Dog Friendly Motorhome Hire
Planning a family holiday that includes your dog(s) can sometimes be difficult, but we offer dog friendly motorhome hire so no more leaving them at home with family or friends, or at the local kennels. Instead, you can bring them with you to enjoy the holiday with the rest of the family, for only £25 per dog.
Whether you are touring The Lake District, the UK or into Europe you can have your loyal companion by your side.
As a rule of thumb we advise that no more than 2 dogs could stay in our motorhomes, although 3 smaller dogs may be acceptable in one of our 5 – 6 berth motorhomes.
All of our motorhomes are dog friendly, so if you have any questions about taking your dog with you on your motorhome holiday please Contact Us and we will be happy to give any advice or tips that we have gained from our experiences of doing just that.
If you are traveling in the UK with your dog you are not required to have any additional vaccines, passports etc. as long as you have all of the things in place that a dog requires to live in the UK.
If you are coming into the UK with your pet, you will have to comply with the Government regulations.
Things to Consider With Dog Friendly Motorhome Hire
Taking your dog on a motorhome holiday is one of the best ways to explore the UK, as it removes the stress of finding pet-friendly hotels and keeps your dog in a familiar “home” environment.
However, motorhoming with a dog requires specific planning, from legal safety requirements to campsite etiquette. Here is an overview of what you should consider.
Safety & Legal Requirements
- Restraint Options: Use a crash-tested harness that clicks into a seatbelt socket, a secured travel crate, or a permanent dog guard if your motorhome has a “garage” or dedicated rear area.
- Front Seats: If your dog sits in the passenger seat, ensure the airbag is deactivated or the seat is pushed as far back as possible.
- Documentation: Ensure your dog’s microchip details are up to date and they are wearing a collar with an ID tag (include your mobile number and, ideally, the name of your campsite).
Motorhome Living & Space
Space is at a premium in a motorhome.
- Designated “Den”: Create a dedicated spot for your dog’s bed where they won’t be tripped over. This helps them feel secure and out of the way during cooking or moving around.
- Managing Dirt: Pack several old towels and maybe a “Mud Daddy” (a portable pressurized washer) to clean paws before they enter the van.
- Temperature Control: Motorhomes can heat up or cool down faster than houses. Never leave your dog alone in a van on a warm day. Use roof vents, fans and silver thermal screens for the windows to reflect heat.
Campsite Etiquette & Logistics
While many UK sites are dog-friendly, they almost all have strict rules to ensure harmony among campers.
- Leads: Most sites require dogs to be on a lead at all times. Consider a ground stake or a long “tie-out” lead so your dog can relax outside the van with you without wandering into a neighbor’s pitch.
- Barking: Sound travels easily through motorhome walls and canvas. If your dog is a “vocal” protector, look for pitches on the edge of the site with less foot traffic.
- Facilities: Look for sites that offer “dog walks” on-site or nearby, and “dog washes” (warm water showers specifically for pets).
The “Doggy” Kit List
Beyond the usual food and bowls, these items are motorhome essentials:
- Collapsible Bowls: To save space during travel.
- Cooling Mat: Vital for summer trips since vans can get stuffy.
- LED Collar/Light: Campsites can be very dark at night; a light helps you and drivers spot your dog during late-night toilet trips.
- First Aid: Include tick removers (essential for the Lake District/highlands), antiseptic wipes and tweezers.