• Home
  • About Us
    • Work with us
    • Contact us
  • Destinations
    • UK
    • Europe
    • Channel Islands
  • Vanlife
    • Vanlife with kids
    • Vanlife with a dog
    • Vanlife Tips
  • Nav Social Menu

    • E-mail
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Otis and Us

Vanlife with a dog: Everything you need to know!

Blog· Van life· Vanlife with a dog

24 Jul

If you are thinking of taking your dog in a camper van, here are a few tips for living in a campervan and travelling with a dog. We have done many a holiday with our golden retriever puppy, he makes the best travel companion and comes everywhere with us. We love our VW campervan, and are a family of five and a dog in a VWT5 that love nothing more than to explore the UK and beyond! Here is everything that we have learned about vanlife with a dog, including our favourite dog travel accessories that you must not leave home without.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Should you click to purchase, it is at no extra cost to you, although I receive a small commission.

VANLIFE WITH A DOG – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO PACK

  • VANLIFE WITH A DOG – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO PACK
  • WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR DOG ON A ROAD TRIP?
  • DOG BOWL AND WATER BOWL
  • DOG COLLAR AND NAME TAG
  • DOG LEAD AND DOG LEASH
  • FIRST AID KIT FOR DOGS
  • DOG CRATE OR DOG HARNESS OR HAMMOCK FOR TRAVEL
  • A FEW EXTRAS TO REMEMBER TO PACK WHEN TRAVELLING WITH A DOG
    • DOG FRIENDLY CAMPSITES AND PLACES TO VISIT
    • LEAVING A DOG IN A VAN
    • tAKING A ROAD TRIP WITH A DOG

When we first bought our golden retriever puppy home, I knew that he would be a huge part of all of our campervan holidays. We are a family of five in a T5, add to the mix a large puppy….. we always knew that space would to be tight. But with careful packing, clever campervan storage ideas, and a little bit of patience and perseverance, I knew that we would be quite okay road tripping with a dog and three young kids!

Don’t get me wrong…. there has been many a time I have forgotten something for our dog, or we have lost said item, or the puppy destroyed the said item. One trip it was a water bowl, next it was a dog towel, and on another holiday the dog lead broke on the first day of our holiday thanks to a friendly St Bernard saying hello! There are a few items that we would not leave for a campervan road trip without, and we always pack these items for day trips and our holidays too.

Download our dog packing list for your camper van road tripDownload
vanlife with a dog and ultimate dog packing list

WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR DOG ON A ROAD TRIP?

We always seem to pack too much for our beloved Golden Retriever Wilf, but we have got better over time (and with a bit more experience!) and in all honesty, dogs make the best road trip companions don’t they? They really don’t need a lot of things to keep them happy!

Over the last couple of years I have also searched the internet for pet travel accessories that store well in our T5 campervan …. our tiny home on wheels that really doesn’t have a lot of space for well….. stuff, let alone three kids, two adults and a male golden retriever!

vanlife with a dog, packing a collapsible water bowl

DOG BOWL AND WATER BOWL

Collapsible dog bowls are a great space saver when travelling with a dog and are a great travel dog bowl. I use the metal head rest hooks and then hang the collapsible food and water bowls so that they are easy to locate in the campervan and always at hand when you need them.

You can also purchase a dual chamber water and food container which is really great when you are out and about or if you are travelling by ferry!

vanlife with a dog with dog packing list

A leak proof water dispenser is great for outdoor walking, hiking and travel as they pack well and can be pre filled.

DOG COLLAR AND NAME TAG

A dog collar and name tag is essential for your travels. A dog tag is cheap but can help to ensure your pet is reunited should they go wandering off during your travels. We have taken Wilf to many dog friendly beaches and there has been many a time he has raced off and left us in search of new furry friends who are also enjoying the beach life. A top tip if you are staying in one location or a holiday home, is to get the name tag engraved that includes the address of the holiday accommodation. We stayed at Pen Hendre a gorgeous holiday home in North Wales, and they had all the dog travel essentials ready and waiting for when you arrived, and this included a dog tag with the address on – genius!

