All pet owners will agree, no one makes a better road trip companion than your dog! From cross-country adventures to national park escapades, van life gets a whole lot sweeter when you’ve got your furry companion by your side. However, traveling with dogs does require a bit of extra planning and preparation. 

To make sure you’re ready to embark on the ultimate camper van road trip with your pup, we’ve compiled a list of all the must-have gear you’ll need to experience van life with pets. From medications to food storage, make sure you’ve gathered everything on this list before setting off on a van life adventure with your four-legged friend!

Preparing for Van Life with Dogs

Traveling with your dog requires a bit of extra research and preparation. Before hitting the road, make sure your destinations are dog-friendly and that you’ve done all the necessary prep work to keep your pup safe and comfortable during your adventure!

Double Check the Rules

Not all outdoor destinations are great places to travel with dogs, and many parks and campgrounds don’t even allow pets. Before setting out on an adventure with your pup, make sure they’re permitted to join you.

Thankfully, most park and campground websites will have clear rules about their pet policy, so it should be easy to check. Once you’ve confirmed that your destination is dog-friendly, you’re good to go!

Vaccines

Keeping your dog up to date on all their vaccines is extremely important. Before you begin your van life adventure, book an appointment with your vet to go over any vaccine and medication requirements.

Food & Water

Just as with people, keeping your pup hydrated and well-fed is so important for their safety and well-being. Since you may endure long stretches of time on the road without access to clean water or food, make sure your van is fully stocked before heading out.

Choose the Right Camper Van

Nobody wants to be uncomfortable during a long drive- and that goes for your pets as well! Escape Camper Vans offers a suite of several different camper van models to choose from, depending on which depot you’re departing from. If you’re traveling with a dog, it may be worth opting for one of our more spacious vans, like the Del Mar or Mesa. Before booking your vehicle, spend some time comparing our van options to decide which is the right fit for you and your furry friend.

Must-Have Gear for Traveling with Dogs

While you’re working on your own road trip packing list, don’t forget to do the same for your four-legged companion! Read through our check-list of must-have gear to ensure you’ve gathered all the essential supplies before embarking on a van life adventure with your pet.

GPS Collar

While organizing your must-have camping gear, it’s important to prepare for worst-case scenarios. In the event that you’re separated from your dog, a GPS collar can be an absolute life saver. There are a wide range of collar options on the market, spanning a vast array of price points and range capabilities. 

When you’re traveling with dogs, it’s also worth looking into a GPS collar for the evenings. Alternatively, you can opt to buy an attachable LED light to secure onto their collar once the sun goes down.

Pet First Aid Kit 

Having a first aid kit for dogs is essential to staying safe and secure, no matter where your adventure takes you. There are several premade first aid kits for your pooch to choose from, complete with everything you may need for unexpected emergencies. 

If you prefer a DIY approach, you can also opt to put your own kit together. If you go this route, be sure to add in bandage supplies, Styptic Powder for small cuts, and vet-approved probiotics.

In addition to a first aid kit, it’s also imperative that you pack any of your dog’s necessary medications.

Collapsible Water and Food Bowl

Finding space-saving alternatives is an essential part of any van-life expedition, and this becomes even more necessary when traveling with pets. Collapsible food and water bowls make it easy to keep your pup hydrated and well fed- both at your campsite or in the middle of a long hike. In that same vein, soft dog food containers are great for storing your pet’s food without taking up too much van space.

Eco-Friendly Poop Bags

In keeping with Leave No Trace Principles, it’s important to always pick up after your dog and properly dispose of the bag in a trash can. You’ll definitely want to make sure that you stock up on enough rolls before venturing on your trip!

Hiking Harness

A proper harness is essential for keeping your pup safe and secure during all your outdoor adventures. Rather than just a leash and collar, a harness spreads the pressure across multiple points, keeping your pet more protected during unexpected situations. Many harnesses also have a handle on the back, which is great for when you need to quickly pick up your dog or help lift them into the van.

Retractable Leash

A secure leash is another essential piece of gear when embarking on a van life adventure with your dog. Most national parks have strict rules about the maximum leash length, often requiring that it not exceed six feet. A retractable leash is a great option, allowing you to follow the park’s rules, while also being able to give your pup more room to roam when permitted.

Flea and Tick Prevention

Flea and tick prevention is a necessary part of any outdoor adventure with your dog. Topical treatments like Frontline Plus or flea and tick sprays are great preventative measures. 

If your dog is bitten by a tick or flea, then chewable medications like NexGard work well to kill any bugs and protect your four-legged friend. Keep in mind, these medications typically require a prescription from your vet so be sure to schedule that visit before setting off on your trip.

Temperature Control 

If you’re traveling to a warm-weather destination, then a cooling pad should also be added to your travel gear checklist. These gel-filled mats can help regulate your dog’s temperature and keep them from overheating. 

If you’re embarking on a winter road trip, then it’s important to pack gear that will help keep your pup warm. For cold-weather trips, we recommend investing in an insulated dog jacket and a pair of trail-friendly boots.

Grooming Kit

Dog owners typically love everything about their furry family members- except for the shedding. To keep your camper van clean and reduce the amount of dog hair in the vehicle, pack a compact grooming kit. In addition to a well made brush, these kits often include nail clippers and other doggy-hygiene essentials that can come in handy, especially during longer trips.

Ready to Start Traveling with Your Dog and Escape Camper Vans?

Traveling with dogs is an incredibly rewarding experience for both you and your furry friends! Once you’ve chosen your dog-friendly destination and gathered your must-have gear, all that’s left is to book your dream Escape Camper Van. And of course, don’t forget to pack the dog treats!