Dog in motorhome: tips for a safe and fun motorhome trip with pets

Having a pet? That's a true bright spot in your life, right? The playful look in their eyes, those happy tail waggers make every day special. But let's face it, we all have that one annual dilemma: making holiday plans. For you, the travel lover, this can sometimes cause headaches. Flying with your pet? That often falls off, especially for a holiday of a week or two. Fortunately, there is a great solution for you as a passionate motorhome enthusiast: take your pet on a motorhome adventure!

Taking your beloved pet on holiday with you, that can be a lot of fun! But it does involve some extra preparation. Before you hit the road with your fluffy friend, there are some essential rules and valuable tips you need to know. In this blog, we'll take you through all the important information you need to know when taking your pet on a motorhome trip. So, will your cat or dog be joining us this year? Then read on quickly.

Safety with dog in motorhome

In general, dogs get used to motorhome travel quickly, especially as many of them are used to car journeys from a young age. Cats, on the other hand, may have a bit more difficulty and some never fully get used to it, leaving them stressed. But if your pet enjoys travelling and always stays close to the motorhome, it can be a great experience. Just be aware of the dangers and follow the applicable rules.

A sudden emergency stop? That could result in your pet being thrown through the motorhome and sustaining serious injuries. If the animal is launched against a person? That could even cause serious injuries, including in the case of cats. In a collision at 50 kilometres per hour, a four-kilogram cat experiences an impact of as much as 100 kilograms. In an accident or breakdown, an escaped pet can pose a danger to traffic, with tragic consequences. So, it is not advisable to transport pets loose.

What is the solution? Pet car harnesses are available in pet shops: a harness with a strap that you can attach to the existing buckle of a car seat belt. This still gives the animal enough room to move around to change positions comfortably, but safe enough in case of an emergency stop.

For dogs and cats up to 10 kilograms, special pet seats are available that are high enough to allow the animals to look outside. These seats attach to the car seat belt or the isofix brackets of child seats. Combined with a secure harness, this prevents the dog from being launched. However, it is important to make sure the pet gets used to this seat properly before you travel!

Regulations and import requirements for pets when travelling

If you want to bring your dog or cat within the EU, there are three important things you need to do:

• Make sure your pet has a European pet passport, which you can arrange with your vet.
• Make sure your pet is microchipped so it is identifiable.
• Have your pet vaccinated against rabies, also known as rabies, at least 21 days before departure.

While these rules seem fairly straightforward, several EU countries have additional rules in place. And if you are travelling outside the EU, there are yet other rules to consider and sometimes even quarantine obligations. Remember, you not only need to understand the rules of your final destination, but also those of all the countries you are travelling through!

For dogs and cats, the rules are manageable, but it gets more complicated if you want to bring other animals, such as rabbits, small rodents, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles. There are no general rules for these animals, even within the EU. Often a health certificate from the vet is enough, but sometimes different animals have specific requirements. Please note that with birds, there can sometimes be problems at the borders due to bird flu. If you need more information, the embassy of the destination country can help.

Pet-friendly motorhome destinations

• Sweden: Sweden is known for its love of animals and high level of pet-friendliness. Many public places, accommodation and even public transport welcome pets. Just be sure to register your dog with customs in advance.
• Netherlands: The Netherlands is generally friendly to pets. Many restaurants, cafés and shops allow pets. There are plenty of dog-friendly beaches and parks where your pet can move freely. Be aware that many beaches require you to keep your dog on a leash during the high season
• Germany: Germany has a good reputation for being pet-friendly. Many accommodations, such as hotels and holiday homes, accept pets, and there are plenty of parks and wooded areas to explore. However, some states do have muzzle requirements for dogs and additional rules apply to some high-risk breeds.
• France: In many parts of France, pets are welcome. There are dog-friendly beaches and many outdoor activities you can enjoy together. France also has rules for certain dog breeds and some breeds are not even allowed (American Staffordshire Terrier, Mastiff and Tosa). Want to make sure your dog is allowed to enter France? Then double-check this before you leave.
• UK: The UK has many pet-friendly towns and villages, and there are many pubs and restaurants where you can bring pets. The countryside also offers great opportunities for walks. In the UK, the Pittbull, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro are unfortunately not welcome. This includes not only purebred dogs but also all dogs similar to them (crossbreeds). In addition, you may only travel into the country with your dog via approved routes. So keep this in mind!
• Switzerland: Switzerland is known for its attention to animal welfare. Many accommodations and public places accept pets, and the landscape is beautiful to explore together. In Switzerland, there are strict controls on the safe transport of pets. They must not distract the driver, otherwise a €500 fine can be issued.

Dog in motorhome checklist