RV-ing is as much Fun for your Pets as it is for You

by Laura Weaver

I often accuse my husband of buying our motorhome for the “other woman” in his life…our 8-pound Maltese-Shih Tzu mix. Our furry little bundle of joy came into our lives at a time when I felt particularly lonely because all of our children had become adults and were involved in lives of their own. I desperately needed to mother something. After years of coaxing (nagging?), my husband finally agreed to visit a breeder just to look at the puppies. Once there, he was hooked! We selected the calmest, quietest, most adorable puppy there…the one whose eyes pleaded with us to choose her.

Since our puppy was too young for us to bring her home with us that day, we paid a deposit for the breeder to hold her for us until she was able to join us two weeks later. This gave us time to pick up all of the necessary doggy supplies, find a reputable veterinarian, and decide on a name. Because we were hoping to travel extensively in the near future and not really have any permanent home, “Gypsy” was the most appropriate choice.

Shortly after Gypsy came to live with us, we found a very comfortable, affordable used motorhome to use for our travels. Gypsy immediately adapted to these new surroundings. Her favorite hiding place is under the passenger captain’s chair. Her doggy bed fits comfortably beside the bathroom door. Her food and water bowls are handily placed below the refrigerator. Numerous doggy toys collect under the banquette table. She even has her own cubby for keeping her grooming supplies and treats. The size of our motorhome gives Gypsy ample room to walk, roam, and play.

RV-ing is a wonderful travel option for pets. Gypsy is a great little traveler and is used to this routine. While on the road, we stop at grassy rest areas in order to exercise Gypsy, as well as give her ample opportunity to answer “nature’s call”.

Since we have the ability to prepare lunch in our motorhome, we do. We usually try to find a quiet location with a scenic view in which to enjoy our meal. By doing this, it gives Gypsy ample time to eat and drink, too. Gypsy is also secure in the fact that she won’t be left alone in a vehicle that is either too hot or too cold, like so many other traveling pets, while their owners go into a restaurant for meals.

Overnight camping in our motorhome is very comfortable for Gypsy, as well. Unlike motel stays, many of which do not allow pets or charge an extra fee, almost all campgrounds accept friendly breeds of dogs. When we check into a campground, we simply request a site with grass or one near the Pet Area…a place Gypsy would enjoy. Some campgrounds are so accommodating that they have treats on hand and even provide the “doggy-doo” clean-up bags.


Of course, once we are set up at our campsite, Gypsy is eager to explore the campground, as are we; so we take her on a walk to acquaint her with her surroundings. Instead of feeling insecure in a strange place, Gypsy has learned to accept that even though the scenery changes, our RV is her motor-”home”. She is comfortable in it. In fact, we can even leave her unattended for a while in order to go sight-seeing, shop, or eat dinner at a restaurant without her feeling abandoned.

Like us, pets enjoy traveling in an RV. They appreciate the relaxed pace. They feel secure because their surroundings are familiar. They are comfortable because all of their needs are met. Most importantly, traveling in an RV allows them to be with their owners on trips of a lifetime. Gypsy can vouch for that…just ask her.