Tips for travelling with dogs in a campervan

If your dog is not a good passenger, it’s not something you (or your dog) need to learn to live with. It’s time to put in place an action plan! 

• The first port of call is your vet. Any health issues could be causing your dog to be in pain or extra anxious when being driven
• Once your dog has a clean bill of health, then you can begin to work on their travelling environment
• If your dog doesn’t enjoy travelling then they may already have negative associations with it. You can begin to rebuild their confidence with some travel training
• Take it slowly and break it down into stages. Start with the car stationary and use treats or toys, whatever motivates your dog, to build positive associations
• Keep sessions short – don’t allow your dog to get to a stage where they can’t cope. This training will include getting your dog used to his safety devices, such as a seatbelt or crate

As your dog learns to relax on the drive, you can help keep trips comfortable with the following tips: 

• Feed a light and easily digested meal three to four hours before setting off
• Plan longer journeys to schedule stops at least every two hours
• Drive carefully – a smooth drive will help
• Keep calm – if you get angry when driving, your dog can think there is something to worry about
• Provide ventilation
• Place shades on side windows to reduce heat and glare
• Make sure your dog is comfortable – there should be enough room to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably
• Never let your dog put their head out of the window – it’s not safe and can make them feel worse

When packing your campervan for touring you’ll need to think about your dog’s needs as well as your own, but some of these essential items can be left permanently in the campervan.

Having all the gear you need makes life so much easier. Prepare a doggy ‘suitcase’ with all the essentials, such as food, treats, toys, bed, crate, leads, collars, brush, drying towel, medication, and anything else you might need. You can buy items that have been forgotten, but it’s better being prepared. Write a list, as there is often much more than you realise! 

• Leads, harnesses, extending leads
• Hook to secure a lead in the ground
• Dog poo bags
• Dog bed/crate
• Towels
• Food, including biscuits and treats
• Toys and chews
• Insurance details
• Tick hook
• Vet contact details
• Collar with a tag featuring your mobile phone number, so you can be contacted if your pet gets lost

The type of dog bed you choose will depend on the size and breed of your dog, but things to consider include how the bed will fit in your campervan, its durability and how water resistant it is.

You could simply use a bed from home or fill the pet carrier with their favourite toys and a nice blanket to make it comfortable for sleeping. Alternatively, you could get a bespoke campervan dog bed, such as the Fiamma Carry-Dog folding dog house, which is made from rugged, waterproof polyester and features large side windows with mosquito netting.

Think about your dog’s needs before you set off – a good walk prior to travel, with plenty of opportunity for them to empty both bladder and bowels is essential.

Planning stops on your journey for a drink, walk, play and perhaps a small amount of food, is vital.

Floor space is at a premium in most campervans but it is important that dogs understand which space is theirs. It's worth thinking about space for your dog when choosing a campervan as some models and layouts will have a lot more floor space than others – and that could be crucial.

Nothing will spoil a holiday more than an emergency. So, although something is unlikely to happen, research where the local vets is, ensure your dog’s microchip details are up to date, carry a canine first aid kit, including a sling to carry your dog, and check your insurance policy. 

There are lots of way to keep dogs cool in the campervan when the temperature rises. Thermal blinds over the windows will keep the sun out and should help reduce the interior temperature.

Cooling jackets are soaked in water, then left in the fridge for a couple of hours. Put them on your dog before taking them outside for a walk or run around.

Check the ground temperature outside before going out – if it’s too hot for your bare feet to be on the ground, then it’s too hot for paws.

If you’re near water, encourage your dog to have a cooling swim. Finally, make sure your dog stays hydrated in hot temperatures so ensure there’s water available at all times.

An outdoor shower is the perfect way to rinse off mud before you let your dog back into the campervan after a walk.

Consider buying a campervan with a built-in outdoor shower or purchase a portable shower – the higher the pressure the better.

Check if tourist attractions are dog-friendly to avoid disappointment. Rules regarding stately homes, castles, etc, vary and often ornamental gardens are out of bounds to dogs. Historic properties do not usually let dogs inside, but many have beautiful outdoor spaces to explore. And there is no reason you couldn’t pop in for a quick look while a family member focuses on the dog. 

If you’re going to the seaside, look for dog-friendly beaches. Follow your dog's regular routine, including walk times, food and toilet breaks, while ensuring they have time to rest.

When travelling with your pet dog abroad, what you need to do will depend on the country or countries you’re going to, but the old pet passport scheme no longer applies since the UK left the EU after Brexit.

Now, when travelling to an EU country or Northern Ireland, your pet needs:

• A microchip
• A valid rabies vaccination
• An animal health certificate (AHC)
• Tapeworm treatment if you are travelling directly to Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway or Malta

Always check the rules of the country you’re travelling to for any additional restrictions or requirements before you travel.

You’ll need a new animal health certificate (AHC) from your vet for each journey you make to Europe or Northern Ireland, whether your dog has travelled there before or not. A visit to your vet is required to get the certificate.

This needs to be done no more than 10 days before you travel. You should plan well in advance, as vets can be busy and may not be able to fit in appointments at short notice.

If your pet hasn't previously travelled, or their rabies vaccination is out of date, you'll need to visit your vet at least 21 days before you travel.

Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old to get the rabies vaccination. After the rabies vaccination, you cannot travel for 21 days. You'll also need to microchip your dog as this is the best chance of returning your animal to you if it gets lost.

If you are travelling using LeShuttle, dogs remain in the campervan with their owners and there are dedicated exercise areas for dogs at either side of the crossing, which owners are encouraged to use.

If you’re going by ferry, the rules vary, so check before you book. Some ferry companies have dog-friendly cabins where your dog can stay with you for the entire journey, others have dog-friendly areas (but your pet might be required to wear a muzzle).

However, on some ferries, pets are required to stay in your vehicle on their own for the duration of the trip, which can be distressing for them and could even be a risk to their health.

For more information on taking your dog to Europe, read the Government's guide to taking your pet abroad, or call the Pet Travel Scheme helpline on 0370 241 1710. You can also email the Government’s pet travel helpline at [email protected] 

Most campsites are dog-friendly; indeed, that’s often a key reason for people choosing to go campervanning. But remember that not every campsite allows dogs, and others limit the number of dogs per pitch, so check before booking.

Most campsites will require your dog to be on a lead at all times, while some will have an exercise area where they can run free and some will have dog showers.

When you arrive, your dog may be excited, so it’s often a good idea to walk around the campsite and to visit the dog walk area to familiarise your furry friend with its surroundings.

Often owners secure their dogs outside their campervan, but check that you do not exceed maximum lead lengths for the campsite rules and that your dog cannot reach the neighbouring pitch or the campsite roads. Dogs should never be left secured unattended and remember that excessive barking will annoy others on the site.

Embark on memorable campervan holidays with your furry companions by following our expert advice. Ensure safety during travel, equip your campervan with essential dog items, and prioritise your dog's wellbeing on the road.

From cooling tips to foreign travel guidelines, make the most of your adventures with your beloved four-legged friends.