Vanlife with Pets: Hitting the Road with Your Furry Companion
Introduction
Hitting the road in a campervan with your dog or cat sounds like a dream… but between stressful drives, tight spaces, and pet travel regulations, things can quickly become overwhelming. This article shares all the essential tips for travelling smoothly with your four-legged companion: prepping your van, ensuring top-notch safety, and getting proper vet advice. Get ready to turn your road trip into a stress-free bonding experience – even in just 10m² (i.e. about 108 ft²)!
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- Van Layout That Works: Set up clear zones for sleeping, eating, and play to make the most of your space and keep your pet comfortable.
- Heat Risk Prevention: Use sunshades, install proper ventilation, and avoid gas-powered appliances to help maintain a safe, comfortable temperature inside the van.
- Must-Have Paperwork: Get a valid pet passport, make sure vaccinations (especially rabies) are up to date, and double-check the entry requirements for each country on your route.
- Feeding and Hydration Setup: Use spill-proof bowls, store kibble in airtight containers, and have a reliable way to filter or purify drinking water.
- Keeping Stress and Boredom at Bay: Create daily routines, pack interactive toys, and use calming techniques to help your pet feel safe and settled while on the road.
Travelling with pets is something we haven’t done ourselves—yet. Mainly because we’re always on the road as a couple, and we tend to think a pet is more useful for solo travellers. It can be a great way to feel safer—especially for the ladies—and a good deterrent against would-be thieves. That said, our camper’s got light-coloured carpet flooring… and we weren’t keen on the potential mess. Honestly, for us, it felt more like a hassle than a plus. So, full disclosure: this article might be a bit biased, though I’ll do my best to keep it fair and balanced!
Between Tight Quarters and Total Freedom
The Upsides of Vanlife with Pets
Travelling in a van with your dog or cat means sharing every little adventure from their nose-level view! Picture early morning forest walks, sun-drenched naps on your pull-out bed… This closeness builds real trust—better than a month snuggled on the sofa. And honestly, watching your pup run wild in the great outdoors? Priceless.
The key? Match your pace to your pet’s needs. Bathroom breaks turn into mini expeditions, drives fit around nap times. Your van becomes a roaming playground where every nook sparks curiosity. A dog that’s anxious in the city might turn into a proper adventurer once he’s got dirt under his paws!
Freedom… but Also a Bit Trapped
Here’s the flip side of vanlife with pets—it’s a paradox. Whether it works really depends on your vanlife style… and your pet.
- Got a cat or small dog? Limited space shouldn’t be a big issue—at least, not for short periods.
- Bigger or high-energy dog? They’ll definitely need room to burn off some steam!
Now, if your van’s your full-time home, you’ll want to stick to sunny, nature-rich spots. That way, your pet has space to explore. Same goes if your vibe is more relaxed vanlife than remote work. Because if, like us, you’re spending long hours working from the van… it might not be ideal for your furry co-pilot.
Bottom line? Vanlife with a pet often depends more on you… than on them.
Our Take
Let’s be honest—beyond having a companion for those lonely moments, one huge plus of having a pet on the road (especially a dog) is the extra peace of mind at night when you’re parked in the middle of nowhere. Your four-legged friend won’t hesitate to bark if something feels off. And just like you can’t see who’s outside or what they’re after, they won’t know what kind of dog—or beast—is waiting inside your van if they try anything.
That said, having a pet also means being available for them. It all comes down to how you define “freedom” in vanlife. Is freedom having zero obligations—so, no pet? Or is it being able to explore the world with your loyal companion right by your side?
Outfitting Your Van for Pet Comfort
Optimised Sleeping Spot
Your dog’s bed deserves just as much care as your own! To reduce vibrations while driving, you can use custom-cut memory foam mats. Pro tip: strap down the bed with anti-tip elastic straps. Cats love high-up hideouts near windows—an old IKEA drawer turned into a perch? Works wonders.
