A big part of van life is freedom, adventure, and creating memories. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll get to experience nomadic adventures with dogs by your side. Equipping yourself with the right dog gear for life on the road is important, whether you’re living in your van full-time or embarking on weekend trips. These tips and van life dog essentials will help keep your pup happy, safe, and comfortable as you explore new places together.
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Should You Get a Dog for Van Life?
If you don’t have a dog but are thinking about adopting one to join your van life adventures, there are a few things to think about first. A dog can be a wonderful companion on the road. They offer good company and a reason to get outside and explore. Some of my favorite adventures came about when I searched for places my dogs would enjoy! However, van life requires a great deal of flexibility, and you have to figure out if you can provide the care and attention a dog needs while living in a small, constantly moving space.
- Puppies require extra attention, training, and socialization. This can be even more challenging on the road.
- Do you have the time and resources to support your dog’s physical and mental well-being? Life on the road can involve unpredictable schedules and environments that may not always be dog-friendly.
- Think about your dog’s temperament and health needs. Some dogs will thrive in a nomadic lifestyle, while others may struggle with the unpredictability and limited space.
Adopting a dog is a rewarding experience for the right person and dog. But it’s also a big responsibility that requires careful planning, commitment, and an understanding of what life on the road entails for both you and your furry pal.
Will Your Dog Enjoy a Nomadic Lifestyle?
Before heading out with your dog, consider how they might adapt to living in a mobile rig. Some dogs thrive on the adventure and new sights, sounds, and smells that come with constant travel. Others may struggle with the limited indoor space and unfamiliar environments. Dogs used to having a large yard to run around in or a predictable routine may need time to adjust to the smaller, more transient space of a van or RV.
Consider your dog’s temperament. Do they enjoy long car rides? What is their energy level? How do they react to new environments? Some dogs might find the constant change in scenery exciting and energizing, while others may feel stressed or anxious.
If your dog is adaptable, enjoys being with you no matter the setting, and is comfortable with being in tight quarters, they may love the flexibility of van life. However, if your dog tends to get car sick, is very territorial, or experiences separation anxiety, van life may require more patience and careful planning to ensure they feel safe and happy on the road.
FAQs About Life on the Road with Dogs
I got a lot of questions when people realized I lived in my van with two large dogs. Here are some of the most common questions that might help you build your van and plan for van life with dogs:
Where Do Your Dogs Sleep?
My dogs sleep on my bed. My bed is just a hair smaller than a queen. It’s a cozy fit with two humans and two 65-pound dogs.
I spread a blanket over my comforter for the dogs to lay on because blankets are easier to shake out and wash than comforters. A few other things to consider for your setup:
- Do you want your dogs on your bed? Your van bed might not be as spacious as your regular bed, so it might be more comfortable for you or your dogs to have other options. There’s also the added dirt and hair that can accumulate with a pet on the bed. In the small space of a van, that adds up fast.
- Do you have space to set up a separate sleep area/crate for your dog? At night, I used to set out one of the fluffier dog beds on the floor in case Cool Whip or Hercules wanted another sleeping option. During their van build, some dog owners include a dog crate or designated sleep space in the garage area under the bed. Maybe your dog curls up on the front seats or another seating area at night.
- How will your dog get up and down? The higher your bed, the more challenging it is for your dog to get up there, especially a senior dog. My bed is fairly low (it’s a convertible dinette), but I still keep a stepstool in place to help my dogs get up and down. Step stools are helpful whether you have a large dog or small dog.
What Does Your Dog Do While You Work?
My dogs were pretty good about sticking around the van while I worked. If I parked in a busy area, I’d keep them hooked to long leashes. This still gave them space to move from a dog bed to the grass, shade to sun, outside or inside. If there were a lot of distractions, I’d keep them inside to nap on the bed. A few things to consider with your van life dog:
- How easily does your dog get distracted and will they run off or bark a lot? If they like to explore, consider a long leash to keep them close while you’re focused on work. If they like to bark at people passing by, try putting up your shades and keeping them entertained with toys or treats.
- How will you keep your dog cool as the day warms? If you’re busy working, you don’t want to have to pack up and move. Look for dog-friendly camping spots with afternoon shade or somewhere you can catch a cool breeze. Learn the art of the cross draft if your furry companion stays inside. Turn on your roof vent fan and open the right combination of windows to get a good breeze flowing through the camper van. Invest in good fans. If you have AC, keep an eye on your power usage.
- Will your dog nap most of the day or will they need entertainment? You may need to take your canine companion on more or longer walks if they have to stay near the van while you work. Bring toys or chews you can trust them with. Consider a post-work trip to a dog park or other dog-friendly places. Keep a list of dog-friendly activities on hand to ensure you have a happy dog while living vanlife.
What Do You Do with Your Dogs If You’re Visiting National Parks or Other Locations That Don’t Allow Dogs?