Please remember it is a legal requirement for all dogs in England and Wales to be micro chipped too!

We currently use a Ruff Wear dog collar and it has been great.

vanlife with a dog, ultimate dog packing list

DOG LEAD AND DOG LEASH

We have tried so many leads over the last year. Our golden retriever is now over 38kg and very strong. We have tried extendable leads, short leads and training leads. Our favourite by far are the training leads that you can shorten or lengthen if needed. This is our favourite so far that has really lasted.

The good thing about the training leads is the extra connection points that we use if we need a dog stake at the campsite.

FIRST AID KIT FOR DOGS

I will be honest, I never really thought about this until very recently. We were out on a walk and Wilf was enjoying running through a stream, until he cut his pad very badly. A local walker who had a first aid kit for dogs in the car, helped me to bandage his foot until we got to the emergency vets.

Now I always carry a first aid kit with a few essentials in as you really never know when you might need it.

DOG CRATE OR DOG HARNESS OR HAMMOCK FOR TRAVEL

There are a number of products out on the market that are perfect to ensure car safety for dogs. We use a metal dog crate. I know that it is bulky but it works for our golden retriever and gives him enough space too. There are also soft dog crates that are available. Dog seat belts and dog car hammocks are another alternative to consider. it really is down to preference and layouts of your car, campervan, motorhome or RV!

A FEW EXTRAS TO REMEMBER TO PACK WHEN TRAVELLING WITH A DOG

  • Dog food
  • Poo bags
  • Dog towel
  • Dog toys
  • Dog mat/ dog bed
  • Dog treats/ antler bone
  • Cooling mat
  • Paper work ( Dog insurance, vaccination records, pet passport)
  • Dog brush
  • Dog stake
  • Extra dog collar and dog lead

I get a lot of emails and messages over on Instagram about vanlife with a dog and general questions about finding dog friendly places to visit in a campervan.

DOG FRIENDLY CAMPSITES AND PLACES TO VISIT

If Wilf is not welcome, then quite simply we don’t visit. We always look for dog friendly places to stay and dog friendly days out that allow Wilf to join us. We plan our vanlife travel around our children and our dog. We avoid hot places in peak summer time, we look for dog friendly beaches where our dog can run off his lead. When we want to eat out, we research and look for places to eat that our dog friendly. We have been amazed at how many wonderful cafes, restaurants and bars that welcome dogs.

vanlife with a dog

LEAVING A DOG IN A VAN

We never leave Wilf in the van. ever. We plan our days out around Wilf and he comes everywhere with us. If we go out in the paddleboard or on the kayaks we take it in turns, or he comes with us.

tAKING A ROAD TRIP WITH A DOG

Wilf is a really good traveller. We have travelled on some really long road trips and added ferry travel into the mix too. We make sure he has somewhere comfortable to travel, we take a crate with us for safety, and we take regular breaks to give him some regular exercise, drinks and toilet stops. This is no different to travelling with kids and makes for a much happier and calmer road trip in the campervan.

So there you go… everything you need to know, including our ultimate packing list for vanlife with a dog!

Like this post? You may enjoy 

  • The absolute BEST kids camping chairs for vanlife 2022
  • The best camping stoves for vanlife
  • Best travel toys for vanlife

Leave a Comment

Previous Post: « Packing cubes for campervan travels: How to organise clothes in a camper
Next Post: The best portable shower for vanlife and camping 2022 »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Let’s Connect

  • E-mail
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Latest on Instagram

otisandus_

otisandus_
Nantcol waterfalls campsite I’ve had so many m Nantcol waterfalls campsite 

I’ve had so many messages to ask where we camped in Snowdonia. If you are looking for a unique camping experience in Snowdonia, then this one is for you. 

Nantcol Waterfalls Campsite is a family friendly campsite on the edge of the river and waterfalls yet just a couple of miles from golden sandy beaches.

