Traveling With Pets
Updated 11.17.2024It’s important to carefully consider bringing pets on van life adventures. There are some challenges associated with accommodating pets in a van, but they can be overcome. Make sure you take time to prepare your pet for van life. You want to ensure their safety and well-being is given priority.
Assessing your pet's needs and compatibility with van life
Our pets are part of our family and are affected by the changes going on all around them. When moving out of a familiar, comfortable home with room to run and all of their favorite smells and spots, it can take time for them to adjust to their new environment. Consider what space will be allocated to your pets in the van, and perhaps modify the space to suit their needs. Bring a dog bed. You want your dog to be comfortable on those long drives.
Make sure your dog is comfortable in small spaces. If your dog isn't used to being in a smaller space, start by slowly acclimating them. Spend short periods of time in the van until they get used to it before fully moving in and before you head off.
It’s important to test your pet’s adaptability before committing to van life.
Training your dog
A well-trained dog is going to be easier to handle on the road than a dog that is constantly misbehaving. Maybe you need to socialize them or take a basic dog training class before you head out.
Understand restrictions and regulations in certain locations
Don’t show up somewhere assuming it’s dog-friendly. Most national parks, for example, have strict regulations about dogs. Pets aren’t allowed on most trails and must be kept on short leashes in campgrounds. Do your research ahead of time.
Address exercise requirements for pets in a limited living area.
Make sure you take plenty of driving breaks. If you have to pee, your dog does too. Just like humans need to get out and stretch their legs on long drives, so do dogs. Do a couple of quick laps around the parking lot with your dog to make sure they’re not just sitting in a car for hours.
Always have water available for your dog
Your dog shouldn’t have to wait until you stop for gas to get a drink of water. Get a small stable water bowl and let them drink when they want.
Get equipment and toys that will last
If your dog is into fetch, a quick way to get a lot of exercise is a chuck-it ball thrower. You’ll throw the ball much further than you can with your arm, meaning the dog runs a lot further in a shorter period of time. Plus, with the chuck-it, you won’t have to touch that slobber-covered ball with your bare hands.
Make sure you are okay with toys getting lost along the way, it is bound to happen!
Invest in some good quality gear like a leash, harness, and tie-out stakes to keep your dog safe.
Nighttime sanity includes knowing that the rustling bushes behind you are just an exploring hound and not a bear. Get an LED dog collar on your pet so it’s easier to find them at night.
Find the local dog parks
When you arrive in a new town, an easy way to blow off your dog’s steam is to stop by a local dog park. They will be bursting with energy, and it’s a good way to socialize them as well. Not sure where to go? Search Dog Park near me. BringFido is also a great app to have on your phone to find dog-friendly locations.
Know your van is going to get dirty
Dogs can be messy. Some shed, some slobber, and all of them get dirty. There’s no way around it and the best way to deal is to accept it. Don’t get mad at them for being dirty.
A portable car vacuum is handy. Quick-dry towels are also convenient for drying dogs off when they get wet.
Most Tractor Supply Stores have Pet Wash Stations for only $10.
Understand the dangers of leaving pets unattended inside a vehicle
Be smart about leaving your dog in the van. Whether or not you can leave your dog in your van hinges on several factors, including temperature and safety. You also need to consider any applicable local laws that might prohibit leaving your animal unattended in a vehicle.
It may be worth looking into a remote temperature monitor, like Waggle, if you do. These thermometers sit inside the car and measure heat and humidity. You can check the results on your phone and set up alerts if it rises above a certain level.
If it’s too hot in the van for you to be comfortable, it’s too hot for your pet. Generally, if the temperature is above 65 degrees outside, it is too hot to leave your dog in the car.
If you do leave them, leave a note in the front window, park where you can see your van from inside, crack the windows and you might even consider putting a portable fan in your car to keep them cool. Reflective windshield covers also help keep the temperature down in your vehicle.
If you are in a situation where you need to leave your dog often, the most important dog-friendly feature you can build into a van is a 12v vent fan.
Here is an example of a note you can leave on your dash:
Our dog [NAME] has food, water and a vent fan to keep cool. If you are concerned about his well-being, please don’t hesitate to text or call us immediately.
[Phone Number]
Dog tags and Microchips
These need to be up to date. When was the last time you’ve looked at your dog’s tag? Or maybe he doesn’t even have one. When you travel it is important to have a dog tag with a current phone number. Is your dog microchipped? Make sure the contact information associated with their microchip is current.
In addition to the microchip, you may want a GPS device, like an Apple tag, to put on their collar. But if you need an affordable option, which we love and value as vanlifers, check out this dog tag: Dog Tag Option.
Vet Considerations
You’ll want to be sure that your pets have vet appointments before you leave and are up to date with their shots and vaccinations. This is especially important if you're traveling to different states where there may be additional regulations. You might even want to check into joining a national pet healthcare chain. Search vet companies with nationwide locations.
Remember your pets will be exposed to more things and a range of environments as you travel. Talk with your vet about this to see if there is a need for additional vaccinations.