Skip velvet and go for tough technical fabrics like Cordura. Some pets are serial cushion-chewers, so go for washable covers whenever possible. Bonus: hide a zipper inside for sliding in cooling gel pads during summer. And if your cat’s claws are a problem, sisal glued to the van wall is a life-saver.
Smell tip: a quick spritz of white vinegar kills litter box odours in 2 seconds. You’re welcome!
Dividing Space in a Tiny Space
Sharing 6 to 10m² (i.e. about 65 to 108 ft²) with a golden retriever? Better plan ahead! The trick: create defined zones for sleeping, eating, and playing. I’ve seen a couple hang a hammock above their bed for their cat—brilliant way to keep fur off your pillow.
Heat in vans is public enemy number one. One story tells of a vanlifer who nearly lost his husky after just 20 minutes parked in the sun. Solution: sunshades, proper ventilation, and a generator to power the A/C if needed. Always check your pet’s nose—if it’s dry, that’s a red flag!
Smart Storage Solutions
Toys in hanging mesh bags… I’ve even seen a van with a treat dispenser built into the door! The best? Sliding drawers with false bottoms to stash vet supplies and meds.
For growing pups, I’d go for modular aluminium shelves. A mate of mine even fitted a mini lift for his Belgian Malinois! Look into Quick Release mounts so you can tweak the layout as your travels evolve.
| Size | Van Models | Key Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Small Pets | Kangoo, Berlingo | Heated pet bed, hanging storage |
| Medium Dogs | Transporter, Caddy | Forced-air ventilation, access step |
| Choosing the right van depends on your pet’s size—comfort, safety, and accessibility should guide your layout. | ||
Managing Water and Mealtimes
For food and water bowls? Go with magnetic or clipped ones fixed onto a stainless steel plate—no more spills in sharp turns! Store kibble in sealed jerrycans under the passenger seat.
Turn your 12V fridge into a pet pantry with a dedicated drawer. Personal tip: freeze treats inside water bottles—keeps food cool and doubles as an ice pack. And don’t forget to purify water from public fountains using multi-filtration tablets.
Daily Rituals for a Smooth Trip
Health and Hygiene Routine
Every morning, check your dog’s paw pads like a pro—a stray thorn can ruin a hike. My go-to? A quick paw soak in apple cider vinegar after each outing. For cats, daily brushing is a must—saves you from finding hairballs between the seats!
Your pet first-aid kit should include the essentials: a folding tick remover, haemostatic gauze, and saline solution. For cats, always pack a stress-relief spray like Feliway. One vanlifer told me he keeps a broad-spectrum antibiotic (prescribed by a vet) on hand for emergencies in remote areas.
Managing Stress and Boredom
Spotting signs of stress is crucial. For dogs, it’s wide eyes and fast panting. For cats, ears pinned back = red alert. Pro tip: wrap them in a weighted blanket during thunderstorms—it works wonders.
Top travel toys? A voice-activated kibble dispenser and calming pheromone balls. My Aussie shepherd loves his frozen Kong stuffed with homemade chicken broth—guaranteed 30 minutes of peace!
- Treat treasure hunts hidden in curtains
- Shared yoga sessions with guided stretches
- DIY mint ice lollies for dogs
- Essential oil massages (pet-safe, of course)
- Laser light games on a timer
- Custom white noise recordings for calm
- Foldable agility course with inflatable cones
Don’t forget that emotional security comes from consistent rituals: meals at set times, their favourite toy in bed, and those three magic words before starting the engine—”Let’s go, buddy!”
The Prep Checklist!
We’ve put together a handy little checklist—feel free to share it on social media!
Best Practices and Travel Regulations
Your Pet and the Paperwork Side of Travel
Planning a road trip to Norway with your pup? You’ll need a rabies vaccination and a microchip—both mandatory. You can get your pet passport from your vet, but make sure to sort it out at least three weeks before your trip. Miss this, and you risk your pet being placed in quarantine.
