Camping guides
Complete guide to van life with dogs: ultimate pet guide
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For most pet owners, bringing their dog on a road trip only makes the experience that much more special. But before they set off, many of them have questions and concerns about how to survive van life with dogs.
Not to worry! Every year, many travellers around Australia take a road trip with one or more dogs in their van. It’s easy once you know what you’re doing!
In this guide to van life with dogs, you’ll learn how to make your van safe and comfortable for your furry friend and how to find pet-friendly campsites and caravan parks around Australia. We’ll also share our top tips and answer your FAQs about dog van life. Plus, we even give you a handy packing list for travelling with your dog!
And remember, Camplify is the quickest and easiest way to find pet-friendly campervan hire in Australia if you need a van!
How to ace van life with dogs
Make your van dog friendly
1. Choose a pet-proof upholstery
It’s best to cover the seats and soft furnishings in your van with leather or vinyl upholstery because these don’t absorb odours from your dog and are easy to wipe down. Microfibre is a less effective but more affordable option that is also easy to clean.
The quickest and most inexpensive way to reupholster your seats is to invest in a set of seat covers. Alternatively, you can simply use some old blankets or a towel as a barrier against grime and dog hair.
Also, consider the floor of your campervan. Don’t use carpet because your dog will make a mess of it. Instead, lay wooden floorboards or vinyl flooring that is easy to install and clean. For more information, see our guide to campervan conversion flooring.
2. Decide between curtains or blinds
There are benefits and disadvantages to both curtains and blinds when living the van life with a dog. Curtains tend to attract more pet hair and dirt but can easily be taken down and thrown in the washing machine. Blinds have to be cleaned by hand and are not generally as durable as curtains (teething and naughty dogs love chewing on blinds).
3. Create a storage space for your dog's stuff
Travelling with a dog in your campervan involves bringing a lot of items to keep them happy and healthy (see the dog van life packing list below). Create one or two storage spaces in your campervan that you use specifically for storing your dog stuff. One storage area can be used for the items that need to be readily available (e.g. water bottles and toys), whilst the other storage area can be used for items that are only needed once you arrive at camp (e.g. dog food).
Motorhome storage ideas do not need to be complicated. They can be as simple as plastic storage tubs in cupboards or hanging baskets.
4. Tuck away the garbage bin in your van
Store the garbage bin out of reach from your mischievous furry friend. Instead, attach it to the inside of a cupboard door that you keep shut. Not only will this prevent your pooch from making a mess but it will prevent the bin from tipping over when driving down the road.
5. Keep your van cool and comfortable
If you leave your van sitting in the sun during the Australian summer, the interior can reach a lethal temperature of 70°C in just 10 minutes. This is why it is illegal to leave your dog in a hot car in some parts of Australia (see FAQs below for more details).
If you do have to leave your dog in your van, protect it from discomfort and dehydration by doing the following:
Install a vent fan and crack a window open to keep fresh, cool air circulating throughout your vehicle.
Attach reflective sunshades to deflect some of the heat being absorbed through the glass.
Wrap your pet in a cooling towel to help them bear the heat.
Fill up your pet’s water bowl anytime it runs low, encouraging them to lap it up regularly.
Install a remote temperature monitor in your van so you can monitor the heat and humidity from your phone.
6. Create sleeping arrangements for your dog
Some van lifers like to create a dedicated sleeping area for their dog, whilst others don’t mind having their dog snuggle up with them in bed. Consider which arrangement is more comfortable for you and your dog. If you do make a sleeping area in your campervan for your dog, consider using a collapsible crate or bring their pet bed from home.
Tips for van life with dogs
1.Plan the route with your dog in mind
Most dogs don’t fare well in extreme heat or cold, so keep the temperature in mind when planning van life routes. Try to visit cooler camping spots in the summer and warmer destinations in the winter.
Also, consider what kind of attractions, accommodation and restaurants you will be visiting on your road trip. If you want to take your dog in the van with you, it is best to plan for predominantly outdoor activities. On the other hand, if your trip entails mostly indoor activities, consider leaving your dog at home with family or friends.
2. Ensure your dog is microchipped and collared
Don’t risk losing your dog whilst on holiday. Before you start your van life with a dog, get it microchipped. That way, your chances of finding them are far higher in the worst-case scenario.
Also, ensure that your dog has a collar with an identification tag and your contact details. When you do arrive at your destination, your dog will likely become highly excited and start chasing new scents or animals. Before you get out of the van, put them on a harness or leash with a strong tether. If your dog is well-behaved, you may feel comfortable letting them off their leash once they’ve settled down (if the campsite allows this).
3. Train your dog for van life
Spend some time training your dog to be well-behaved and respond to your commands before you set off on your van life adventure. It’s important for your dog’s safety that they can sit, stay and come when asked.
4. Give your dog plenty of exercise
Whilst travelling with your dog, you will quickly find that the more exercise they get, the happier and better behaved they will be. Make regular stops during your road trips, pulling over at dog-friendly walking trails, beaches and parks.
Try to stay at pet-friendly campsites that have space for your puppy to run, play and socialise with other dogs.
5. Minimise the amount of time your dog spends in the van
Minimise the time your pet spends alone in the van. When planning your route for the day, search for pet-friendly spots such as cafes or public parks.
Remember, in some parts of Australia it is illegal to leave your dog alone in a hot car (see FAQs below for more details). If one of you can stay behind to keep your pet company while monitoring the temperature, this is the safest option.
6. Cleaning up dog hair and odours in your van
Make sure that you bring all the cleaning products that you will need to clean up after your dog in the van. Use a small broom and dustpan to sweep the floor and seats and remove dog hair, dust and dirt. You may also want to consider regularly brushing your dog if it sheds a lot of hair.
