Camping with a dog: preparations and checklist

Many of us campers prefer to travel with our four-legged travel companions. We both grew up with dogs and now, after many years, we finally have a furry friend on board again - so we know that there is a lot to organize when travelling with a dog, especially before trips abroad .

Depending on where you want to travel to, there are very different requirements in terms of vaccinations, deworming etc. You should check the websites of the respective embassies to ensure that there are no nasty surprises when entering the country (especially with puppies or so-called "dangerous dogs").

To be done before the vacation

To avoid stress, it is advisable to start making preparations one to two months before your planned departure, especially for trips abroad. This is because many countries are very strict when it comes to vaccinations, parasite prophylaxis and breed bans.

4-6 weeks before departure

• Check entry requirements for destination country

• Check the dog's current vaccination status

• Advice from the vet regarding first-aid kit and any additional vaccinations/prophylaxis required

• Schedule the vaccinations so that the dog's body is not overloaded

• Check pet passport (if not available: be sure to have it issued)

• Check animal liability

• If necessary: make an appointment with the official veterinarian for a health certificate so that it meets the time criteria of the (non-EU) country of travel (often it may be max. 1 week to 10 days old), apply for border documents. Please do not forget that a current health certificate is also required for re-entry into the EU! You can find more information on traveling with pets inside and outside the EU here.

• Register your dog at the campsite when booking

• If you have not already done so: Register the dog with portals such as Tasso or corresponding organizations in the country of destination - otherwise the animal cannot be assigned to you as the owner despite the microchip!

A few weeks to days before departure (please read the regulations of the country of travel!)

• Administer prophylaxis (e.g. Mediterranean diseases, tapeworm)

• Have the chip checked by the vet

• If required by the country of travel: Obtain a health certificate

Luggage for the dog

Some people (including us) have just as much luggage for their dog as others have for their child. You shouldn't overdo it, because even when you're traveling you can buy more if necessary. In practice, however, this equipment has proved its worth:

Basic equipment for daily needs

• Leash (ideal: lead line for walking + tow line for fastening at the campsite)

• Necklace with home and vacation address and cell phone number

• Leash attachment for motorhome or pitch (e.g. "DogSitter", storm anchor with carabiners and wire rope or "Stake Out" from sled dog supplies)

• Basket and/or blanket(s)

• Towels, old sheets

• Toys

• Poop bags (we use environmentally friendly, compostable bags)

Nutrition and accessories

• Food supply

• Bowls (these bowls with a base are particularly practical)

• Treats, chewy bones (Zoe is absolutely crazy about these natural cattle ears with fur!)

• Water for on the go

• Can opener for canned food

Health and care

• Health certificate (if required)

• Medication to be taken regularly (if necessary)

• Grooming utensils (e.g. trimming knife, furminator, brush)

• Small blunt scissors for removing annoying hair (e.g. around the eyes)

• First-aid kit (see below)

• Tick hook (also very practical as a set)

• For longer absences: Oil for ear care, claw scissors

• Sun protection(cream and possibly a small awning or dog bed with sun canopy)

Security

• Muzzle (compulsory in some countries!)

• Transport basket/crate

• Copy of the dog liability insurance

• EU pet passport

• If necessary, GPS tracker with international coverage (we have been testing the tractive model for several months, which delivers excellent and very precise results from Germany to Spain, France and Portugal to Mexico and has a relatively long battery life)

First-aid kit

Minor and major ailments or injuries can also occur while traveling. It is therefore important to have your own first-aid kit for your dog. Your vet will be able to help you put it together individually. In any case, the following items should be on board:

• First aid kit

• Remedy for travel sickness, e.g. calming snack

• Tick protection(based on natural ingredients or as conventional collars/spot-ons)

• Flea remedy

• Deworming agent

• Diarrhea medication

• Charcoal compotes for poisoning and diarrhea (those from Ratiopharm are often cheaper than the "original", but just as effective)

• Eye drops/ointment

• Disinfectant spray

• Remedy for itching/insect bites(we are currently testing this one - it has worked very well for Zoe so far, even with grass mite itching)

• Dressing material

• Sedatives (if required)

• Painkillers

"Mobile" baby bag for puppies

For younger puppies who are still very playful and not 100% house-trained, we recommend taking a small "baby bag" with you everywhere you go. This way, you can not only clean up any mess left behind in other people's front gardens or caravans, but also keep the little ones occupied and fed while you are out and about.

For us this included:

• Poop bags

• Kitchen roll

• Disinfectant spray

• possibly Spray for odour neutralization

• Towel

• Fleece blanket - to lay on top or wrap up after walks across wet meadows

• Chewing sticks

• Treats

• 1 favorite toy

• Feed ration(s), small Travel bowl and water bottle - Puppies need to be fed several times a day

Checklist as pdf for download

Here you can download the Download the checklist "Traveling and camping with dogs".

Podcast "Camping with a dog"

In addition to this article, you can get more information and tips on camping with dogs from our experts Nele and Sebastian in this podcast episode:

Podcast · Episode 26

Reisen mit Hund im Wohnwagen/Wohnmobil

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This might also interest you:

• Camping with a dog for the first time: what you should bear in mind

• Transporting dogs in motorhomes and caravans

• Camping with a dog: useful accessories for four-legged friends when traveling

• Traveling with dogs and cats: First aid tips for injuries, diarrhea & co.

• Renting a motorhome with a dog - what you need to know the first time

• How to prepare your dog for traveling and camping

Cover picture: © CamperStyle