Camping and dogs go together perfectly, don’t they? That is absolutely right! A vacation with your motorhome in the great outdoors will not only delight you, but also your faithful four-legged friend. Whether your dog is chasing a stick on the beach, refreshing himself in the ocean waves or exploring a forest, he will be full of joy. But your dog will not only get his money’s worth on excursions, he can also have lots of fun right in front of your motorhome or caravan.
There are campsites all over Europe that are specially designed for vacations with dogs. However, there are some important things for dog owners to consider, from choosing the right campsite to the equipment in your motorhome or caravan. With our 7 tips, you can make your camping vacation with your beloved four-legged friend completely stress-free.
- First-aid kit the checklist for camping
- Winter camping preparation for the winter
- Regulations for parking motorhomes in Germany
The dog-friendly campsite
The orientation towards our four-legged friends is not optimal at all campsites, so you should not automatically assume that “dogs allowed” is synonymous with “dog-friendly”. When planning your vacation with dogs, campsites in natural surroundings are of course an excellent option. Nevertheless, places close to the city can also welcome dogs. Please note the following information:
Important questions for a dog-friendly campsite
- Are there free-range meadows?
- Are they fenced in?
- Are free bags or bin liners offered?
- Are there water bowls in some public places?
If you can answer these questions in the affirmative for the campsite you have chosen, you have already found a good campsite for dogs.
Signs for dog-friendly campsites
- Presence of a water bowl in front of the snack bar
- Availability of dog food in the supermarket
- Provision of dog waste bags
- Existence of dog playgrounds
Additional points to note before departure
- Is there an additional fee for the dog?
- Is there a leash requirement?
It is now common practice at most campsites to charge a daily fee for dogs. The amount of this fee often varies depending on the services offered for dogs. Leashes are also compulsory on almost every campsite to ensure that all guests, including those without dogs, have a pleasant stay. As a dog owner, you should adhere to this rule when camping to avoid any possible inconvenience.
Spacious play areas for dogs in the surrounding area
Please make sure that there is enough space around the campsite for your dog to run around and play. Ideally, these areas should also be fenced off. Also find out whether there are various walking routes and whether cafés and restaurants in the area are dog-friendly.
If you choose a campsite near the coast, you should also check whether there is a dog beach nearby where your dog can run around and swim freely. Most beaches only allow dogs in the evening or in the low season. It is advisable to check the exact regulations before you travel.
Camping abroad with your dog
Different entry requirements apply to travel abroad depending on the country. Even if you want to travel with your dog, there are certain regulations that you should observe to ensure that your trip goes smoothly.
Within Germany, it is usually sufficient to carry your dog’s vaccination certificate with you. However, an EU pet passport has been mandatory for travel abroad since 2004. This document contains all the essential information about your dog, including the owner’s name and address, chip number and vaccinations. Many countries also require your dog to be vaccinated against rabies and fitted with an identification chip. This data is recorded in the EU pet passport. If you observe these regulations, nothing will stand in the way of your camping trip with your dog.
The packing list for your dog
- Food and water supply:
- Dog food for the entire trip plus reserve
- Water bowl and sufficient water
- Leash and collar or harness:
- Sturdy leash
- Comfortable collar or harness with dog tag and contact information
- Sleeping and resting place:
- Dog blanket or sleeping bag
- Cuddly toy or favorite toy
- Travel first-aid kit for the dog:
- Medication (if necessary)
- Dressing material and disinfectant
- Tick tweezers
- Flea and tick repellent
- First aid kit for dogs
- Hygiene articles:
- Dog shampoo and brush
- Waste bags and bin liners
- Towels
- Dog passport and documents:
- EU pet passport
- Vaccination certificate and health certificate
- Information on microchip and tattoo (if applicable)
- Means of transportation:
- Transport box or bag (if required)
- Car safety belt or grille
- Entertainment and employment:
- Toys and chews
- Possibly an outdoor toy
- Dog clothes (depending on requirements and weather):
- Dog coat or shoes
- Food and water bowl for on the go:
- Foldable or transportable bowls
- Emergency contacts:
- Telephone number of the veterinarian
- Contact details of a veterinary clinic near your destination
- Photos and identification:
- Current photo of your dog
- Identification information (chip or tattoo number)
This packing list should help you to ensure that you don’t forget anything important while traveling with your dog. Remember to adapt the list according to your dog’s needs and specific requirements.
Going on vacation with your dog
Everything is planned and you can now start your journey. A tried and tested rule of thumb says: the shorter the journey, the more pleasant it is for your dog.
Secure your four-legged travel companion
It goes without saying that you and your children fasten your seat belts during the journey. The same applies to your dog. The “buckling up” does not necessarily have to be done with a belt, as is usual with humans. Sturdy transport boxes offer dogs sufficient safety. If you are traveling with a caravan, you can easily integrate them into the trunk. There are also special transport boxes for motorhomes that offer your dog protection during the journey. A safety harness is available for those who do not prefer boxes. With this, your dog remains secured and cannot run around freely.
Make the journey pleasant for your dog
Car journeys can cause stress for most dogs, and just like humans, dogs can also suffer from travel sickness. It is therefore important to make the journey as pleasant as possible for your dog. Here are some tips that can help you:
- Getting used to long journeys: Try to slowly get your pet used to longer journeys to make the travel day less strenuous.
- Avoiding too much food: Before departure, you should make sure that you do not give your pet too much food, as this can cause nausea.
- Sufficient drinking: Let your pet drink regularly and sufficiently during the journey to ensure hydration.
- Breaks and walks: Plan sufficient breaks during the journey. A short walk not only offers variety, but also allows your pet to relieve itself.
- Comfortable temperature: Make sure that the temperature in the motorhome is comfortable. Avoid your dog sitting or lying in a draughty area to prevent hypothermia.
- Familiar toy or blanket: Take your pet’s favorite toy or familiar blanket with you in the car or motorhome. This will make your dog feel safer and help him get used to the ride.
These tips should help make your dog’s journey as pleasant as possible.
Conclusion
To sum up, camping and dogs are an excellent match. A vacation in the great outdoors with your motorhome will not only be fun for you, but also for your faithful four-legged friend. Whether on the beach, in the forest or right in front of your motorhome – your dog will have lots of fun.
However, it is important to bear a few things in mind when planning your camping vacation with a dog, from choosing a dog-friendly campsite to complying with travel regulations abroad. With the tips and packing list we have provided you with, you can make your trip stress-free and ensure that your dog has everything he needs.
Remember to make the journey as pleasant as possible for your dog by following the suggested measures. The shorter the journey and the better prepared your dog is, the more pleasant the trip will be for both of you. Enjoy your camping vacation with your faithful companion!
If you have any further questions, the NEUSS Camping team will be happy to help you make your vacation with your dog a wonderful experience for the whole family.
