comes to pet hair.
- Are there ample windows for your dog or cat to gaze out of?
- Is there a cooling and heating system in the rig?
And one last thing to consider is your pet’s personality.
Pet personality
Whether you have a cat, snake, dog, or lizard, you know your pet and their personality traits best. That said, you know if your pet gets antsy being cooped up and will therefore require a larger RV or if they need a smaller rig that’s easier to get into. Just knowing your pet, you’ll make the right choice.
Ready for a pet-friendly road trip?
According to a Go RVing survey, 65% of people of RVers bring their pet along for the ride, and you can too! An RV road trip can be a great bonding experience for you and your pet like it was for Lulu and her family on their Outdoorsy RV road trip.
Ready to give your pet the adventure of a lifetime? Search pet-friendly rigs in your area to find the one that’s best for you and your furry (or scaley) friend. And check out our guide to pet travel before you go. Happy travels!