There is also glamping available onsite 

It is safe to say this was a favourite campsite of ours. The wash facilities were immaculate. Great size pitches and direct access to the river. 

Harlech and Barmouth are just a short drive away and I can highly recommend the Victoria Inn if you fancy a night off cooking! 

What a gem!

I’ve popped more info in my stories for you. 

Who’s coming with us next time? 😂

#walesadventure #walescoastpath #northwales #northwalestagram #ukhiddengems #snowdonianationalpark #nantcol #nantcolwaterfalls #vanlifewales #roadtripuk #vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #ukexplore #vanlifefamily #vanlifefamilydiaries #camperstyle #vanlifeing #vwfamily #vwgirl #camperlifewithkids #campsites #summeroutfits #vanlifestyle #vanlifewithkids #dubdog #styleover40 #whattowearnow
North Wales - you never disappoint! My plan was t North Wales - you never disappoint!

My plan was to post regularly on here over the first part of the holiday, but the truth is we have been searching for  sunsets, living our best life on the beach, chasing the sunshine, having lazy evenings by the river (may have had a vino or two), and spending quality time together. The lack of 3G can be such a joy! This is what vanlife is all about! 

Time to hit the road and wave goodbye to 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 for now! Ready for our next road trip (Ps campsite details coming tomorrow) 

Anyone else love North Wales as much as us? 

#northwales #wales #walesadventure #northwalestagram #northwalescoast #vanlifewales #vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #vanlifewithkids #vanlifefamily #vanlifefamilydiaries #vanlifefamilies #vanqueens #sunsetphotography #sunsetglow #chasingadventures #chasingsunsets #ukhiddengems #vangirls #vwgirl #roadtripuk
Road tripping in the UK! Chatting to people about Road tripping in the UK!

Chatting to people about the Summer holidays got me thinking….. 

Why do we play down our holidays? 

“We are just staying in the UK this year”

“We are not going away…we are just staying at home.”

The UK is incredible ……home is one of my favourite places to be ❤️

#vanlife #vanlifefamilydiaries #vanlifewithkids #vanlifewithdogs #campervan #vanfamtribe #vanfamilies #vanlifefamily #dubbedoutcommunity #campervanadventures #ukhiddengems #ukexplore #roadtripuk -#campervanroadtrip #whatgetsyououtdoors -#outdoorsisbetter #walesadventure #scotlandexplore #devoncoast #cornwallcoast #peakdistrictnationalpark #anglesey #northwalestagram
Ad / Out in the van…. On the beach… out on the Ad / Out in the van…. On the beach… out on the water, or hiking to a lighthouse 🙂 

Always thinking about what to wear, and what packs well when we are squeezing 5 and a dog into a VWT5…😆

Introducing the @keeneurope Elle sandal.

Comfortable, lightweight and versatile. I love that the stretchy upper is made from recycled PET plastic bottles. And I love even more that we only have to pack one pair of shoes for our van trips. We have been HUGE fans of @keeneurope shoes for years. 

Now be honest ……How many pairs of shoes do you take on holiday? 

#outsideisbetter  #7daysandal 
#whatmamaworemonday 
#vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #vanlife #vanlifeclothing #over40style #mamafashion #outdoorclothing #campinglife #vanlifefamily #outdoorfamilies #ukexplore #wonderfulwildwomen #hikinggirl #outdoorswimming #seaair #campervanlife #campervandiaries #campervanlifestyle #vanlifeexplorers #vanlifeideas
This is why I turn on my Live photos. So many ph This is why I turn on my Live photos. 

So many photos that turn into tiny captured moments 

⬇️
This is a reminder to turn on live photos this Summer
And save as videos 

.
.
.
.
#livephotos #vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #vanlife #vanlifefamily #vanlifefamilies #vanlifefamilydiaries #campervanlife #campervanliving #campervanadventures #campervanfamily #campervanwithkids #vanlifewithkids #vanlifewithdogs #outdoorfamily #outdoorfamilyphotography 
#lovelifeoutside
Vanlife with kids 🏕🚐 I posted a video the o Vanlife with kids 🏕🚐

I posted a video the other day on my stories from our early days in our  van and it got me thinking. How amazing is it that our kids get to experience vanlife?

