Camper Van Trips with Pets

We all know how hard it is to leave our pets at home, especially when heading out on an adventure we know they would love. What if you did not have to? With the right knowledge and preparation, your pet can comfortably experience van life alongside you.

Here are five tips that make life on the road workable — and genuinely enjoyable — for you and your companion.

1. Test it out first

   Bring your animal on a couple of shorter trips close to home and see how they do. It can take days or weeks for an animal to warm up to a new environment, so give them time to settle into the space before you commit to a long route. Not every animal enjoys traveling, and some never grow to like it despite your best efforts. Some experience motion sickness or general anxiety away from home. Stay sensitive to your pet's experience, and have a backup plan in case travel does not suit them.

2. Keep their comfort in mind

   Bring their favorite things, especially if you have the space — beds, pillows, toys, whatever they have grown attached to. Like us, animals settle faster surrounded by familiar comforts. Try to keep their home routines intact, particularly feeding and sleeping schedules. If your pet normally rests in a crate while you are out, bring the crate. If there is no room for one, find another dark, covered spot that feels secure to them.

3. Plan around pet-friendly areas

   Many national parks, boardwalks, hiking trails, events and communities restrict pets, and for good reasons. Researching this ahead of time lets you arrange accommodations in advance, whether that means pet daycare or leaving your pet in a temperature-controlled vehicle monitored with a Bluetooth temperature sensor. Always consult your veterinarian, and check local laws that may prohibit leaving an animal unattended in a vehicle regardless of temperature. BringFido helps locate pet-friendly restaurants and attractions. If your pet is off-leash trained and likes to roam, consider dispersed camping over developed campgrounds; if you would rather avoid off-leash areas, a developed campground with enforced leash rules will suit you better.

4. Sort out food before you go

   Choose a brand that is available almost anywhere, since switching your pet's food abruptly can upset their stomach. Stock up if you are heading somewhere availability might be uncertain. Avoid feeding while the vehicle is moving, and allow about an hour of digestion time before getting back on the road to reduce the chance of motion sickness.

5. Secure them while you are moving

   Just like people, animals need to be secured while the van is in motion. Options include a crash-tested harness, a pet car seat, or an enclosed carrier. Any restraint is better than none, but each has trade-offs. Weigh your options carefully and ask your veterinarian for a recommendation based on your pet's height, weight and temperament.

• pets
• planning
• road trips