We, at Achtung Camper, are all for pet-friendly travel, and we understand that sometimes it can be a bit difficult to know what to bring and what not to bring. Here are our top tips for travelling with your furry friend:
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Seat belt.
This is our number one suggestion for transporting your dog or cat: Install or equip your van with a seat belt that will keep your pet safe and secure for the entire ride. If it’s just the two of you, they can position themselves in the front passenger seat. For a range of ideal products to travel safely with your dog, Dogs Out Doing offers a selection worth exploring. Visit their website or your preferred pet supplies store for more inspiration and options. With the right safety measures in place, you can enjoy your journey knowing your furry companion is comfortable and protected.
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Upholstery.
If you are about to order a campervan or motorhome take a second to consider the upholstery. Leather or vinyl is less likely to absorb odours, or invest in a seat cover for a specific dog or cat-only seat.
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Storage space.
To ensure a smooth and organized trip with your pet, dedicate one cupboard in your van specifically for their belongings. This will make it easier to locate essential items such as a leash, medication, or chucker when needed. Remember to pack other vital supplies like a dog brush to manage excess hair, water and food bowls, favorite toys, balls, collars, air-tight containers for food, old towels, biodegradable poop bags, and wipes. Having these items readily accessible will make your camping experience with your furry friend much more enjoyable and hassle-free.
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Desensitise.
A campervan is a strange place for any pet and can often cause unrest and motion sickness. To get your furry friend used to your van before you start out on a long road trip, it’s best to take them on a few shorter drives. Be sure to pack a couple of blankets and even your pet’s favourite toy, the more comfortable and familiar the campervan is to them, the easier your trip is going to be! Relieving your pet’s stress related to road travel can also help with overcoming motion sickness.
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Health records.
If you’re planning to cross borders, you’ll need to pack your dog’s health records and have them on hand to show. These are necessary to prove to the relevant authorities that your dog is healthy and vaccinated. It’s also ideal to have these available for any sudden visits to a vet. Another thing for the designated pet storage cupboard!
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Ventilation.
Open windows and doors regularly to air out any pet odours.
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Temperature.
Be conscious of how hot a van can get, especially during an Australian summer. It is actually illegal to leave a dog in an unattended vehicle in some states. Always ensure your pet has access to water, make regular rest stops to allow them to drink water, relieve themselves and stretch their legs. Everyone will be grateful for a dose of fresh air and exercise to complete the next stage of travel.
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Microchip.
Prior to hitting the road, microchip your pet. This way if they do get lost or go wandering, you are more likely to find them.
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Training.
If you haven’t already, train your dog with a few basic commands – sit, stay and most importantly recall. This is vital for the safety of not only your dog but other campers. Not everyone is a dog lover, and it is the dog owner’s responsibility to be able to recall their pet if others are feeling uncomfortable.
Hopefully, these top tips for pet-friendly travel are helpful and if you are after a list of hot tips on camping with your dog check out our blog here.
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