Travelling in a van is exciting. The whole world is open for you to explore, and the best thing about van travel? You can take your dog(s) with you. Living in a van with a dog(s) for a week or more can be challenging and stressful at times, but it's also rewarding and heartwarming to be able to share those experiences with them. They won't care about the views, location or itinerary, they will simply be happy to be spending time with you exploring new places and smells.
Hey! I'm TJ. Welcome back to the blog, if you are new, hello!
I have travelled numerous times with my German Shepherd/ Siberian Husky cross, Anayah, and it's safe to say I've learned a thing or two about van travel with a dog. So, here are 10 tips for travelling with your dog(s) in a van that I have learnt from experience.
Read until the end for a free, downloadable checklist for travelling with your dog!
There are a few things you need to keep in mind when travelling with your dog.
They will not understand what is going on or where they are. They may feel confused, scared, excited, anxious or a combination. Their behaviour might change and become more erratic or unusual which is normal. They may be perfectly behaved at home, but out travelling may not listen to you and could become destructive or reactive. Do not get angry at them for it. Instead, help them feel safe and let them know that you are there with them. Dogs are incredible at picking up on our emotions, therefore if we are relaxed and stress-free, they will be too - once they get used to it.
They should settle after a few days and get used to the new routine. Eventually, like Anayah, they will learn to differentiate the routines of home life and van life. Anayah is now perfectly happy going in the van and slips straight into the travel routine without a hitch.
She loves it! She gets excited when I start packing the van and is thrilled by the adventures. I mean. just look at that face - that's a happy dog.
Keep reading for further information about each tip and my personal experiences travelling with Anayah in the van.
1 . Documentation
Make sure you have all the necessary documentation!
This may include a health certificate from the veterinarian, a passport, proof of vaccinations, proof of ownership, and possibly other documents.
If you are staying within your country, you might not need all of these, but be sure to double-check what is required by the places you are traveling to and through.
When traveling overseas with your dog, you will need either a health certificate, a passport, or both.
Your dog may require certain vaccinations for your destination, so ensure you have proof of those vaccinations on hand. Some locations may also require you to worm your dog before departure and before your return.
This is crucial, as failing to provide the required documentation can result in serious consequences, such as denied entry or quarantine for your dog. Traveling with your furry friend can be costly, but it’s essential to have all the necessary paperwork—it's not worth the risk!
When Anayah and I took the ferry to Ireland from Wales, I had to get a health certificate and she had to be wormed and vaccinated against rabies before we left. 5 days before we were due to come home, Anayah had to be wormed again and it had to be signed by the vet who sold it us. Luckily, the first vet we found on the day was able to help us out!
2 . Check your pet insurance
Most pet insurance policies cover your dog for a certain number of days while you are out of the country. However, it's essential to check your specific policy to ensure the coverage extends to your desired location and duration of your trip. Different insurers will have varying terms so be sure to read the small print!
If you are unsure or need to extend the policy cover, contact your provider and see how you can add the coverage you need.
Having comprehensive cover can provide you with peace of mind whilst travelling. If something were to happen while you were away, such as your dog getting injured or falling ill, knowing they are covered will be a much needed comfort. After all, ensuring your fury friend is protected is an important part of being a responsible pet owner.
3 . Pack a dog bag, or two
Dogs, however intelligent they may be, cannot pack their own bags. Well, some can pick up items and put them in the bags for you, but it's your responsibility to pack everything you and your dog will need whilst away from home.
Each of us are different and so are our dogs, so your packing checklist may include additional items to best suit your companion. However, some essentials to ensure sure you pack are:
Dog food and water, bowls, bedding, grooming kit, treats, enrichment items (lick mats etc), dog first aid kit (make your own up or you can get them online or at pet shops), lead/harness and collar (with an up-to-date contact tag), dog medications, poo bags, cool mat or hot water bottle and their coat (if they use one).
I have certain toys specifically for travelling for Anayah, it's a fun way to rotate her toys and she associates those toys with life on the road.
It's also key to ensure your safety and your dogs whilst your driving. For more information about the legalities of travelling with a pet in the vehicle, please visit Safe car travel for pets - PDSA, but to sum it up: your dog cannot be in the passenger seat and they have to be restrained either with a harness and seat-belt or a travel-safe crate or carrier.
If you scroll to the bottom of the page, there is a free downloadable dog travel checklist for you to use!
4 . Chews and lick mats
Just like at home, enriching your dog with food items is a great way to stimulate their brain and help them settle down. If you are trying to cook food or are wanting to chill for a bit, giving your dog a chew or a lick mat is a way to keep them occupied.
I only give Anayah a couple of chews a week as she can get a sensitive stomach, but the lick mats can be a regular thing with her wet food as it adds nothing extra to her diet.
Avoid giving your dog food items whilst your are driving as you are not able to assist should they get themselves into a pickle! It's also best to not give your dog anything heavy right before travelling if they are prone to motion sickness.
Dog chews can be bought at most pet stores, but I recommend buying what you need before you go (if boarder restrictions allow). This way, you know you have the ones your dog likes and can have, as travelling often lands you up in places that might not sell the same things - or any at all! Wrap the chews up well in reusable bags to prevent the smell from leaking into the van.
