One of the great reasons to travel by camper is precisely not having to leave your dog at home or in kennels. The motorhome is one of the best formats for travelling with animals, because you carry your "house" with you, and that gives them a sense of security. That said, travelling with a dog calls for a bit more forethought than travelling alone. Cover these points and they'll enjoy it as much as you do.
Safety on the road: first things first
In most countries, the animal has to be properly restrained while driving, so that it can't interfere with the driver or be thrown forward in a sudden stop. It isn't only a legal matter, it's a safety issue for everyone. The most common options:
- An approved dog harness with a seatbelt attachment, anchored to a fixed point.
- A well-secured carrier or crate, ideally anchored to the floor or between seats.
- A grille or divider that isolates the load area.
What it should never do is roam loose around the living area while you drive. [Note: restraint requirements and possible penalties vary by country — check your local traffic regulations.]
The big enemy: heat inside the vehicle
This is the most critical point and the one that causes the most heartbreak. The inside of a motorhome parked in the sun turns into an oven within minutes, and a dog shut inside can suffer fatal heatstroke. Non-negotiable rules:
- Never leave them alone inside on a hot day, not even "for a moment".
- If you have to leave them for a while in the shade, make sure there's genuine cross-ventilation and plenty of fresh water.
- Always park looking for shade and think about how the sun will move when you position the vehicle.
- Carry extra water and stop often to cool them down on long summer drives.
Stops and routine
A dog needs to stop more often than you do. Plan breaks every two or three hours so it can stretch, drink and relieve itself. Keeping its feeding and walking times as close to normal as possible helps it cope better with the change of routine. Bring its bed or a blanket with its scent: sleeping somewhere that smells like "theirs" is reassuring.
Paperwork and health
- Microchip and an up-to-date vet record (mandatory).
- Vaccinations up to date, especially rabies.
- If you're crossing into another country, you'll need the EU pet passport and to check the destination's requirements.
- Keep a recent photo of them on your phone in case they get lost, and check that the tag with your phone number is legible.
Where you can be together
Not every beach or space allows dogs, especially in high season. Look for dog-friendly beaches and accommodation or aires, which are becoming more common. And always pick up after them: the good reputation of travellers with dogs is something we all build together. To know where you can spend the night, our article on overnight parking areas can help.
In short
Travelling by motorhome with a dog is one of the most rewarding things you can do if you cover three fronts: safety on the road, the heat (their biggest risk) and paperwork in order. The step you can take today: check right now that you have an approved restraint system and that the microchip and vaccinations are up to date; those are the two things you can't improvise the day before the trip. And if it's your first time together, round it off with the tips for beginners.
