- Advice
- Camping Tips
- Caravanning with Dogs
The Ultimate Guide to a Dog-Friendly Caravanning Holiday
Caravanning around the UK is always a treat, especially when you get to travel with your canine companion. This guide takes you through everything you need to know when it comes to caravanning with your dog, from finding the best dog-friendly caravan sites to safety tips for travelling.
Skip to:
- Dog-friendly caravan sites
- Preparing for a caravan holiday with a dog
- Setting up a dog-friendly caravan
- Tips for helping your dog settle in a caravan
- Travelling safely with dogs on a caravanning holiday
- Common challenges and solutions when caravanning with dogs
- Dog-friendly holiday inspiration
Finding a dog-friendly caravan site
Before you start packing and planning activities, the first step is to find a caravan site that welcomes dogs. Thankfully, we’ve got hundreds of dog-friendly caravan sites across the UK. So, whether you want an active city break in London, a peaceful beach escape in Cornwall, or a lovely retreat in the Scottish Highlands, you’ll find something that works for you and your canine companion.
When searching for your perfect caravan site, look for handy features and facilities such as:
- Designated dog walking trails: Perfect for a quick walk without straying too far away from your caravan.
- Dog washing station: Handy for rinsing off muddy paws after a day full of fun activities.
- Dog-friendly pubs or cafes nearby: Grab a quick bite to eat or drink without leaving your pup behind.
- Dog-friendly local activities: From dog-friendly beaches and lakes to parks and woodlands, make sure there’s plenty to do around for you and your dog.
- On-site shop stocked with essentials: If you’re caravanning in a remote location, check if the caravan site has a shop that sells dog food and other necessities in case you run out.
Having these amenities on hand can make your caravanning holiday smoother, more enjoyable, and far less stressful, for both you and your dog.
Preparing for a caravan holiday with a dog
A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to caravanning with your dog. From packing the right essentials to ensuring your caravan is a cosy and safe space, these steps will help you and your dog have a stress-free holiday.
1. Pack your dog's essentials
Bring everything your dog will need for your holiday, including:
- Food and water bowls
- Bedding or blankets, especially if they get muddy or wet
- Dog food and treats
- Leads, harness, and poo bags
- Any car safety essentials, like a seat belt harness
- Towels, grooming kit, and medication
It’s always better to be over-prepared and pack extras. This can save you time and stress if you run out during your trip. For a detailed checklist, view our dog packing list to ensure nothing gets left behind.
Download your free dog checklist here.
2. Bring a toy or familiar bedding
Travelling and staying somewhere new can make dogs anxious. To help them feel at ease, pack items that smell like home. These can include their usual bedding, a comfort blanket or their favourite chew toy.
Small touches like these can help relax their nerves and make them feel at ease during the journey, and once you’ve hitched up.
3. Carry out caravan safety checks
Ensure your caravan is road-ready and safe for your dog by carrying out regular servicing, checking ventilation systems work properly to avoid overheating and making sure windows and doors close securely.
For more advice, check out our expert guide on servicing your caravan or motorhome.
4. Checks your dog's health status
Before heading off, make sure your dog is up-to-date with their vaccinations and has received flea, tick, and other necessary treatments.
5. Do a test caravan run
If your dog hasn’t been in a caravan before, let them spend time inside and explore it at their own pace. You can also spend a night together in the caravan before your holiday. This will help them settle in and alert you to any issues you may experience.
Setting up a dog-friendly caravan
Creating a safe and comfortable environment for your dog, both inside and outside the caravan, will help them settle quickly and remain secure during your trip. Here are some practical tips:
- Give your dog a designated spot: Whether it’s a crate in the corner or a cosy pet bed, your dog will appreciate having their own area to relax.
- Make food and water easily accessible: Keep bowls within easy reach and choose a spot that’s simple to clean in case of spills.
