Van Life with Pets

Whether you’re thinking about hitting the road part or full-time, bringing a pet along may seem like somewhat of a challenge. While traveling with a pet is an incredible experience, there are a few things you should consider before hitting the road. This blog post will explore some tips and tricks to keep your pet safe and make transitioning into a nomadic lifestyle easier on the both of you. 

Benefits of life on the road with a pet

Bonding and Companionship: One of the best things about traveling with a pet is the constant companionship they provide. Whether you’re out on a hike in the mountains, enjoying solitude in the middle of the desert, relaxing by the river, or offroading on a trail, you are always in good company with your pup by your side, adding an extra bit of happiness to every experience.

Less Stress: Living in a van typically means dropping the busy lifestyle of living in a city and trading it for the peace and quiet of the outdoors. Pets can benefit from this slower paced lifestyle just as much as humans can. With less strict schedules or crowded places, vanlife can offer a peaceful and calm environment that promotes overall well-being for the both of you. 

Healthy Lifestyle: Vanlife encourages you to get outside and get active. You have so much to explore right outside your door and you can choose a different place every day. You’re able to take off on a hike, paddleboard in a lake, or play fetch in the woods at any moment. This is great for exercise and mental stimulation for your pet and your options on where to go are endless!

Challenges and solutions:

Limited Space: It’s no secret that dogs and their supplies take up a lot of space. Having a limited amount of room to work with can pose a challenge of where to keep them and their things, especially for larger dogs. But, if you plan it right and create dedicated spaces for your pet, you can optimize your van’s interior to create a comfortable and pet-friendly living space. 

• Storage: There are plenty of solutions out there that can help you maximize your space to store items like bowls, food buckets, toys, leashes and tie outs, and all the other items that come with owning a dog (who knew something so small could require so much stuff?). If you are looking to add more storage to your Revel, Storyteller, Jayco Terrain or Entegra Launch, the GLSS, GSS & GSS-R  are great solutions to add an insane amount of storage and to stay organized. These systems take your empty space and turn them into an organized space with a comfortable seating area and workstation/dinner table. Win, win, win! 
• Sleeping Space:  Dog beds tend to take up a good amount of room. This makes it difficult to find a sleeping solution for your pup, particularly the larger ones, in such a tight space. If you are in a Revel or a Storyteller, there is a perfect space under the bed to put a dog bed. Check out this Canyon Floor Mattress for a great alternative to a large dog bed, specifically made to fit between the GLSS, GSS, and GSS-R. The mattress folds up nicely to be easily stowed away and the fabric can be removed for washing. Another convenient and easy option for the Revel is the Canyon Dog Bed Platform that uses the existing passenger seat and cushions to create a safe and comfortable spot for fido to sleep. Or, the Sofa Bed System that doubles as a sofa or second bed and offers the added bonus of a dog bed when not being used by humans.  Both of these options get them off the ground and out of the walkway so they aren’t getting stepped on or hit with an accidental unlatched drawer while going down the road. For Storyteller owners, the Groove Lounge, on top of the Flex Space Shower Pan, can also be a convenient spot if under the bed isn’t an option. This space paired with the Canyon Groove Lounge Mattress Topper can be a simple solution for pet owners as the underside is covered with a special canvas fabric that was made specifically for the doggies.

Adaptation and Routine: Transitioning to vanlife may be a bit of an adjustment with pets that thrive on routine and having familiar environments. To get them used to being in the van, it is a good idea to gradually introduce them to the new space and offer familiar objects and scents from home. Staying in the driveway or spending a few minutes in the van here and there is a good idea before hitting the road. Having a consistent routine and giving them regular exercise and mental stimulation will also help smooth the transition process. 

Pet Safety: 

Driving: While on the road, it’s crucial to prioritize your pet’s safety. This means securing them with proper restraints or keeping them in a secure kennel while driving. Also ensure your cabinets and drawers are secure to prevent them from accidentally opening and causing harm to your pet. 

Temperature: When you do have to leave your pet in the van, try to make it during the cooler parts of the day, park in the shade if possible, and turn on the A/C or Maxx Air fan with a window open for cross breeze. The Waggle temperature monitor is a great device to monitor the temperature of the van as it sends you alerts when the temperature hits a certain point. You can also check the temperature through the app via a bluetooth connection.

Environment: Always be mindful of your surroundings incase of potential hazards at campsites, such as poisonous or dangerous plants (e.g. foxtails, a common plant that can cause some serious harm to your pet) or wild animals. It’s always a good idea to have your pet chipped and identification tags up to date in case they get spooked and to have a first-aid kit readily available in case of an emergency. Additionally, consider getting an Apple Airtag or other pet-friendly GPS tracker to track your pet’s location at all times. There are a few dog collars that have GPS tracking and location history built in. 

Practice Responsible Pet Etiquette:

We have the pleasure of spending our time out in nature, enjoying the breathtaking landscapes that surround us. That being said, it is essential that we take care of the environment that we spend so much time in by practicing responsible pet etiquette. Always clean up after your pet and dispose of waste properly. Respect leash laws and local regulations to help maintain the ecosystems and keep harmony with other travelers and communities, especially when spending time in National Parks. By being a responsible pet owner, you contribute to a positive image of vanlifers and help keep the trails open and dog friendly. 

Finding Pet-Friendly Locations: 

Before hitting the road, take some time to research and plan out a few pet-friendly locations so you have an idea of where the dog friendly areas are.  Most National Parks have strict rules against pets, but the trails outside of the park are typically pretty dog friendly and just as beautiful. Additionally, take time to find the local regulations and restrictions of each city to ensure you are recreating responsibly and respecting the environment that you’re exploring. 

Vanlife with pets is one of the most fulfilling experiences that allows you to create memories that will last a lifetime. It’s an opportunity to disconnect from the hustle of everyday life, get out into nature, be active, and strengthen the bond between you and your pet. While living in a van with pets comes with a few challenges and extra responsibilities, with some careful planning you’ll be on your way to exploring beautiful new places together. Once you see the infectious smile on your dog’s face and their endless enthusiasm while they’re running down a trail, you will be reminded to take a step back and appreciate the smaller things in life. Life on the road is incredible and no time spent in nature with your best friend is ever wasted.