Many will say that nothing is better than life with a dog. But what about van life with dogs?
If you’re planning van life with dogs or another pet, there are a few things to consider to ensure a happy and safe journey for both you and your pet.
We’re big dog fans here at RoamRest, so we thought you’d like to read about some real-life tips and tricks we’ve learned while traveling with our furry friends.
Keeping Your Dog Comfortable and Safe in the Van
As a dog owner, the first thing to consider when deciding to embark (pun intended) on an adventure in your campervan is to provide your dog with a comfortable and safe space.
Consider investing in a high-impact rated crate or pet harness to keep your dog safe while driving. You can also create a cozy bed area for them to relax during the road trip, regardless of whether they are in a crate or restrained by a harness.
We designed the RuffRoost Dog Bed specifically for this purpose. This versatile cushion fits between your van’s driver and passenger seat to give your dog a comfortable place to ride so he can see all the views, just like you! It also doubles as a bench cushion, a fitness mat, and a durable dog bed you can throw out on the ground for your pup without damage concerns.
If you leave your van unattended with your pet inside, you may want to use a video monitoring device that works off cell service. The app iHeartCam can be used if you have an extra device, such as a 2nd phone or tablet, to live stream video from your van to your phone.
Ensure your furry friend is comfortable traveling in a camper van by taking a few test drives before your trip. If you can, have someone come with you in case your pet has issues while driving so they can help keep your pet safe while you pull over to address the situation.
Packing List for Life with a Dog in a Van
Always research the area you will be traveling to and pack accordingly for your pet to prepare for any weather conditions or terrain. You can call the local Forest Service or BLM office to ask if there is anything you should be aware of, such as rattlesnakes, mountain lions, or poisonous plants.
Regardless of your destination, always bring the following items for your best friend:
- Enough dog food and treats for the trip length
- Dog bowls (avoid metal, as when they are in the sun, they heat up and can make the water too warm to drink or make food undesirable)
- Your dog’s vaccination records
- Dog bags for waste
- Spare collar and leash
- A first aid kit for your pet
- Any medication, such as heartworm or flea and tick
- Pet claw clippers
- If your dog sheds, bring a brush and a small vacuum to manage dog hair
- Extra cleaning supplies in case of an accident
- Weatherproof dog coat
- Rag to clean muddy paws
- Any toy(s) your dog loves