Dog-friendly van life is not always easy. There are still a lot of places that don’t welcome pets. My dogs are trustworthy enough to be left alone in the van, so running errands has always been easy. If it’s a hot day, I park in a shaded spot, turn on the fans, and try to be as efficient as possible. I also use pickup services at big box stores when they’re available. When it comes to hikes or destinations that don’t allow pets, I generally skip them.
There’s usually a nearby state park or public lands with equally epic (or better!) adventures that allow your dog to join in the fun. Bonus: These spots are often less crowded as well.
But there are other options to consider, such as leaving your dogs with a friend or family member or hiring a dog sitter on Rover. Even if pets are allowed at a national park campground, you cannot leave them unattended at your campsite or in your vehicle.
How Do You Keep Your Van Clean with All of the Sand, Mud, and Dog Hair?
There’s no way to get around it: there will be a lot of dirt and hair flying around your home on wheels. The trick with dogs in a van is to keep your space tidy and sweep it out often. Keep cleaning wipes and a hand broom easily accessible. I also have a small hand-held vacuum that is 100% worth the extra space it takes up. Spread a blanket across my bed so it’s easy to shake out dirt and hair the dogs bring up there. I have a small rug in my entryway and I put one outside at our campsites.
Quick Tips for Van Life with Your Dog
Here are 10 van life tips with dogs:
- Keep a copy of your dogs’ vaccination records with you in the van. You may need these for border checkpoints or an emergency vet visit. Boarding facilities often require vaccination records as well.
- Look up your closest emergency vet each time you change locations, especially if you’re going to be in an area with poor cell reception. A big part of pet care while living in a van is planning for the times when you have limited resources. When Lu got too close to a porcupine in the middle of the Wisconsin woods, I didn’t have cell service, but I knew which direction to start driving to reach a vet (and got cell reception on the way to call ahead).
- Choose dog food that is easily accessible, and keep your pup on a regular eating schedule. You may need to stock up on dog food more than you did at home if your dog’s food is only available online or in a few locations. I wound up switching brands to one available at more stores rather than one I had to order online.
- Figure out how you’ll keep your dogs cool on a hot day. This may mean using fans, traveling to a cooler location, or installing an RV AC unit. I use rechargeable/USB-powered fans and open my windows to create a cross draft over the bed.
- Plan your travel days around your dog. Look up gas stations and rest stops with dog-friendly spaces, dog parks, or dog-friendly hikes you can do along the way.
- Opt for dispersed camping if your pups need fewer distractions and more freedom. Apps like iOverlander, Sekr, or Campendium help find campsites while you travel.
- Use bedding and blankets that are easy to clean, especially if your dog sleeps on your bed. Everything seems to get dirty faster when living out of a van. I put a blanket on top of my comforter that is easy to wash more often.
- Get a small broom or hand-held vacuum to keep dog hair and dirt under control. I have a Shark hand-vac that makes cleaning up incredibly easy.
- Get good gear for your walks – leash, treat pouch, and poop bag dispenser. Surprisingly, it’s easy to lose stuff in this small space, so having a setup ready to go makes a world of a difference.
- Put your van keys on a carabiner clip. It’s easy to attach to a belt loop, purse strap, leash, backpack, etc. One less thing to lose while running around with your pups!
Van Life with Dogs: Gear Recommendations
A lot of the dog gear you use now will work great for living van life with dogs. Start with what you have while you’re figuring out what might work best for your particular setup. If you’ve already been on a road trip with your dog, you’ll probably have most of this gear. Here are some of my favorite items my dogs and I have used while living on the road:
Dog Travel Bed or Blanket
Van life dog travel means having a cozy, portable dog bed or blanket for your pet’s comfort during travel and rest. A bed with a durable, water-resistant bottom or a blanket that can double as a cover for your dog’s resting area is ideal.
I keep both in my camper van. I have one extra-soft blanket where Lu likes to sleep, and then I spread another across the bed. It’s cozy for Lu and helps keep the rest of my bedding clean. It’s easier to clean or shake out a blanket than my whole comforter. I also keep at least one travel dog bed in the van with a tough, water-resistant bottom that I can set anywhere on the ground without worry.
What to Look For:
- Compact and easy to store
- Waterproof or water-resistant features for varying conditions
- Easy to clean
Recommendation:
- Kurgo Loft Bed – Waterproof (bottom) and portable, this bed is perfect for van life
- Stio + HEST – A great, cushioned option that’s easy to store. Water-resistant
Collapsible Food & Water Bowls
Storage space is limited in a van, so collapsible bowls are essential for feeding your dog on the go. They’re compact, easy to pack, and can be used both in the van and during extra adventures for meals.
I use a collapsible bowl for Lu’s food so I can fold it down and store it in the food canister (one less thing out and about to attract pests). I use a splash-free bowl for water so it never spills out onto the floor, even during travel—legit one of the best things I keep in the van.