Lick mats are easy to take in a van as they take up very little space. You can use these with your dogs wet food, meat pates, dog friendly peanut butter or even mashed banana.
Lick mats are especially good for anxious dogs as licking can be soothing for them and encourage them to relax.
5 . Take extra dog food
I learnt this the hard way: always take extra dog food.
If you feed your dog a well-known brand that's available at every shop everywhere, you might be alright. However, if you, like me, get food that's not readily available at regular shops, I highly suggest taking spare.
Measure out how much your dog roughly eats per meal, then times that by the number of meals you will need whilst being away. Then add half of that again.
Your dog may end up eating more due to increased activity, and you may drop or spill some (I once tipped the tub over and before I could even start picking it up, I was fighting seagulls for the kibble). It's also good to have spare in case you get stuck somewhere longer than you planned, the last thing you want to have to worry about is running out of dog food.
6 . Stick to a Routine
Dogs love routine. They crave it, need it, thrive off it. You going travelling changes their normal daily routine. This might add to the anxiety of being away from home. You have put your dog in an unfamiliar and scary situation.
I always try to stick to as much of our home routine as I can. For example, I take Anayah for a walk before we have breakfast, serve her breakfast and dinner at the same time as at home (when possible), and I give her a dental chew after she's had her first meal. Little things that might not seem like such a big deal to can be to them.
Do you always give them a head scratch when you walk past at home? Do the same whilst your travelling. Those familiar moments will help your dog adjust to life on the road.
Anayah was highly anxious the first few days of our first trip, but soon settled into the rhythm of van life. Now, she is able to adapt quickly whenever we travel without needing those adjustment days.
Sticking to a routine is the best way to reduce any behaviour changes.
7 . Let them sniff and explore
Following on from that, most dogs love exploring somewhere new. They are surrounded by a variety of sensory experiences, so it's important to let them enjoy this and give them chance to sniff around.
This exploration provides great mental stimulation, introduces them to new situations and smells, and can reduce their anxiety. It allow them to use their built-in instincts, improves their relationship with you and boosts confidence in themselves (Unless, of course, they are like Anayah, who got terrified of a rock in the sea and had a shouting match with it for a good 10 minutes.) Additionally, this sniffing can help train their scent-work skills.
8 . Ensure they rest
Some dogs have a habit of going-going-going, even when they are exhausted. This can worsen their behaviour, making them act wired and create bad patterns. You might think they still have energy and tire them out further, which will only make them worse and it's a downward spiral. If your dog has been busy all day and is still energetic, they are actually overtired.
Anayah is a master of not resting and will be hyper. In these cases I usually give Anayah a lick mat to calm her down and crate her. She normally falls asleep almost instantly, despite trying to convince me she wasn't tired.
Whilst your travelling, the excitement and nervousness can make it hard for them to rest during the day. It's your responsibility help them decompress and get enough sleep. When you're at home, how often does your dog nap? Try to match that when in the van.
I got into the routine of crating Anayah when I was cooking, eating and relaxing. The crate is a safe space for her and encourages her to rest.
9 . Keep your dog on lead (unless you 100% trust them to listen)
This advice is something I would share with any dog owner at any time, but it becomes even more crucial when you're away from home. As someone with a reactive dog, I find that when other people don’t have full control over their off-lead dogs, it can negatively impact all the training I’ve worked hard on with my rescue dog. It also puts both dogs and myself at risk of a potential dog fight. Anayah isn’t aggressive, but she can be selective about which dogs she likes, and she’s also quite anxious due to her past experiences in an unstable home.
Imagine being hundreds of miles away from home, walking your dog off-lead. They spot a deer or a rabbit and bolt after it. You might stand there waiting because they usually come back eventually. However, they don’t know the area—it’s their first time there—and after chasing the deer, they might run too far and struggle to find their way back to you.
It’s simply not worth the risk. Unless you have complete control over your dog’s recall (which I know is possible!), and there’s nothing that could distract them from listening to you, it’s best to keep them on a lead.
I use super long training leads for Anayah, which allows her the freedom to explore and be adventurous while still being safe and under control. I wouldn’t trust her off-lead at home, let alone in an unfamiliar area, as she can be quite unpredictable.
10. Take photos
The main thing to focus on whilst you are travelling with your best bud is to make memories with them and take photos! You can put them in a scrapbook, have them framed on your wall or just keep them on your phone to look at when you want to reminisce. Enjoy building a stronger bond with your dog and getting to know their beautiful soul more. Travelling with your dog is truly a rewarding experience and the memories you will make will be more precious than anything. My favourite photo of Anayah (the one above) was taken at sunrise on a beach in Scotland. It's such a stunning photo of her and it reminds me of the magical morning and the fun we had chasing the gulls.
Remember, your dog doesn’t care about the view or the money you spend. They won’t be bothered if you’re at the beach, in the woods, or exploring the mountains; the only thing that truly matters to them is spending time with you. They trust you completely and will enjoy the journey no matter the destination.
While taking your dog with you in your van can be tricky logistically and adds extra responsibility to your adventure, it is worth every second of additional time spent together. Dogs don’t stay on this earth long enough, so every moment counts.
Have you been travelling with your dog? How did it go? Or maybe you are planning a trip, I would love to hear all about it! Follow me on social media and send me a message, I love chatting to you guys!
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