After road tripping for 4 months around US and Mexico we had a pretty good sense on how to best travel with a dog. We then started Brooklyn Campervans and built 45 vans since then. 38 of those vans have been for clients with pets.
Pets ranged from a large Great Dane to multiple cats. We even had a serious request to put in an aquarium, however, with the water movement, that was unfortunately not feasible.
If you're about to hit the road, do an RV trip, and wondering if it's possible to bring your furry best friend along. The answer is a resounding yes!
Imagine driving your van down the road, windows down and your dog, happy as a clam, sticking their head out the window.
Van life with your best friend is the absolute dream.
In this article, we'll discuss helpful tips and tricks for dog owners, van life, recommendations for dog friendly activities, pet-friendly places to stay, and more.
Let's dive in!
Helpful Tips for Packing for Dog Owners
Dog parents understand the struggle of not only packing everything you need for your trip, but all your dog's items as well.
When packing essentials for your pet for van life, you’ll want to consolidate their gear to save as much space as possible.
Here are a few things you can do:
Dog food and Toys
One of the biggest challenges is storing dog food and your dog's favorite toys because they take up so much space.
Your best bet will be to get travel size storage containers or a dog travel bag.
If needed, you can always purchase more food along the way.
My personal favorite item is the no spill dog water bowl for inside the van, and then also the collapsible dog bowl and water bowl for hikes or meal time.
Dog bed
A way to keep your beloved dog comfortable while also saving room is using a foldable dog bed or mat.
Many dogs like to lay on your bed in the van, so you might not have to worry about it anyway.
Pet first-aid kit
Whether your dog gets car sick or gets a scratch on a walk, it's a good idea to keep a first aid kit on hand (or you can make your own). Here are a few things to stock it with:
Bandages
Tweezers
Saline
Paw balm
Pet wipes
Gauze
Pet thermometer
Give Your Dog a Spot to Call Their Own
If your dog is anything like mine, they prefer to have a dog bed, blanket, or "safe space" to reside.
Even if it's a small area, both you and your dog should have a place in your van that is your own.
Most dogs are happy to simply sleep in their dog bed on the passenger seat, although big dogs might require some shared space on the floor. You can take a look at our complete guide to Van Layouts to find one that suitable for your dog size.
There are also plenty of travel blankets or mats you can purchase that will fold up for easy storage.
It’s a good idea to get a cooling mat and warm blanket for different seasons of traveling.
Van Life with Dogs: Climate Control
You know your dog best, but as a general guideline according to BetterVet, it's not safe for your dog on hot days when the temperature is 70 degrees or higher. There are a number of ways to keep the van climate controlled.
At Brooklyn Campervans we build our vans with Gen 3 12v Starlink satellite internet that consumes little energy and can be left on. This allows remote temperature monitoring so you can check in on your pets on a long hike. You can also remotely monitor the battery levels so you know how much longer you can run the AC. By having the AC and heater set at the temperature you'd like, plus being able to monitor the van remotely, you can rest assured your pet is doing fine in cold or hot weather.
However, if you don't have Starlink or AC, it is important to be mindful of how hot the van can get. Cool down the van with the vehicle's AC, and put insulated window shades before leaving the van. Get some circulation going if you have a vent fan like the MaxxAir Fan and set the automatic temperature turn-on setting. If you're going for a hike, and leaving early, definitely be mindful of how the temperature rises throughout the day. Always plan for the worst i.e. in case you get lost. Your pets health is the #1 priority!
Bring Your Dog's Vaccination Records
Similarly to how you have access to your medical records on your phone or filed away somewhere safe, you should have copies of your dog’s vet records, including your dog's vaccination records, while on the road.
You may not be asked for these, but it’s helpful in case one of the places you stay requires it.
Additionally, some pet stores require proof of a rabies vaccine in order to groom or bathe your dog.
Plus, you never know if your dog will need to see a vet when you travel and this will make the process easier for all involved.
Stay at Dog-Friendly Places
It's always a good practice to research dog-friendly places to stay and dog friendly activities along the way.
Because so many people travel with pets these days, most places will have a website with a section listing out their rules regarding this.
Read carefully since some places will only allow service dogs. For every spot that doesn’t allow dogs, there are just as many (if not more) that will let your pup come with you.
