Pups Gone Camping: 6 Pet-Friendly Campervan Rental Companies
What’s better than embracing the open road and the great outdoors? Bringing your four-legged friend with you, of course.
Many of us who love to hike, swim, camp, and spend time outdoors also have pets at home. Why not bring them with you? There are thousands of trails and parks in the country where (leashed) dogs are allowed, but the same can’t quite be said for travel accommodations like hotels or rental houses.
Until recently. And so goes another perk of campervans.
We looked into which rental van companies allow pets, how many, and under what conditions — so your whole family can enjoy the van life on the road.
Walden Campervans
Located in: Woburn, Mass.
Unlike campervan rental services that don’t allow pets, or ones that do but charge a no-matter-what cleaning fee, Walden Campervans fully embraces and encourages pets to join your adventure. The “Mardy” van’s $100 pet package includes:
- integrated built-in crate
- doggie bowls
- dog first-aid kit
- tether leash
- and more pet goodies
Of all the campervans companies that “allow” pets, this one, if you are near the East Coast at least, has got to be the one to beat.
Camper Van North America
Located in: Bozeman, Mont.; Seattle, Wash.; Denver, Colo.; Las Vegas, Nev.
With all of Camper Van North America’s rentals, a pretty reasonable $45-$90 one-time pet fee (up to two dogs) applies. And this one-time fee is definitely cheaper than finding a dogsitter or boarding your dog.
If the open road is calling and you want to test the waters with bringing your pet along, Camper Van NA’s budget-friendly pet protocol is a great choice.
Native Campervans
Located in: Denver, Colo.; Salt Lake City, Utah; Las Vegas, Nev.
Located in three major hubs across the West, Native Campervans is definitely a pet-friendly van rental company worth putting on your radar. For all Native Campervans, a $100 pet cleaning fee applies.
Dave & Matt Vans
Located in: Gypsum, Colo.
This smaller van company based in Gypsum, Colo., does allow pets without a fee. “Up to two pets are allowed within reason,” the company writes. A cleaning fee may apply (if you don’t clean up after your pet yourself). Common sense applies here: it’s a rental van, so wipe your feet (and paws) and return the van clean at the end of the trip.
If you are looking for a van rental out in the Rocky Mountains, definitely add Dave & Matt to your list.
Aiyre Pacific Camper Vans
Located in: California; Seattle, Wash.; Portland, Ore.; Las Vegas, Nev.; Anchorage, Alaska
Aiyre Pacific charges a $150 pet cleaning fee. Aside from the pet fee, this rental company offers a different style of campervan: midsize vans. And touches like window shades and a shade canopy are extra great for canine companion travelers too.
Outdoorsy
Located in: over 125 cities across 50 states
Outdoorsy is a rental platform that connects RV and van owners with customers. Because it’s a third-party service and vans are owned by individuals, pets are allowed on a case-by-case basis. But that also means that the variety and type of campervans (or RVs) available is much bigger. As it’s up to owners, cleaning fees may apply.
Whether you need a compact van for two or room for Fido and the whole fam, Outdoorsy probably has a vehicle for you.
Escape Campervans
Located in (U.S.): Seattle, Wash.; Las Vegas, Nev.; Phoenix, Ariz.; Denver, Colo.; San Francisco, Calif.; Los Angeles, Calif.; Portland, Ore.; Salt Lake City, Utah; Chicago, Ill.; New York; Orlando, Fla.
Located in (Canada): Calgary, Alberta; Vancouver, British Columbia
Escape Campervans charges a $150 non-refundable pet fee. Also, due to higher demand and rental turnaround, no pets are allowed during the peak months of July, August, and September.
So, if you are planning a trip during the off-season and want to include your dog, Escape Campervans may be a good option.
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