What to Look For:
- Easy to store and clean
- Lightweight and portable
Recommendation:
- Kurgo Collaps-A-Bowl – A collapsible, durable bowl perfect for travel
- Kurgo Splash-Free Bowl – Ideal for travel and camping
Dog Food and Treat Storage
You need an efficient and space-saving storage for your dog’s food and treats. Consider investing in airtight, portable containers to keep their food fresh and free from pests (mice are a legit threat!). Lu’s kibble gets stored in a Vittles Vault that fits under the bed. I store her snacks, supplements, and accessories in a small, plastic storage bin that fits in one of the cabinets.
What to Look For:
- Airtight storage that keeps food fresh
- Compact, stackable containers
Recommendation:
- Vittles Vault Pet Food Storage – Keeps your dog’s food fresh and secure
- Clear Storage Container – Easy to store and stack, can see what’s inside
Dog Harness & Seatbelt or Crate
For any road travel, a dog seatbelt harness or crate is important for safety. It helps prevent injury in the event of sudden stops and keeps your dog secure.
What to Look For:
- A comfortable harness that doesn’t restrict movement
- Easy to attach to seatbelts or van seat anchor points
- A crate that’s ventilated for airflow, durable, and comfortable for your dog
Recommendation:
- Kurgo Dog Seat Belt Harness – Keeps your dog safe and comfortable while in transit
- EzyDog Drive Dog Car Harness – Designed for travel with added durability and safety
Dog Waste Bags and Dispensers
You’ll need to clean up after your dog. It’s simply part of having a pet, even a van life dog. Consider a portable dog waste bag dispenser that attaches to your dog’s leash or your backpack. I’m obsessed with Muttruk products, especially the Sidekick Hip Pack. It has a waste bag dispenser, a snack pocket, plus two other pockets where I keep my wallet so I only have to grab one item when I step out of the van and we’re good to go.
What to Look For:
- Convenient, hands-free access to bags
- Durable dispenser that can be attached to leashes, backpacks, or vans
Recommendation:
- Earth Rated Dog Poop Bags – Biodegradable and leak-proof
- Muttruk Sidekick Hip Pack – Holds everything you’ll need for a dog walk
Dog First Aid Kit
When traveling or living in a camper van, it’s important to be prepared for emergencies. A dog first aid kit is a great item to have on hand for minor injuries, illness, or other health-related issues. If you already have a human first aid kit, just add a few extra items like wound care spray for pets, vet wrap, and a muzzle.
When you’re traveling through new spaces, you don’t always know what the terrain or potential hazards might be. All it takes is one cut paw pad to suddenly have blood polka-dotting your van floors and bedding.
What to Look For:
- Compact and easy to store
- Contains key supplies like bandages, antiseptics, and tweezers
Recommendation:
- Hart Outdoor First Aid Kit – A well-stocked first aid kit
- Kurgo First Aid Kit – A complete kit with items specifically for dog care
Dog Leash and Long Line for Van Life with Dogs
When you’re out exploring the great outdoors or on the road, your dog will need a reliable leash or a longer line to give them some freedom while staying safe. Not all dogs are great at staying close—and that’s okay! A long leash is perfect for allowing your dog to roam in open spaces without worrying that they might run off to chase a new scent. Long lines are also helpful when you have to work but you want to let your furry friend have the freedom to hop in and out of the van at will. If you’re in a campground, check the leash restrictions. Most require pets to be on leashes of 6 feet or less.
What to Look For:
- A durable, tangle-free leash
- A long leash that allows freedom of movement but keeps your dog under control
Recommendation:
- Ruffwear Front Range Leash – A strong, reflective leash for both van life and outdoor adventures
- 30-ft Training Lead – A long line for exploration and adventure
Dog GPS Tracker
Having a dog GPS tracker is an excellent safety measure when you’re traveling, especially in unfamiliar places or outdoor environments. It can help you locate your dog quickly if they wander off during a hike or exploration.
What to Look For:
- Real-time tracking and long battery life
- Waterproof and durable
Recommendation:
Magnetic Screen Doors for Van Life with Pets
If you’re traveling in an area with flies, mosquitos, or any other flying insect, screen doors are a must. There are screens made specifically for van doors. My dogs jump in and out at will, so I don’t want to have to zip or slide open the door every time. I love the simple and inexpensive screen cover for regular doors.
What to Look For:
- A size as large or slightly larger than your door opening
- Magnetic closure that will line up with the center of your door opening
Recommendation:
Kelty Low Loveseat Camp Chair
There’s enough space to fit you and a dog (or two if you get the couch size). Plus, it’s low and easy for a dog to get into without flipping over. All of my dogs have loved this chair! Worth the extra space it takes up.
What to Look For:
- Kelty. There might be other brands offering similar chairs, but this one has survived several years of van life and multiple dogs. It’s the only one I’ll recommend.
Recommendation:
Conclusion: Enjoy Van Life with Your Dog
Whether you’re hitting the open road or cozying up in a campsite, the right gear will ensure your dog is as comfortable and safe as possible, making every trip together unforgettable. Start with what you have available and add to your setup as you and your dog settle into van life. Pet-friendly van life can take some extra planning, but it is worth it.
Let us know your must-haves for van life with dogs!