As adults we love vanlife, I mean what’s not to love about chasing the sun, a break from routine, time together, and sitting outside watching a sunset with a glass of wine. 

But the kids love it just as much. They love the freedom, waking up in new places, sleeping in the roof, a sea view, paddle boards for hours in the sea, the late night sunsets and throwing out the bedtime routine. They love it all. 

The calendar is crazy at the moment, end of year parties, leavers parties, new inset days, school trips and dance shows, so I think we are all looking forward to some annual leave and a rest 😆 (did I really use the word ‘rest’ with three kids and a dog?😆) 

➡️ swipe for a few of my fave vanlife pics from our recent travels 

What do you love the most about vanlife? And how about the kids - what do they love?

#vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #vanlifereality #vanlife #vwt5 #vanfamtribe #vanfamily #vanfamilies #5gocamping #vanlifewithkids #vanlifewithdogs #campervanadventures #campervanlife #campervanculture #dubbedoutcommunity #vwdubs #t5camper #vanlifeexplorers #vanlifediaries #vanlifeglobal #vwadventures #campervanliving #roadtrippin #vanlifeeurope #outdoorfamilies #familieswhotravel #lovelifeoutdoors #freshairtherapy 
#vaninspo
Ad/ Slow living A campervan… a hammock and a g Ad/ Slow living 

A campervan… a hammock and a good book. Everyone needs a hammock in their life right?? ❤️ 

What a brilliant bit of kit, the @tickettothemoonhammock stores well in the campervan, is lightweight yet really strong, and is easy to set up, and put away. Furthermore a king size hammock can easily sleep two adults and a child. Although to be fair I’m quite happy here all by myself with a good book ….who said anything about sharing ? 😆

The @tickettothemoonhammock review will be live on the blog shortly once I can physically remove myself from my hammock and my little area of peace and tranquility 🙂 

This is absolutely what vanlife is all about. An opportunity to enjoy nature and the great outdoors. No more words needed . 

Who else loves a hammock? 

#TicketToTheMoon
#TicketToTheMoonHammock
#tttmtribe 

#hammocklife #hammockcamping #hammocktime #vanlife #vanlifeuk #campervanlife #vangirl #vanlifediaries #vwgirls #vanlifeideas #vanlifeinspiration #homeiswhereyouparkit #outdoorfamily #naturephotography #vanlifefamily #vanlifefamilies #vanlifefreedom #vwt5 #ukexplore #wonderfulwildwomen #wildandfreemama #hammocklove #ukgreatshots #campinguk #herefordshire #hereford #hiddengems
The gram is such a funny thing. I have made some a The gram is such a funny thing. I have made some absolutely wonderful friendships over the years. Beautiful friends that are just my kind of people. Absolute sunshine.

On our recent girls van trip…. 

Me “girls just make sure I don’t lose my key - I always seem to misplace it.”

Time to say our goodbyes.. 
Girls “bye for now” - waving as they get in their vans.

Me. “Girls - I’ve lost my key”

One hour of searching and complete van emptying commences. 
 
I am that friend 🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️

Moral of the story. Find your tribe 😆

Anyone else that kind of friend? 
.
.
.
.📸 photo credit @van_fam_andme 😆

#vanlifereality #therealitiesofvanlife #vangirl #vanfamtribe #vanlifeuk #vanfamilies #vwcamper #vwt5 #vangirls #vanfam #ukvanlife #ukexplore #wonderfulwildwomen #vanlifeinspiration #vanconversion #campervanlife #campinguk #campingfashionably #vanconversionproject #dubbedoutcommunity #socksandsandalsfam
Solo campervan trip For the first time ever I’m Solo campervan trip

For the first time ever I’m off on a trip in the campervan without my kids. My little peace breakers. Without my hubby…. The chief driver. . The one who sets the van up. The one who cooks. The one who makes my cuppa in the morning and pours my wine🙈😆 (so basically Paul does everything) - Actually no - I do pack the van, and I am the one who does all the necessary research and books the trips (it’s a tough job) Oh and I set the beds up, and keep the camping chairs warm? 

