One of the major advantages of the campervan holiday is that it affords us the opportunity to take our family pets along for the ride. There’s no awkward conversation to have with the B&B: if you own the campervan, then you can make the rules. And, even if you don’t, you might find that campervan rental companies are very accommodating when it comes to dogs and cats.
Just make sure that you’ve checked the small print of your campervan insurance, and that your claim will still be valid if pets are involved in it.
The Joys of Traveling with Pets in a Campervan
If you’ve formed a close bond with your family pet, then it’s only sensible that you share some of your holiday time with them. A campervan trip is a chance to forge close links with those around you, and the family pet can often emphasise that. If you’re looking to spend time with your dog, then you might find a caravan park with easy access to dog-friendly walking trails. And, if you find such a park, then you’ll probably also find an opportunity to get acquainted with other dogs and their owners.
We should also think about the stress and hardship we might avoid. You won’t need to find a kennel or cattery, and you’ll avoid the hassle and worry associated with a long-haul flight with your pet in the cargo hold.
In short, a campervan holiday provides a degree of freedom and flexibility that both pets and owners will appreciate.
Challenges and Solutions
Of course, there are a few things to bear in mind if you’re going to get the best out of this experience.
Your space will be much more limited, which can often lead to anxiety in dogs who aren’t used to being confined. The best solution to this problem is to get the dog outdoors while you can, and to make sure that they’re physically exhausted by the time you retire for the evening.
If you’re taking a dog on a trip for the first time, then you might keep your stay short to begin with. You might even consider a test run. Stay overnight in the campervan while it’s parked on the drive, and see how things go.
It’s worth also doing your research and finding out what pet-friendly facilities are on offer, not only at your final destination but at stopping-off points along the way.
Choosing the Right Campervan
Generally speaking, the larger your campervan, the better it will be for your dog. Take into consideration any extra amenities you need, and whether additional safety features like ramps are going to be required.
Before you set out, you’ll want to double-check that you’ve remembered:
Pet food
Bowls
Bedding
Collars
Leads
Jackets
Poo bags
Toys
