Dog Friendly Campervan Hire

Yes, but the rules changed after Brexit, so it is worth checking before you book. Whether you are heading to an EU country or further afield, read the latest government guidance so there are no surprises at the border. In short, to travel to an EU country or Northern Ireland your dog will need:

• a microchip
• a valid rabies vaccination
• an animal health certificate, unless you already hold a pet passport issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland
• tapeworm treatment if you are travelling straight to Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway or Malta

Travelling to a non-EU country? You will also need to get an export health certificate. Plenty of our vans are cleared for EU travel, so just check the listing or ask the owner before you book.

We know long journeys can be stressful for your four-legged friend, so a little planning goes a long way. For safety on the road, bring a seat belt restraint or a travel harness so your dog stays secure while you drive. For comfort, pack their bed from home. Dogs settle far better on a soft, familiar surface, and a bed they already know turns a strange van into a home from home. Add their usual food, bowls, lead, poo bags and a favourite toy or two, and they are sorted.

Heat is the question we are asked most, and for good reason. Recent UK summers have pushed past 40 degrees, and a parked van warms up quickly. The golden rule is simple: never leave your dog alone in a hot campervan, and keep a close eye on them on warm days. Beyond that, these are the tricks we have found work best for keeping pups cool:

Thermal blinds and screens. It sounds back to front, but thermal screens keep the sun out just as well as they keep warmth in. Pop them in the cab windows, or across a bulkhead gap if your van has one.

Roof vents. Brilliant for keeping the air moving and drawing cooler air inside. Depending on the van’s battery setup, you can often leave one running while you nip out for an hour.

Cooling coats. These keep the area around your dog’s heart cool. Soak the coat, leave it in the fridge for a couple of hours, then pop it on before any activity.

The five-second pavement test. If the ground is too hot for the back of your hand or a bare foot for five seconds, it is too hot for paws. Slip a shoe off and check before you set out.

A big water bowl. More adventures and, fingers crossed, more sunshine means a thirstier dog, so keep a large bowl topped up throughout the trip.

Your campervan comes with everything you need, and the price includes insurance and roadside assistance, so that side is taken care of. Just remember to add any extras like bedding or a bike rack at checkout if you need them. Bring all your dog’s favourite bits, the bed, the toys, the lot, as if you would forget. The only house rule is that vans come back as they were found, so if your dog tends to moult, please give it a quick clean before handover.