Whether you are full-time in your van or a weekend warrior, vanlife with a dog is a rewarding challenge that is totally worth it. Having a dog on the road requires more preparation and organization than living alone. Here are a few tips and answers to common questions that will help you and your pup live on the road with ease.
May 4th, 2022
Leaving your dog in the car can be dangerous and in some states illegal under certain weather conditions. When you absolutely have to leave your dog in your van you should always take precautions to ensure the safety of your pup. One great way is getting a pet temperature monitor to make sure your car is not getting too hot for your dog.
It is important to regulate the temperature inside of your van. Airflow is key, leaving windows open and having a fan vent on will help keep temperatures down. Parking in the shade and using reflective window covers will reduce the greenhouse effect inside your van. Always leave water out for your dog and create a place for him to stay cool. Also, it is smart to leave a note on your van saying that you are leaving your pup inside your van. On the note, you should write when you will be back and a number for them to call if they think something is wrong. This will protect your van from getting a window busted from a good samaritan trying to save your dog and will boost your dog's safety.
One common question is where to leave your dog when going to non-dog-friendly places. If you are going to do something where dogs are not allowed you can look into services for your dog to be watched. There are apps like Rover where you can have your dog watched for a few hours or a few days. If you are looking for a pet-friendly place to stay Vanly offers spots with pet pay space and a safe place for your pup and you to stay in your van.
Staying organized and prepared for a pup onboard is key to having success with your furry buddy on the road. You must stay stocked on dog food and water. With limited space in a van already it is important to have a dedicated area for dog food storage. Bring toys for the dog to chew on instead of your van. Make sure your pup has a place to sleep, whether it is in your bed with you or a custom dog house to curl up in.
With preparation, your pup and you will have a blast discovering the natural beauty from the mountains to the ocean. There is so much for you and your dog to explore and having your dog with you on the road is wonderful.
