Travelling with dogs: Our top tips

There’s that old saying about a dog being for life and not just for Christmas… There’s a similar one for motorhome and campervan owners: A dog is for taking on the road, not just for leaving at home. Alright, that’s not strictly true. We just made that saying up. But the point it illustrates is completely true. If you’re a dog owner, you’re going to want to take your pooch on holiday when the time comes to point your vehicle in the direction of fun, and hit the road.

Broadly speaking, the main thing to do is make your dog’s comfort a priority. Some dogs are really good travellers and enjoy sitting in the back or boot of a car on journeys checking out the view through the window, but they may only be accustomed to short trips. Longer-distance travel over a number of days or even weeks will present an entirely different experience for them, and so it’s important to take steps to ensure that they’re as comfortable as possible.

How do you do it, though, in a way that is comfortable for the dog and convenient for you? What are the things you need to know about motorhome travel with dogs? This edition of our blog offers tips and tricks to ensure a happy holiday for your furry friend as well as for you…

To help your dog settle down in your leisure vehicle, take along a favourite blanket or toy, as this will have their scent on. Having something familiar close at hand (or, should we say, at paw) will provide your dog with comfort and security in unfamiliar surroundings.

Think about how your dog will be the safest during travels. It’s not good to let a dog roam freely in the vehicle as the distraction or interference to your driving could cause an accident. In the event of any accident, however it is caused, you or the dog – or both – could be seriously injured. You should invest in a secure crate or even a harness to keep them safe.

Ensure you make regular stops when you’re travelling for extended periods of time, as your dog will need to have a stroll and stretch legs, get some fresh air and relieve themselves. You probably will, too!

It’s also important to maintain your dog’s cleanliness. Your motorhome may have an external shower point, so you could use this to clean them after a muddy forest walk or a day messing about on the beach. If your motorhome has a garage this will provide you with the perfect area to clean and dry your dog.

Going on holiday is all about stepping outside of your norm and relaxing, and taking your dog along means that they can become part of this experience. However, dogs thrive on routine and so it’s important to make sure their meal times and exercise schedules are kept consistent. Walk them at the usual time, feed them at the usual time – maintaining this standard routine will help them to be secure and happy.

You should make a checklist of the essentials you’ll need to take for your dog before you set off on a trip. This is sure to include items such as food and drink bowls, biscuits and wet food, chew toys, balls, poo bags and a lead. You also must remember to take any medications your dog might need.

If you have decided to venture onto the continent in your motorhome, it’s important to be aware of the fact that different rules apply for taking a dog to an EU country than to a non-EU country. In other words, if you are intending to drive through, say, France, Italy, Spain etc, the rules are different than if you are driving to Scotland or Wales. When travelling to an EU country (or Northern Ireland) you must ensure that they have a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination (administered at least 21 days before travel), and either an animal health certificate or a valid pet passport.

There are other rules and regulations around European travel, and you can find a more thorough explanation of them at the government’s website.

Here at Chelston we can supply you with the right vehicle to go adventuring with your pooch, whether you’re looking for a new or used motorhome! Before you take that trip, just spending a little bit of time doing some planning around your dog’s needs means that you’re more likely to enjoy a stress-free and enjoyable holiday.