Traveling in a motorhome with your dog
What if going on vacation in a motorhome with your dog was the perfect way to enjoy it? Going in a motorhome means feeling free to travel according to your desires with your imagination as the only limit. Embark all your family and your dog and go on an adventure together for unforgettable moments in the four corners of France and even the world.
This is why Christine adopted the motorhome: “ No vacation without my dogs! So I had to find a solution to travel with my whole family. The motorhome? It quickly appeared to be the best compromise for traveling with my Newfoundland dog and my border collie. Our companions love being on the road with the motorhome. They enjoy with us all the wonders of the world. "
Musher and I have never had the opportunity to go on vacation with this mode of transport. That's why we've called on our entire community to share their travel experiences with you. Discover travel tips and advice from fans of motorhomes or camper vans in the community!
Choosing the right motorhome
Either you already have your own motorhome or you can rent one for your vacation from a motorhome rental professional such as Avis Car-Away, leader in motorhome rental in France for 40 years, which accepts dogs with open arms.
There are many other professional rental companies that accept your dog. In a few searches, you will find your happiness on the Internet. There are also motorhome rental sites between individuals. Dog lovers will be happy to accept that you rent their motorhome to spend a few days on vacation with your dog!
Read the general conditions of sale carefully and always inform them of the presence of your dog at the time of rental to ensure that he is welcome and to avoid disappointment.
Traveling with your dog: some formalities to respect
Before leaving in the motorhome, Stéphanie takes care to check that the vaccines of Chippie, her adorable cocker spaniel, are up to date, especially the one against rabies. His dog's passport is always in his bag just in case; identity checks, Chipie's health concerns… Margaux is leaving next year for a tour of Europe in a motorhome with her dog and her cat. She is currently checking all these formalities: customs clearance, compulsory vaccinations...
Stéphanie declared Chipie to her insurance. Thus, if something happens during the holidays, she is insured against the damage that her dog could cause. It is a wise reflex.
Furthermore, Chipie has a necklace with a medallion with his name and his mistress' phone number. So, if she gets lost, it should be easy to tell her mistress. It is also identifiable thanks to its chip, which is MANDATORY.
Any last “formality” advice? Check that there is a veterinarian near the place of your vacation and remember to take your dog's first aid kit.
Marie-Chantal has also adopted the motorhome: “Our Beauceron has a dozen countries to his credit for two years, summer and winter. What happiness and the vehicle is well kept! “
Traveling by motorhome: freedom?
Stéphanie and her husband never forget to check that the campsite or the parking area where they want to stop with their motorhome accepts animals.
Martine also chose the motorhome: “ I always go with my two dogs. We stop where we want and when we want. I am calm and leave serene because I do not need to find a rental that accepts dogs. It makes life easier. "
Traveling by motorhome is resolutely freedom. Everything is within easy reach (or hand): once the vehicle is parked, the adventure begins. All you have to do is open your holiday guide, or the map app on your phone, to target a point of interest, put the key in the ignition and set off to discover new horizons. It's the holidays with the comfort of your home. In the motorhome you can carry your utensils and accessories to feel at home anywhere. And your dog will appreciate being able to find his “home” every day. Dogs are routine animals, they like to find their “home”: the motorhome is ideal for that.
Safety in a nutshell
As in the car, there are safety rules to follow when traveling with your dog in a motorhome. I strongly advise against leaving it loose in the passenger compartment. Even if it remains quietly lying in its basket, it will become a dangerous projectile in the event of an accident, like all objects not stored elsewhere. Your pet's safety during the journey is also yours.
Stéphanie chose to attach her dog with a harness and a special seat belt attachment. So Chipie travels with her on the front seat. No law imposes it on you but it is common sense. You can also put your dog in a transport cage or a suitable travel bag that you will have to block behind the driver's seat in order to avoid all movements in turns.
Marion also travels by motorhome with her two dogs. This mode of transport allows her to travel whenever she can, even for “short weekends”. She embarks the dogs and some food and off we go for the adventure. No need to plan your vacation in advance: a ray of sunshine, a desire and presto, everyone takes their place on board and ahead.
The life of your dog on board the motorhome
Kristel also chose the motorhome so Izia follows her everywhere 24 hours a day! Her little glue pot dog loves it. In addition, she discovers new places all the time and therefore new smells. She too has definitely adopted this way of traveling.
Chipie is very routine like all dogs, so Stephanie is careful not to change some of her habits. For example, she gives him his meals at the same time as at home. To make her feel good, she takes her toys and carpet with her on her travels. You have to dedicate a space of its own to your dog. Like at home, he needs to have a place of refuge to rest and isolate himself a little.
It is essential to teach your dog a few rules of life. Indeed, for his safety, he must not leave the motorhome even if the door is open without your verbal agreement because potentially, there could be vehicles. If he tends to want to visit the surroundings, you may need to tie him near your motorhome. He shouldn't put himself in danger or get lost.
Apoline told us to go in a motorhome for his cani-vtt competitions: “ I travel all the time in a motorhome with my darlings…it's like a little house on wheels… My dogs each have their own place to sleep. It's ideal for canivtt weekends away from home… We're not out of place and we're sure to be well received! "
You will not be able to leave your dog alone in the motorhome and especially not in summer because of the heat, which rises very very quickly like in a classic car.
Be sure to put yourself in a place a little far away when parking if your dog tends to bark, this will prevent you from attracting the wrath of your neighbors.
Reynald testifies: “ Going away with my dog in a motorhome for 6 months was the most beautiful adventure of my life… Only unforgettable memories. "
For Stéph' also the motorhome has changed his life: “ My cocker spaniels have traveled in Spain, Greece, Sicily, Sardinia, Belgium, in the Alps, Austria, Germany, Switzerland and always in a motorhome. Next destinations for our lovely team: England and Scotland this spring and Portugal/Spain this summer. The motorhome is freedom! "
The final word
Stéphanie reminds that a good organization will allow you to travel serenely with your dog and thus to savor unforgettable moments together.
Like Chipie, your dog will quickly adapt to this new way of life, even if there are a few safety rules to learn at the start.
Thanks to the motorhome, Jany was able to visit the south of France with her dog: “ We rented a motorhome so we could go where we wanted with our boxer!! And he loved it!! We left Marseille for Barcelona: 10 magical days of travel. We bring our dog with us as much as possible. We do not hesitate to change the destination for our dog! The motorhome was a very good compromise. I recommend. "
If you're concerned about parking, the site Park4Night lists all places to van and camper are welcome. A good tip.
—–
Musher and I hope this article has made you want to try an RV vacation. We are going to be tempted by this experience Wouafement Bien!
For the record, know that Avis Car-Away is there to accompany you on your motorhome holiday and help you choose the most suitable one for your dog, so don't hesitate to ask them for advice. From 77€ per day, get off the beaten track for a weekend and set off on an adventure in a motorhome, converted van or van with your everyday friend.