Anyway. How will I cope???

Any tips for a solo campervan trip?  And where to go? 
.
.
.
.
.

#vanliferealities #vanlife #vanlifeuk #vangirls #vangirl #vangirlsrule #vwvan #vanlifefamilydiaries #workhardplayhard #roadtrippin #campervanlife #solovanlife #campervanlifestyle #vanfamily #vanconversion #wheretonext #poptopcamper #ukcamping #tinyhousemovement #ukexplore #tinyhomeonwheels
Not insta perfect at all - I’m an absolute drown Not insta perfect at all - I’m an absolute drowned rat, spent most of the hour under the water, or trying to balance on the surf board on my knees or trying not to take the dog out who insisted on swimming in the path of all the novice surfers 😆

A brilliant weekend celebrating my beautiful friend’s surprise 40th in Scarborough with all the people who love her. What weekends are made for ! 🏄‍♀️ 🍹 

So hands up if you can surf because I think need a few more lessons 🤔 🤣

.
.
.
.
#visitscarborough #surfshops #scarboroughspots #scarboroughbeach #scarboroughlife #visitengland #surfsup #surfinggirl #vancommunity #vanfamily #vanlifeuk #therealitiesofvanlife #surfinglessons #surfdaily #surfgirls #outdoorfamilies #getoutside #vanlifereality #surffamily #staystoked #seatherapy #seascape #surfuk #weekendparty #weekendstaycation
Load More… Follow on Instagram

Browse by Category

Amazon Associate

“We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.”

  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies Policy
  • Disclaimer
Nantcol waterfalls campsite I’ve had so many m Nantcol waterfalls campsite 

I’ve had so many messages to ask where we camped in Snowdonia. If you are looking for a unique camping experience in Snowdonia, then this one is for you. 

Nantcol Waterfalls Campsite is a family friendly campsite on the edge of the river and waterfalls yet just a couple of miles from golden sandy beaches.

There is also glamping available onsite 

It is safe to say this was a favourite campsite of ours. The wash facilities were immaculate. Great size pitches and direct access to the river. 

Harlech and Barmouth are just a short drive away and I can highly recommend the Victoria Inn if you fancy a night off cooking! 

What a gem!

I’ve popped more info in my stories for you. 

Who’s coming with us next time? 😂

#walesadventure #walescoastpath #northwales #northwalestagram #ukhiddengems #snowdonianationalpark #nantcol #nantcolwaterfalls #vanlifewales #roadtripuk #vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #ukexplore #vanlifefamily #vanlifefamilydiaries #camperstyle #vanlifeing #vwfamily #vwgirl #camperlifewithkids #campsites #summeroutfits #vanlifestyle #vanlifewithkids #dubdog #styleover40 #whattowearnow
North Wales - you never disappoint! My plan was t North Wales - you never disappoint!

My plan was to post regularly on here over the first part of the holiday, but the truth is we have been searching for  sunsets, living our best life on the beach, chasing the sunshine, having lazy evenings by the river (may have had a vino or two), and spending quality time together. The lack of 3G can be such a joy! This is what vanlife is all about! 

Time to hit the road and wave goodbye to 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 for now! Ready for our next road trip (Ps campsite details coming tomorrow) 

Anyone else love North Wales as much as us? 

#northwales #wales #walesadventure #northwalestagram #northwalescoast #vanlifewales #vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #vanlifewithkids #vanlifefamily #vanlifefamilydiaries #vanlifefamilies #vanqueens #sunsetphotography #sunsetglow #chasingadventures #chasingsunsets #ukhiddengems #vangirls #vwgirl #roadtripuk
Road tripping in the UK! Chatting to people about Road tripping in the UK!

