How to travel with your dog in a motorhome safely

For dog owners, there is always the question of how to manage their holidays with their pet at home. But don't worry, if you plan to go on a motorhome holiday you can bring your dog along! However, it will be necessary to ensure that you and your pet can travel safely. If you are wondering how to travel with your dog in a motorhome, here are the essential questions that arise during a road trip with your faithful companion.

How to transport your dog in a motorhome?

Before going on vacation with your dog, you have to get them used to it and make sure they can handle the road well. Traveling with a dog in a motorhome will then be much easier! It is important to maintain safe conditions for both your dog and the driver.

Although there is no law requiring you to harness your dog in your vehicle, you can be fined if your dog obstructs your visibility or your movements. This is why it is highly recommended to do so, for their safety as well as yours.

Several options are available to you. Attach them with a harness, a transport box or even attach them to the seat: it's up to you to decide what is best method to suit your animal's size, character and individual comfort. When traveling in a motorhome, most dogs sit between the two passenger seats and numerous testimonials from owners confirm that the journeys go very well!

Some additional tips:

It is strongly recommended not to harness your dog at an elevated height, on on a piece of furniture etc. Being on the ground will prevent them from injuring themselves when turning or braking too suddenly.

Remember to take regular breaks during your journeys for the comfort of your dog. This will be an opportunity to give them a drink and allow them to stretch their legs.  It is preferable to wait until you have reached your destination for the night before feeding them. Drive carefully to avoid any accidents and discomfort while your dog is harnessed.

How to adapt a motorhome storage hatch into a doghouse?

First of all, you will have to choose the format of your vehicle. If you're traveling with a small dog, no problem, if it's a big dog, make sure there's plenty of room for them to sit comfortably. If you are the owner of a large leisure vehicle, you can fit out the storage hatch of your motorhome for your dog by getting it fitted by professional converters with lighting, ventilation, safety features etc or do it yourself if you are up for a DIY project! 

For an occasional trip, you can consider installing a cage or kennel in the storage hatch, but be sure to secure it to ensure your pet's safety and to check that there is ventilation. Also, favor this solution only on short distance journeys.

In fact, if you're wondering how to put a big dog in a motorhome, know that whatever the size of your animal, there is no reason that you cannot find a secure place in the vehicle for transport. As said before, a large dog can easily find its place between the two driver's seats at the front of the motorhome or under the living room table.

Can you leave your dog in a motorhome alone?

It is possible to leave your dog alone in the motorhome, but not for too long! You will first have to make sure that he feels confident and is used to it. Then, avoid leaving the dog inside during hot weather because the temperature rises quickly in a vehicle. Park in the shade, think about ventilation and leave him a bowl of water.

How to tether your dog leash to the outside of your motorhome?

If you are not too far, you can also attach it to the outside of your vehicle. Make sure in advance that animals are allowed in the place where you park. If so, you can tether your dog to the front bumpers (and use a tow eye that screws to the front bumper if you're worried it's not strong enough), wedge a hook under the wheel of the campervan, buy a leash holder that attaches to the walls of the vehicle or even buy a removable enclosure.

Traveling abroad with your dog in a motorhome

Since 2004, it is compulsory for any dog ​​traveling in the European Union to be identified, vaccinated against rabies and to have a European passport provided by a veterinarian. This is also valid in Andorra, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Monaco, Liechtenstein and the Vatican.

Keep in mind that pet passports issued in the UK are no longer valid for travel to EU countries post brexit. Before bringing your pet to the EU, its owner has to obtain an animal health certificate (AHC).

Plan to take stock of your animal's health record several weeks before your departure in the motorhome to avoid unpleasant surprises!

To travel to all the other countries, it will still be necessary to be identified by electronic chip or tattoo, to have a vaccination certificate against rabies and to have an international certificate of good health established by a veterinarian during the week preceding departure.