How to Have a Pet-Friendly Campervan Vacation!

Top tips for traveling with dogs and cats!

Bringing your pet on a campervan road trip is an excellent way to see the world with your furry friend by your side. Dogs are well known for loving long bounding hikes, but did you know that some cats actually enjoy walking alongside their owners as well?

By choosing to travel with any type of RV, you are giving your pet room to roam on long drives. They’ll also be able to experience nature in a way that they never could from home. To help prepare yourself and your pet, here are some tips and guides on how to have a pet-friendly campervan vacation.

What To Know Before You Go

If this is your pet’s first big road trip then there are a few things to keep in mind before you set off. Some animals get car sick, the same way humans do, so take your pet on shorter drives first to see how they react. Don’t stress if they throw up, this just means that your pet needs anti-nausea medication before the big drive. Feeding your friend three hours prior to departure helps settle their stomach for the journey. You should also get a cat or dog vehicle restraint, to clip them into place while on the road.

When you begin your campervan road trip, your cat or dog won’t understand what’s going on. Cats especially might get stressed out with the new environment and the constant motion. To ease your pet into the vehicle, spread around toys and blankets from home, so your friend will have familiar scents. It’s important that your pet has its own bed and personal space within the campervan. Show your pet where their food and water will be situated throughout the drive. Cats must have constant access to a litter tray and you need to show them where it is right away.

Make sure to double-check all of your travel destinations beforehand to see if they are pet-friendly. Sadly, most national parks in the U.S. don’t permit dogs to walk on their hiking trails. The good news is that there are plenty of scenic paved routes in the parks and along the Pacific coastline that you and your furry friend can enjoy together. If you are planning to be out in the sun a lot, then look into pet-safe sunblock to protect your dog. Dogs are able to burn, just like us, and their noses are particularly sensitive.

Dog-Friendly Beaches in Southern California

Everyone loves a trip to the beach in the summer and the stunning Southern California coastline is the perfect setting for a sandy vacation. Your dog will have as much fun as you do, splashing and playing along the surf, but you need to know where they’re allowed to go.

Here are the best dog-friendly beaches in Southern California. Just remember to set up a parasol when you settle down, so your furry friend has a patch of much-needed shade.

Hendry’s Beach, 93109

Hendry’s Beach is a sandy cove to the east of the main Arroyo Burro Beach in Santa Barbara. Dogs are allowed to play off-leash in the shallow waters where they can cool down in the gentle waves.

Carmel Beach, 93922

The whole beachside town of Carmel is very dog-friendly and the white sand beaches are open to pets during the day. Just remember to keep an eye on the playful hound so it doesn’t disturb the other beachgoers.

Ocean Beach, 92107

This San Diego Dog Beach was one of the first in the US to allow dogs to roam off-leash. The wide, sandy stretch near the San Diego River remains a popular canine summer destination.

Cat Travel Essentials

Traveling with your cat is a memorable experience for everyone involved and it’s much easier to do than you realize. You just need to pack these key road trip essentials for the sake of your cat and your campervan!

Litter Tray

You can use a regular litter tray if you have a big enough vehicle, just keep it in an easy-to-clean area. If you don’t have space for a full-size tray then invest in a travel litter bag. Don’t forget a scooper to pick up whatever your cat leaves behind

Travel Backpack

Your tiny friend won’t always be able to keep up with you on long summer walks. A large, airy cat backpack will keep your pet close while offering them a lovely view as they rest. Make sure your backpack has at least two mesh walls so your cat is properly ventilated.

Scratching Post

You don’t want your kitty to accidentally wreck your rented campervan. Bring along a small, transportable scratching post to keep their claws off of the upholstery.

Extendable Leash and Harness

Use a strong harness that fits comfortably on your cat without being loose enough for your travel buddy to escape. Never take your cat off the leash outside of the campervan as they are easily spooked and can unintentionally run away.

Pet Travel Health & Safety Tips

Check for ticks after each walk in nature

If you can’t clearly see their skin then firmly pet them all over, feeling for a small flexible bump. Ticks grow larger over time so check for them daily for up to a week, once you’re back home. You should also apply an anti-flea and tick product before you set off. Lyme disease is only transmitted by the reddish-brown Western blacklegged tick in the eastern United States.

Never leave your pet in a hot campervan

The summer is baking hot in America, especially inside a parked campervan. Never leave your pet inside a vehicle during the day (and on sweltering nights). Traveling with a pet in the summer means you’ll mainly have to visit pet-friendly destinations.

Frequently offer water to your pets

Always bring an extra bottle of water wherever you go so your travel buddy has something to drink. Offer them water at regular intervals to stave off dehydration.

Make sure your pet carries ID

Whenever you bring your cat or dog outside the house, they should be wearing a collar and ID tag. On this, you should include your pet’s name, your name, and your phone number/email. If you have space, you can also add your pet’s microchip number.

Remember the essentials

Don’t forget to pack your proof of ownership, pet passport (if they have one), and vaccination records. If your dog or cat is taking medication, then bring enough for a few extra days. Of course, they’ll need food to last the vacation, plus plenty of treats for being so good on the trip!

Ready To Go On Your Pet-Friendly Adventure?

Then rent a campervan now through TB Outdoor Rentals or join our RV sharing platform to earn hassle-free income on your camping vehicle while it’s not in use. Join us next Wednesday for a guide to the best RV parks and campgrounds in California!