Keeping up on Heartworm, and flea and tick medications are a must.
Have copies of your dog’s vaccination record & pack a first-aid kit
If your pet gets sick or needs to be boarded for a time, you will need a copy of their vaccination records. Usually, a copy on your phone will suffice, but not always, so be sure to have physical copies as well. You can always keep a digital copy and print a hard copy at Staples when needed.
Travel with a dog first aid kit which includes an assortment of dressings, bandages, and tools like the splinter picker/tick remover to remove ticks, thorns, or those pesky stickers from your dog’s paws and body.
Pick up after your dog
Don’t be the jerk who doesn’t pick up after their dog. Not only is it gross to look at, or worse, step on, dog poop pollutes waterways. Keep a supply of poop bags in your van, so you are always prepared to pick up after your dogs.
Be aware of wildlife
Some campgrounds have bears, foxes, elk or other wildlife that can easily show up unexpectedly, and the last thing you want is your dog coming nose to nose with a wild animal. Educate yourself about the local wildlife and make smart choices, so your dog doesn’t end up hurt or worse.
Find dog-friendly activities
When living van life with your faithful companion, it's important to place their needs at the forefront of your planning. As you plan your itinerary and day-to-day activities, consider your dog's well-being and happiness as a top priority.
Seek out places that welcome your furry friend, so your adventures are shared together. Plan your van life travels in a way that allows for meaningful experiences with your pet. This might mean avoiding scorching hot locations during peak summer or opting for trails on public lands that allow dogs instead of National Parks.
And to make your adventures even more delightful, check out Sniffspot - a private dog park rental. Sign up and snag my $5 gift to explore pet-friendly spots where you and your fur baby can roam free.
Take the time to research dog regulations before venturing into new destinations, so you have a smooth and hassle-free experience. National Parks require careful consideration, so familiarize yourself with their specific pet policies in advance, each park is different.
When eating out, scout for restaurants with dog-friendly patios. If no pet-friendly options are available, take the opportunity to enjoy a delicious take-out meal while finding a picturesque location for a picnic where both you and your dog can enjoy.
Don’t risk running out of food, make sure you use a brand available everywhere.
It’s hard on some dogs if you switch their food all the time, so make sure that your dog’s food is available at major food or pet stores, so you can easily find it. This goes for your regular treats, too.
Van life can be hard on a dog’s eating schedule. Some dogs don’t like to eat while the van is moving, others don’t mind. Every dog is different so pay attention to their eating habits and try to stick to a routine. Also, always have a water bowl available for them. This water bowl is great for driving and the water doesn’t spill, even on rough roads.
If your pet needs medication or a special brand of food, stock up before you leave, as it’s not always easy to find these things as you travel.
Daycare/Boarding
If there is somewhere that your dog can’t go and you don’t want to pass up the opportunity, most cities have options. Search for a local doggie daycare or check out Rover.com. Rover.com is essentially an Airbnb for dogs. You can find people nearby who will board your dog for a few hours, or several days. You can see reviews for who is going to babysit your dog, and because you’re dealing with individuals the locations and hours are much more flexible.
Use this link to save $20 off your first Rover booking: https://www.rover.com/ambas-refer-a-friend/eN6ndRaN
There are a number of PetSmart stores that offer Doggie Day Camp from open to close.
Be prepared for bad weather.
If you're traveling in an area with lots of rain, snow, or extreme temperatures, make sure you have a plan for how you'll keep your dog comfortable in those conditions. Rain on your van can be scary.
Pet Websites:
CPR For PEts
In case of emergencies, giving CPR to your pet can be a game-changer! Here's a simple guide to help you along the way:
1️⃣ Clear the Airway:
Check their mouth and throat for anything blocking their breathing. If you spot something, remove it ASAP.
2️⃣ Artificial Respirations:
✨ For large dogs: Close their jaw and gently breathe into their nose. You should see their chest rise. Give 2 breaths.
✨ For small dogs & cats: Cover their nose and mouth with your mouth, breathe in, and watch the chest rise. Give 2 breaths.
3️⃣ Chest Compressions:
✨ For large dogs: Lay them on their back and press down on their chest, just like you would with a human.
✨ For small dogs & cats: You might need to place them on their side or press on both sides of their chest at the ribs. Compressions vary based on size:
Dogs over 60 lbs: 60 compressions per minute
11 to 60 lbs: 80-100 compressions per minute
Under 10 lbs: 120 compressions per minute
4️⃣ Alternate Breaths and Compressions:
Stick to a rhythm: 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths, and repeat until they respond or breathe on their own.
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Embark on a heartwarming journey of van life with your furry best friend by your side. Discover the joys and challenges of hitting the open road with your dog in our latest blog post. From preparing your pet for van life to finding dog-friendly destinations, we share essential tips and personal anecdotes that will inspire and guide you. Learn how to create a comfortable and safe environment for your pet, and make every mile an unforgettable adventure. Ready to explore the world from the comfort of your van with your four-legged companion? Click to read more and unlock the secrets to a pet-friendly van life experience!