Chatting to people about the Summer holidays got me thinking….. 

Why do we play down our holidays? 

“We are just staying in the UK this year”

“We are not going away…we are just staying at home.”

The UK is incredible ……home is one of my favourite places to be ❤️

#vanlife #vanlifefamilydiaries #vanlifewithkids #vanlifewithdogs #campervan #vanfamtribe #vanfamilies #vanlifefamily #dubbedoutcommunity #campervanadventures #ukhiddengems #ukexplore #roadtripuk -#campervanroadtrip #whatgetsyououtdoors -#outdoorsisbetter #walesadventure #scotlandexplore #devoncoast #cornwallcoast #peakdistrictnationalpark #anglesey #northwalestagram
Ad / Out in the van…. On the beach… out on the Ad / Out in the van…. On the beach… out on the water, or hiking to a lighthouse :) 

Always thinking about what to wear, and what packs well when we are squeezing 5 and a dog into a VWT5…😆

Introducing the @keeneurope Elle sandal.

Comfortable, lightweight and versatile. I love that the stretchy upper is made from recycled PET plastic bottles. And I love even more that we only have to pack one pair of shoes for our van trips. We have been HUGE fans of @keeneurope shoes for years. 

Now be honest ……How many pairs of shoes do you take on holiday? 

#outsideisbetter  #7daysandal 
#whatmamaworemonday 
#vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #vanlife #vanlifeclothing #over40style #mamafashion #outdoorclothing #campinglife #vanlifefamily #outdoorfamilies #ukexplore #wonderfulwildwomen #hikinggirl #outdoorswimming #seaair #campervanlife #campervandiaries #campervanlifestyle #vanlifeexplorers #vanlifeideas
This is why I turn on my Live photos. So many ph This is why I turn on my Live photos. 

So many photos that turn into tiny captured moments 

⬇️
This is a reminder to turn on live photos this Summer
And save as videos 

.
.
.
.
#livephotos #vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #vanlife #vanlifefamily #vanlifefamilies #vanlifefamilydiaries #campervanlife #campervanliving #campervanadventures #campervanfamily #campervanwithkids #vanlifewithkids #vanlifewithdogs #outdoorfamily #outdoorfamilyphotography 
#lovelifeoutside
Vanlife with kids 🏕🚐 I posted a video the o Vanlife with kids 🏕🚐

I posted a video the other day on my stories from our early days in our  van and it got me thinking. How amazing is it that our kids get to experience vanlife?

As adults we love vanlife, I mean what’s not to love about chasing the sun, a break from routine, time together, and sitting outside watching a sunset with a glass of wine. 

But the kids love it just as much. They love the freedom, waking up in new places, sleeping in the roof, a sea view, paddle boards for hours in the sea, the late night sunsets and throwing out the bedtime routine. They love it all. 

The calendar is crazy at the moment, end of year parties, leavers parties, new inset days, school trips and dance shows, so I think we are all looking forward to some annual leave and a rest 😆 (did I really use the word ‘rest’ with three kids and a dog?😆) 

➡️ swipe for a few of my fave vanlife pics from our recent travels 

What do you love the most about vanlife? And how about the kids - what do they love?

#vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #vanlifereality #vanlife #vwt5 #vanfamtribe #vanfamily #vanfamilies #5gocamping #vanlifewithkids #vanlifewithdogs #campervanadventures #campervanlife #campervanculture #dubbedoutcommunity #vwdubs #t5camper #vanlifeexplorers #vanlifediaries #vanlifeglobal #vwadventures #campervanliving #roadtrippin #vanlifeeurope #outdoorfamilies #familieswhotravel #lovelifeoutdoors #freshairtherapy 
#vaninspo

Copyright © 2022 · Otis and Us | All Rights Reserved