Living the van life with your pup riding shotgun sounds pretty dreamy, right? Imagine waking up next to your furry best mate, opening those van doors to epic mountain views, and sharing your morning coffee—or rather, your coffee and their breakfast biscuit—in the crisp air.

Van dwelling with a dog brings plenty of cosy companionship, hilarious adventures, and heart-melting memories. But let’s get real—it also presents unique challenges that need just a sprinkle of foresight to smooth over the bumps.

 

Choosing the Perfect Pup (or Making Yours Van-Ready)

First things first: not every pooch is destined to be a van-life nomad. When you’re thinking about hitting the road, the dog’s size, temperament, and energy levels can seriously influence how comfortable you’ll both be.

While smaller pups can comfortably curl up in tight spaces, don’t rule out a gentle giant if they’re mellow enough to settle in calmly. Got a bouncing ball of endless energy? You’ll need to plan extra outdoor adventures to burn off steam.

If your current four-legged friend is new to road trips, introduce them slowly. Start with shorter drives and gradually extend time spent in your mobile home-on-wheels. Load the van with their favourite blanket or toys so it feels familiar. This little trick works wonders—soon they’ll be wagging their tail every time you pick up the keys.

 

Camper Van Setup: Doggo Edition

Now, let’s talk about turning your camper into dog-friendly digs. Giving your pup a dedicated sleeping spot keeps things peaceful for both of you—nothing says cranky pup quite like a disturbed nap. A compact, cosy bed tucked under your own sleeping area or nestled between cabinets usually does the trick. It also helps your buddy feel safe, making those bumpy drives way more chill.

Storage can be a tight squeeze, but thoughtful organising is your best friend. Keep their camping gears—food, toys, brushes—stashed in stackable bins or soft-sided organisers that slide into hidden corners. Remember, loose dog treats tumbling around on winding roads quickly lose their charm.

Ventilation isn’t just nice—it’s crucial. Invest in a decent fan or ventilation system, especially if you’re rolling through warmer climates. Sunshades or reflective window covers are lifesavers, preventing your van from turning into a four-wheeled sauna. Consider giving your dog an outdoor sunshade too so they can relax outside when you’ve settled down somewhere.

 

Daily Routine & Exercise

Van life with dogs means regular pit-stops aren’t just handy—they’re essential. Your furry traveller needs to stretch those legs, sniff around, and take care of business. Breaking up long drives with frequent stops keeps both your spirits high and tails wagging.

Exercise doesn’t always have to be a hike through national parks. Even at remote campsites or tight urban spots, you can keep your buddy entertained with fetch, tug-of-war, or agility drills using collapsible gear that packs away neatly.

Variety is key—mixing in playtime with daily walks prevents boredom (and chewing disasters). Stash some extra tennis balls, frisbees, or even bubbles (yep, dogs adore chasing bubbles!) to keep life fun on the road.

 

Safety and Health on the Road

Safety might not sound like the most exciting topic, but keeping your pup safe on the go is a big deal. First off, consider getting car insurance before your trip to keep you and your vehicle protected in case something goes wrong. Always secure your dog using a seatbelt harness or crate designed specifically for vehicles. Trust me, flying furballs during sharp turns aren’t as funny as they sound.

Pack a pet-friendly first aid kit, loaded with essentials like antiseptic wipes, bandages, tweezers (great for pesky splinters or ticks), and any necessary medications. Staying ahead of fleas, ticks, and other parasites is crucial, especially if you frequently explore different environments. Regular treatments and preventative meds help avoid itchy nightmares.

Always keep your dog’s ID tags updated, and double-check that their microchip information is current. A little prep now saves heaps of worry later if your adventurous pup decides to chase after wildlife.

 

Feeding and Watering in a Van

Meals on wheels take a bit of planning. Store dog food in airtight, spill-proof containers to keep critters out and freshness in. Portable bowls that fold flat or attach securely to surfaces are your best bet—less mess equals more peace of mind.

Water access is essential 24/7. Invest in spill-resistant bowls designed for vehicles to prevent wet carpets. Always top off your water supply before hitting remote areas—running dry isn’t fun for anyone involved.

Avoid leaving open food bags around, as they’re a magnet for insects or an overly curious pup. Similarly, unsecured bowls quickly transform your van floor into a slip-and-slide on winding roads.

 

Managing Behaviour and Space

Training your dog to respect tight spaces makes van living infinitely smoother. Basic commands like “stay,” “place,” and “quiet” become your magic words. Incorporate regular outdoor breaks to avoid cabin fever—mental enrichment games or puzzle toys help too, keeping boredom at bay.

Shedding and muddy paws come with the territory. A compact grooming kit and towel stored near your van’s entrance help keep messes manageable. Barking might seem cute initially, but it quickly annoys campsite neighbours, so stay consistent with training from day one.

 

What-Not-To-Do Lessons Learned

Hot vans are no place for dogs, even for “just a few minutes.” Heat can quickly turn dangerous, so always provide plenty of ventilation or take your dog with you.

Skipping vet visits while travelling isn’t wise. Keep tabs on regular check-ups, vaccinations, and health screenings to avoid unexpected issues.

Not researching dog-friendly spots beforehand can cause frustration. Plan ahead by locating parks, beaches, and campsites where your furry co-pilot is welcome.

 

Conclusion

Living in a van with your dog is definitely a labour of love. It takes flexibility, heaps of patience, and a good sense of humour to manage life in such close quarters. But with the right setup and approach, your van becomes the ultimate dog-friendly adventure mobile—the best dog house on wheels. Safe travels and wagging tails!