The passport must clearly show your pet’s microchip number and vaccination dates. Pro tip: scan the passport and store it in your cloud—just in case. If you’re driving through Switzerland, you’ll also need an extra health certificate. Always double-check on the local authority’s official site before heading off.
| Continent | Required Vaccinations | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Europe | Rabies |
|
| North America | Rabies |
|
| South America | Rabies |
|
| Asia | Rabies (others vary by country) |
|
| Oceania | Rabies (others vary by country) |
|
| Africa | Rabies |
|
| Before travelling with your pet, always check the specific entry requirements of your destination country—this includes vaccinations, health certificates, parasite treatments, and any potential quarantine rules. | ||
Current EU Regulations
Current EU RegulationsIn Europe, your dog must be microchipped with a 15-digit ISO number. For a road trip to Norway, get things sorted at least 3 weeks in advance: the rabies vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before entry. I know a vanlifer who got turned back at the Swiss border because of a passport stamp error—check every page carefully!
Pet liability insurance in Europe can cover up to €5 million (i.e. approx. \$5.4M / £4.3M) in case of injury. A friend had to fork out €1,500 (i.e. approx. \$1,620 / £1,300) in vet bills after a German shepherd chewed up someone’s shoes… Lesson learned: always read the fine print of your insurance policy before hitting the road!
Etiquette at Campgrounds
A dog barking past 10pm? Fastest way to get side-eyed by your neighbours. One trick: a vibration collar with a discreet remote (yep, controversial, but effective). For dog waste, use compostable bags and bury them at least 15cm deep (i.e. about 6 inches)—no dirty looks in the parking lot.
Good news: 82% of French campsites now allow pets. But beware of so-called dangerous breeds—some countries require muzzles even on leads. And never, ever leave your van parked in the sun without an emergency ventilation system running!
| Continent | Affected Breeds | Regulations |
|---|---|---|
| Europe | Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu | Rules vary by country: full bans (e.g. Denmark, United Kingdom), muzzle and lead requirements (e.g. Germany, France), or no restrictions (e.g. Netherlands) |
| North America | Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Doberman | Local laws apply: some provinces or cities restrict or ban specific breeds (e.g. Ontario, Canada), others have no specific laws |
| South America | American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Breed import bans or travel restrictions exist in some countries (e.g. Colombia, Ecuador) |
| Asia | Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu | Import bans or heavy restrictions in several countries (e.g. Singapore, Malaysia, Japan) |
| Oceania | American Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu | Strict import bans and tight regulations in Australia and New Zealand |
| Africa | American Pit Bull Terrier, Boerboel | Regulations vary; local bans or restrictions may apply depending on the country |
| Regulations on so-called dangerous dog breeds differ widely across continents. Before travelling or living in a van with your dog, it's crucial to check local laws to stay compliant and ensure your pet’s safety. | ||
Handling Emergencies on the Road
If your dog bolts during a quick stop: stay calm, and spread their scent by leaving out a blanket or toy with their pheromones. Make sure you’ve downloaded Pet Alert—it geo-locates 500+ vets across Europe—a must-have for long-distance van trips.
Animal-friendly vanlife networks like Pawbnb are real lifesavers. Some travellers have found a petsitter within an hour in Croatia thanks to a Facebook group. Save emergency numbers in your GPS *and* on paper—stick it to the dashboard just in case.
After every outing, give your furry buddy a good check to make sure they haven’t brought back any unwanted hitchhikers—ticks or insects that really don’t belong in a van with you!
Prepping your van, securing the space, and staying ahead of your pet’s needs will turn every road trip into an enjoyable experience. Double-check your setup, speak with your vet, and hit the road—your next stress-free, paperwork-proof adventure is already waiting to become an unforgettable memory.
Conclusion
So, now it’s up to you to decide if travelling with a pet fits your lifestyle. Obviously, if you already have one and they’re part of your life, they’re coming with you—no question. But if you’re thinking about getting a pet *just* for the journey, take a moment to really think it through. The roads are already full of animals left behind, and that’s not fair—they’re more than just travel buddies. They deserve a real place in your life, not just a supporting role in your adventures.
So ask yourself the right questions, be honest about your lifestyle… and if you’re going for it, do it properly—with love, care, and responsibility 🐾✨
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