If your dog has been swimming, rub them down with a microfiber towel before letting them back in the van. To get rid of pungent wet dog odours in your van, sprinkle baking soda over the fabrics and spread it around with a brush. Leave the baking soda overnight before vacuuming the next day.
How to find dog-friendly campsites
Whilst many campsites, caravan parks and holiday parks around Australia are pet-friendly, some are not. To find and book accommodation that is accepting of dogs, we recommend using websites and apps such as WikiCamps Australia, Campstay or Take Your Pet. For more information, see our guide on how to find and book a caravan park and the best places for pet-friendly camping in Australia!
Remember, most pet-friendly campsites will require you to keep your dog quiet, on a leash and they must be used to human interaction.
Dogs are generally not welcome at National Parks in Australia. You can drive through a National Park with your dog but they must stay inside the van and you can not stop. This is because:
Native animals consider pets to be predators, whose scent can frighten them away from their natural homes.
Pet faeces not only carry diseases that harm wildlife but also add nutrients to the soil, in turn encouraging weed growth.
If your dog is particularly loud, active or aggressive, it may disrupt the experience of other campers.
If you fail to abide by the rules and regulations, you will be removed from the National Park and may receive a fine.
FAQs about van life with dogs
Q. How should you secure a dog in a van?
A. In Australia, the law generally requires that your pet is secure and not a distraction when riding in your van.
Most van lifers choose to restrain their dog in a crate in the back of the campervan, as this prevents the dog from jumping into the cab (distracting for the driver) and flying around in the back when braking and taking corners (dangerous for the dog).
If you’d prefer your dog to sit on a passenger seat, use a harness and dog seat to restrain it.
Q. Is it illegal to leave your dog in a parked vehicle in Australia?
A. In some parts of Australia, it is illegal to leave your dog in a parked vehicle. For example, in Victoria, it is illegal to leave an animal unattended inside a car for more than 10 minutes when outside temperatures are at or above 28℃.
In other states such as NSW, it is not strictly an offence to leave your dog in a parked vehicle. However, if the dog becomes heat distressed, this may be considered an act of animal cruelty which is a criminal offence in and of itself.
See our advice above and minimise the time your dog spends alone in the van.
Q. Is it possible to take two dogs in a campervan?
A. Whether or not you are comfortable having more than one dog in your campervan depends on the size of the van and the layout. Many van lifers manage to travel with two dogs in their camper by ensuring that each dog has its own sleeping and sitting area.
Q. Are dogs allowed in National Parks in Australia?
A. Dogs are generally not allowed in National Parks in Australia. You can drive through a National Park with your dog but you must stay on gazetted roads and your dog must stay inside the van. You can not stop at day-use areas, lookouts or any other National Park site whilst your dog is in the vehicle.
If you are travelling with your dog and want to visit a National Park, you may be best leaving the dog with a sitter in a nearby town.
Packing list for van life with dogs
As well as these road trip essentials, you'll need to pack a few extra items for your dog:
Collar: Keep your dog under control and attach a name tag with your contact details. Attach a collar light so that you can see where your dog is at night time. And consider a GPS collar if you’re worried about your dog running off.
Leash or tether: Attach it to your dog's collar and keep it under control. If you’re particularly active, consider also investing in a hands-free leash that you can wrap around your waist on hikes.
Harness: More comfortable for your dog than a collar and provides slightly more control.
Dog carrier: If your dog is small and not physically capable of completing long and gruelling hikes, you might want to consider taking a dog carrier so that you can complete your walk and carry your dog the rest of the way.
Dog bed: Give your dog a comfortable spot to sleep. Some portable dog beds are compatible and can be washed in a washing machine.
Dog seat or travel crate: Provide your dog with a safe and comfortable place to sit and sleep when driving.
Seat covers: Invest in a set of leather, vinyl or microfibre seat covers that are durable and easy to clean. Alternatively, lay down old towels or sheets.
Dog food and treats: Don’t forget to keep your dog full and happy whilst on the road.
Airtight containers: For storing dog food and other dog items in your campervan.
Dog bowls: Instead of taking your normal dog bowls from home, consider buying a pair of collapsible travel bowls that will help you save space in your van.
Portable dog water bottle: You don’t want to have to pull out the dog's water bowl when driving. Instead, consider buying a portable dog water bottle.
Dog poop bags: In Australia, you are required to pick up after your dog. No ifs, ands or buts.
Old towels: Handy for drying your dog after it’s been swimming.
Cooling towel: Keep your dog cool in hot weather.
Dog toys: Keep your dog entertained at camp and whilst driving.
Brush, dustpan and a handheld vacuum: For cleaning up dog hair, mud and grime in your van.
Dog brush: If your dog sheds a lot of hair, regularly brush it to reduce the amount of hair left in your van.
Baby wipes: For cleaning up stains and other muck in your van.
Copy of your dog’s vaccination records: Just in case you need them at a border crossing or during a veterinary visit.
Pet-friendly campervan hire in Australia
With our ultimate guide to van life with dogs, you now know how to survive road trips with your pup! But what’s the quickest and easiest way to find pet-friendly campervan hire that’s comfortable for both you and your furry friend?
Camplify is a platform that allows holidaymakers to quickly search through heaps of pet-friendly motorhomes, campervans and caravan rentals around Australia. Simply enter your pickup location, turn on the ‘Pet-friendly’ search filter and within seconds, you will find the perfect van for a road trip with your dog!
To make life even easier for you, here are some links to pet-friendly van hire around Australia:
Why Camplify?
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By hiring with Camplify, you are also helping local families who share their van on our platform and supporting many local companies across Australia in addition to ours. So we are very grateful to you.
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The information in this blog is accurate and current as of the date of posting. Please be aware that information, facts, and links may become outdated over time.