Why the van is ideal with a dog
Zero accommodation supplement, zero booking stress, zero “no dogs allowed” rules. The van or camper van is objectively the most dog-friendly mode of travel. Your companion finds his familiar space every evening, sleeps in his haunts, and enjoys total freedom of route.
Arrange the van for your dog
Space is limited, every inch counts. Here are the 6 essential arrangements.
First road trip in a van with your dog
Spend a night outside your house with your dog in the van. Observe: is he sleeping well? Is he stressed? This test avoids unpleasant surprises while traveling.
Destination 100-150 km away, in the morning. Breaks every hour. Observe your dog's behavior on the road.
Locate nature areas and spots. Filter reviews that mention “dog”. Favor green space, shade and water. Have 2-3 alternatives per step.
Roof fan, reflective sun visors, connected thermometer (alert if T° > 28°C). Never leave the dog alone without active ventilation.
Wake up → exit 30 min. Arrival at a spot → exit before setting up camp. Bedtime → last outing. A dog who has had his outings is a calm dog in the van.
Van, van or camper van: which one to choose?
| Criteria | Converted van (T5/T6) | Van (Ducato, Master) | Motorhome (capuchin/profile) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog floor space | Limited (2-3 m²) | Good (4-5 m²) | Very good (6+ m²) |
| Ventilation | Average | Good | Excellent |
| Temperature management | Difficult in summer | Correct with equipment | Air conditioning possible |
| Agility/parking | Excellent | Correct | Limit |
| Rental cost / day | €70-110 | €80-130 | €90-160 |
| Ideal for | Small/medium dog, couple | Large dog, couple/family | Multiple dogs, family |
At 25°C outside, the inside reaches 45°C in 15 minutes And 60°C in 30 minutes. A dog can die from heatstroke in less than an hour. Solutions: permanent roof fan, reflective sun visors, connected thermometer, and above all: never leave the dog alone for more than 20 minutes without active ventilation. When in doubt, take your dog with you. Always.
Wild camping regulations with dogs
- Parking : a van can park on public roads for a maximum of 7 days in the same location. Dog in vehicle or on leash.
- Wild camping vs. parking : as soon as you take out the furniture (table, awning), you are “camping” — prohibited in many communities.
- Dog on the loose : outside of private fenced areas, your dog must be on a leash. In the forest, wandering is an offense. In national parks, dogs are generally prohibited.
- Noise pollution : nocturnal barking = possible verbalization for disturbance of peace.
- Cleanliness : collect systematically. A poorly managed dog can result in animals being banned from the entire area.
Two applications are essential: Park4Night (100,000+ spots in Europe, filters by type and community reviews) and iOverlander (wild spots and water points). Look for comments that mention “dog.” Download maps offline — network coverage in the countryside is sometimes non-existent.
Prepare your itinerary with our dog-friendly road trip guide. For traditional camping, our camping guide compares the options. And for road safety, consult our car guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can you leave your dog alone in the van?
Only under conditions strictly controlled : temperature < 25°C, fan running, thermometer connected, and for 30 minutes to 1 hour max. The dog must be used to being left alone. In summer or hot weather: no, never. Take him or alternate outings as a couple.
Do van rental companies accept dogs?
Approximately 50% of rental companies accept dogs, with an additional charge of €50-100 for cleaning. Dog-friendly rental companies: Wikicampers (dedicated filter), Yescapa (per announcement). Book early in high season. Bring protective covers and waterproof mats.
Do motorhome areas allow dogs?
The vast majority accepts dogs on a leash if you pick up droppings. Some high-end private areas prohibit collective areas (swimming pool). Host farms are the most welcoming. Check Park4Night reviews.
Is a roof fan enough for heat?
Necessary but not always sufficient. It lowers the felt temperature by 3-5°C. At 35°C outside, the inside remains above 30°C. Complete with: sunshade, parking in the shade, wet towel on the dog. In summer, visit morning and evening, stay in the shade during hot hours.