- Dog-proof the caravan: Once you’ve set up your dog’s zone, make sure there are no hazards they might chew or knock over. Keep wires, cleaning products, and sharp items out of reach.
- Install a dog-proof door screen: This is handy when you want to keep the doors open for ventilation while keeping your dog safely inside. Many caravans already have mesh or flyscreens, but you can also invest in a doggy gate.
- Set up an awning: Once you’ve pitched up, create a safe and shaded outdoor space with an awning, allowing your dog to enjoy the fresh air while staying protected from the sun.
- Provide an outdoor bed: If your dog enjoys lounging outside, set up a comfortable spot where they can rest.
- Use a dog tether if required: Some campsites only allow dogs on leads. A secure dog tether can give your dog freedom to relax outdoors while keeping them safe.
Tips for helping your dog settle in a caravan
If it’s your first time caravanning with your dog, they may be just as nervous as you. Here are some practical ways to help them feel comfortable and settled:
1. Introduce them gradually
Rather than hopping straight in and setting off, give your dog time to adjust to the caravan environment. Let them explore at their own pace and monitor their reactions. You can take them on a short journey to see their behaviour while travelling, and spend a night in the caravan so they know what to expect, and you’re aware of any issues.
2. Stick to your usual routine
It’s easy to lose track of a routine when you’re travelling, but maintaining a dog's usual habits will allow them to feel secure. Keep feeding, walking, and playtimes consistent so your dog doesn’t feel out of place.
3. Provide mental stimulation
Dogs can get restless in new environments. Bring chew toys and puzzle feeders to keep them occupied, especially when you need to use facilities or leave them alone briefly. This also helps prevent late-night zoomies and keeps them happily entertained.
Travelling safely with dogs on a caravanning holiday
Your dog’s safety on the road is just as important as your own. An unrestrained pet can easily become a distraction or even get injured if you have to brake suddenly. That’s why it’s essential to plan ahead before setting off on any caravan trip with your four-legged friend.
Legal requirements for caravaning with a dog
Rule 57 of the Highway Code states:
“When in a vehicle, make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.”
Safe travel options for dogs
The best restraint will depend on your dog’s size, temperament, and comfort level. Here are some options:
Top tip: Make regular service station stops so your dog can stretch their legs, go to the toilet or have some food and water. This is especially important in the summer, when they can get dehydrated quickly.
Common challenges and solutions when caravanning with dogs
No matter how well-prepared you are for caravaning with your dog, you can still encounter some hiccups on your trip. Here are some common challenges caravanners face and practical ways to handle them:
1. Excessive barking
Dogs may bark excessively for a variety of reasons, including excitement from new people and animals, pent-up energy, separation anxiety, fear or stress from unfamiliar environments, boredom, or to alert you to any potential threats. To minimise this, you can,
- Bring familiar and relaxing items from home
- Ensure your dog gets plenty of walks and exercise during the day
- Provide mental stimulation with toys or puzzle feeders to keep them calm
- Keep your blinds shut to prevent fixations
2. Accidents or injuries
Accidents happen. Make sure you have a well-stocked first aid kit with hydrogen peroxide to treat cuts, a tick remover, dog sunscreen, and the usual bandages. It’s also worth researching the nearest vet to the caravan site and keeping their number on hand so you can contact them immediately for bigger accidents.
3. Weather
If you’re caravanning in the summer, ensure your caravan remains cool and well-ventilated. Bring some frozen dog treats or extra ice to keep your canine companions' temperature down. Also, avoid going out during peak heat hours and protect your pup's paws from hot surfaces such as sand. If you plan to travel or explore during the hot weather, be sure to carry extra water and seek shade.
If you’re caravanning in winter, pack extra blankets and keep your dog’s sleeping area warm.
4. Restricted access
To avoid disappointment, always double-check that campsites, attractions, pubs, and restaurants are dog-friendly. Some locations may have restricted access, meaning your dog may only be allowed in certain areas.