Boondocking is a great way to find places in BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Public Land, where your dogs can run free. If you're looking for spots to stay iOverlander is a great app.
To help you out, here are some dog friendly activities:
National parks and state parks
If you're doing a cross country trip and visiting national and state parks, you will need to do research ahead of time.
Some of them may not allow pets and many will make you keep your dog on a leash.
Here's a list of dog friendly national parks.
Restaurants
Many restaurants have a pet friendly patio outside or you can bring your dog inside at least while you order and then find somewhere to eat outdoors.
Occasionally, you will find a pet friendly bar. It's always good to call ahead and see.
Dog parks
Dog parks are a tricky one because some are off leash (with or without fences) and some have restrictions.
Overall, dog parents are pretty understanding and friendly, you just never know what kind of dog yours will come in contact with so be careful.
Dog Friendly Campgrounds
Make sure you check for breed restrictions at dog friendly campgrounds or RV parks.
Hikes
You might be shocked to find out that not all hikes are dog friendly.
The best way to find out is to search the hike online before you get there. We recommend using the app AllTrails.
You can read reviews about the hike from other dog parents to see if the hike is doable for both you and your dog.
When You Need to Leave Your Dog in the Van
Inevitably you will come across times when you’ll need to leave your dog unattended in your van whether it’s a stop that doesn’t allow dogs inside, you need to go grocery shopping or get a bite to eat, etc. We talked about climate control earlier, but here are a few more items to consider:
Access: Will your pup have access to food and water or need to be kept in a crate?
If you have a small dog, you can use a foldable crate and use it when you leave your dog in the van.
This just means you shouldn't leave them alone for too long if they don't have readily accessible food and water.
Length of time: How long will your pup be by themselves?
Ideally you shouldn’t be gone more than a few hours, especially if your dog has been cooped up in the van while traveling.
Depending on where you are, a dog sitter or boarder are great options.
Location: Is the place where you’re parked safe?
Taking extra security precautions when leaving your dog inside your van is extremely important.
Invest in extra locks, window covers, and cameras so that you can monitor your van from anywhere.
There's been quiet a lot of distress for passersbys who don't understand the concept of camper vans and climate control capabilities that they are stories of people calling the local animal control or 911. It's generally best practice to put on window shades to avoid the drama and keep the van insulated.
Establish a Van Life Routine
When at home, your furry friend is used to their regular routine of eating, sleeping, playing, going potty, repeat.
It’s important to maintain a schedule on the road as well.
Even if you can’t do all of these things at the same time every day due to traveling, you can at least feed your dog on a schedule.
Additionally, in the same way you need to stretch your legs after a few hours of driving, your dog needs to as well.
Take breaks along the way to let your furry friend get a long walk before hopping back in.
What if I Have Multiple Dogs or Large Dogs?
If you have more than one dog or larger dogs, you can still bring them!
While you might have to make small sacrifices like extra space and stopping more often to stretch their legs, not too much will change.
Plus your furry friends will have each other to play with when you're tired.
Keep in mind there are some dog breeds that are better van life dogs than others.
For example, Australian Shepherds typically have a lot of energy. So be mindful of this - you might need to run them more often or adhere to their needs when traveling.
Brooklyn Campervans and Building Camper Vans for Dogs
We've heard quite a few times from our clients, especially those living in NYC, that Van Life is mainly for the pets. They seek escape from the NYC apartment into the freedom of an open prairie, where a dog can roam. The vans are built around the pets needs.
We recently did a van for cats with scratching posts, sleeping areas, and more.
Beyond climate control, all-seasons insulation, up to 25+ of off-grid AC run time, heating, remote temperature monitor, you can also install indoor cameras to check in on them. For added security, our vans can come with infrared security cameras that cover 360 degrees around the van.
With Starlink, your van can be a true smart home. The 12v modification allows you to keep the internet on for a true smart home and utilize the best apps for Van Life.
If you're interested, check out the Sprinter Camper Vans For Sale!
Have Fun!
Perhaps you’re thinking that taking your dog with you is going to be more trouble than it’s worth.
I can assure you that there is nothing better than doing van life with your dog and getting to experience fun adventures through their eyes.
Your furry friend will bring joy and laughter on long, hard days and give you the best snuggles at night.
Remember, your pup is just happy to be with you.
And that's all that really matters!
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