Camping with dog – with these tips the journey becomes a safe and relaxed pleasure.

There’s no question about it: When on holiday in your campervan during the most beautiful time of the year, dogs must of course be with you. If you also plan a campingtrip, the conditions for a wonderful journey are optimal. Where else do dogs and owner have direct access to wild untouched nature and can enjoy their leisure time together to its full potential? However, before you rent a camping site, you should think about a few things. To make your holiday an unforgettable highlight and at the same time a safe experience, a few things have to be considered. First and foremost is the question of transport: How does your dog travel safely and at the same time as comfortably as possible to the holiday destination?

Attention dogs on board – legal regulations for dogs in road traffic

If dogs were free to choose their place in the motorhome, they would probably make themselves comfortable directly on the dashboard and enjoy the perfect view of the events around them. Common sense, as well as, the legal rules on dog transportation clearly prohibit this. What does the law actually say about transporting pets? If you work your way through the jungle of regulations, you will quickly come to a simple conclusion: nothing concrete. Animals are only mentioned in under “Other duties of vehicle drivers”. According to Clause 23, as a driver you must ensure that your sight and hearing are not impaired by animals during the journey. So far, so good. But what does this mean for your dog’s whereabouts? Although pets are not specifically mentioned in the Rule of Law, the hidden rules are clear. In addition you must know that dogs are not specified particularly. Instead, they are a part of the load according to the traffic regulations – and they must be secured in such a way that they “cannot slip, fall over, roll back and forth, fall down or generate avoidable noise during emergency braking or sudden evasive movement”. In short, dogs must be secured during the journey so that they are not thrown across the vehicle in the event of an accident – to protect people and animals.

Travelling with dogs in a motorhome – 3 possibilities for safe transport

Transport box, seat belt or mobile home extension – these are the three proven and recognised solutions for safe dog transport. Here is an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of the individual options:

1. travel safely and relaxed in your own transport box

Transport boxes offer the greatest safety when travelling with dogs. However, the prerequisite for this is that you anchor the box securely. This can be done quickly with securing straps. Important: Before departure, check whether the box is really stable. This prevents serious accidents in which the box and its occupant are thrown across the motorhome. Depending on the size of your dog and your wishes, you can now choose between different variants. The best thing to do is to let your animal companion try out the box themselves before buying.

Advantages: When it comes to safety, transport boxes are clearly ahead. In addition, the familiar box calms many anxious dogs and can prevent travel sickness thanks to the closed environment. Plus, You can get dogs used to the box long before they travel.

Disadvantages: Boxes need a lot of space – and this is often scarce in motorhomes.

2. fasten your seat belts please! The seat belt for dogs

One click and your four-legged friend is secured – this concept is behind harnesses for dogs. Just like the straps for humans, the straps for dogs are attached to the seat belt. Depending on the model, you can either hook the other end onto your dog’s harness or attach it to a special harness. Basically, you can attach this system to any seat belt in the motorhome – on the passenger seat as well as on the window seat, which allows your four-legged friend to look out the window while driving.

Advantages: Seat belts for dogs are comparatively inexpensive to buy, take up little space and can be attached in many different places.

Disadvantages: The most important point of criticism when it comes to harnesses for dogs is the central issue of safety. According to current tests, there are major differences between manufacturers. It is best to inform yourself about the latest results before making your selection. Some dogs also have problems with limited freedom of movement on the move. Slow habituation helps prevent stress on longer journeys.

3. comfort journeys for many campers: the motorhome extension

Are you one of those convinced repeat offenders who prefer to spend every free minute on the campsite? Then think about a long-term, individual solution for your four-legged companion. Depending on your personal preference, your financial scope, the equipment and layout of your motorhome and, of course, the size of your dog, there are various options open to you. Your dog prefers to cuddle up under the table? Then a dog kennel could be the ideal option for you. A bunk bed is free regularly? With a small conversion you can have it converted into a comfortable travel place for your dog. A ventilated transport box in the back of the RV promises even more luxury. Or do you have something completely different in mind? Various companies have specialised in individual motorhome extensions and can realise your dream of an individual interior design with a species-appropriate dog transport area.

Advantages: Depending on the conversion, dogs travel particularly comfortably. If you have the motorhome completely rebuilt individually, you are also the proud owner of a unique piece. No other four-legged friend travels like this!

Disadvantages: With the complexity of the change it can get rather pricey. A certain financial cushion is a prerequisite for this solution.

Relaxed journey in a caravan

You start your well-deserved camping holiday with a caravan and an animal companion? Although it is not forbidden by law, your pet will be badly housed in the caravan during the trip. How are you supposed to know if he’s all right, if he has to come loose or if the temperature has just passed the 40 degree mark? So no matter what happens behind the trailer hitch, the best way to transport your dog on a camping holiday with a caravan is the way you normally take him in your car. As in motorhomes, you can use transport boxes, seat belts or even nets and grills that separate the interior from the trunk. The advantages and disadvantages can be compared with those mentioned above.

The right place in the car has been found and your dog knows what to expect? Then the dream holiday can start. Have a good trip!