10 Campervan Accessories for Travelling with Dogs

For many people, dogs are man’s best friend and there’s no better feeling than heading on the open road in a campervan with your precious pup. While exploring nature can be fun for both you and your dog, it’s important to ensure you’ve got everything you need to make the trip safe and comfortable for everyone involved. 

In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best campervan dog accessories so you can embark on exciting adventures across the country in safety and security.

Fancy a campervan as your mobile home? Explore our brilliant campervan finance available at Auto Finance and find an affordable vehicle loan that gets you and your pup on the road in no time. 

Doggy Booster Seat and Seat Belt 

When travelling with your dog, it’s required by law to have them secured with a seatbelt or harness. This means that when you’re on the road in your campervan your furry friend will need to be placed in a crate or a seat using a belt harness. This is to help protect your dog in the same way a seatbelt would for humans, as well as to ensure safety by preventing distractions when driving. It’s important to remember to never secure your dog by their collar as this can be dangerous 

There are a few campervan dog accessories you can use to secure your dog when on the road:

Seat Belt Harness

These seat belt harnesses come in a number of forms and can be secured in different ways. You can purchase options that clip into the seat belt buckle mechanism, fasten around the headrest of a seat or clip over an already fastened seatbelt. These harnesses will keep your dog safe and comfortable in the passenger seat. 

Campervan Dog Crate

To allow your dogs a little extra room to lay down and free up passenger seats you can utilise a campervan dog crate. These are the same as any other dog crate and act as a cage with a locked door. Many DIY enthusiasts have built-in dog crates and some companies offer bespoke services that fit dog crates that double as furniture in campervans which is great if you want to maximise space.

If you opt for a portable crate, you’ll also need to ensure it is secured with a belt or safety mechanisms. 

Dog Car Seat 

If you’re in for a long drive you’ll want to ensure your dog is comfortable for the ride. Consider investing in a dog car seat as they offer a plush, roomy bed-like seat for your dog to relax in. These seats are suitable for pets of all sizes and fasten over the back of your passenger seats. They can be spread across several seats for larger dogs or just one for smaller pups. 

One of the campervan dog bed ideas that can help you save money is to convert your dog’s bed into a car seat. Attach straps or a harness to the bed, make sure they’re firm and secure and can hold your dog in place and you’ve got a DIY car seat. 

Portable Food and Water Bowls

When you’re on a campervan trip you’ll likely be spending time out and about exploring once you reach your destination, so it’s important that you’ve got some portable campervan dog accessories. Items like collapsible bowls are a great option as they can be used inside the campervan to give your dog food and water, then folded down and popped in your bag for snacks and water breaks on hikes and walks. 

You can also purchase dog water bottles with a bowl attachment that can slot into your usual water bottle pocket to utilise more bag space. For more great inventions like this for people and pups, check out our blog on the best motorhome gadgets. 

Heated Mat and Cooling Mat

In the winter months, campervan life can get chilly, especially with no heating. Whilst humans can bundle on warmer layers and tuck in under cosy covers at night, your dog won’t be able to do this and it’s important they stay warm too. A heated mat in their sleeping area will help to keep your dog happy and healthy throughout the cold season.

You’ll face a similar situation in summer too, with dogs being unable to sweat and prone to overheating when temperatures soar. A cooling mat can offer them some much-needed relief from the heat alongside plenty of water. 

On hotter days you could also choose lakes, rivers and seaside retreats for your campervan destinations to give your dogs a space to dip and cool down. For ideas on some great locations, check out the best campervan sites in the UK.

Portable Dog Beds

We all know dogs have a dedicated spot in our homes with their big beds and collection of stuffed toys, but in a campervan, space is limited so this might not be possible. To give your dogs a safe and cosy place to rest, utilise these campervan dog bed ideas:

Dog Bed with Handles

These beds look like plush bags and are ideal for smaller dogs. They’re a comfy alternative to the bed at home and can be used to transport your dog to and from the campervan whilst still inside. The handles also make moving the bed around for storage purposes much easier. 

Roll up Dog Bed

These types of dog beds can be folded and unfolded whenever you need them They’re also usually coated in waterproof plastic which makes them ideal for when you’re visiting beaches or if you’ve got caught in the rain.  

Emergency kit 

In the same way, you’d carry a first aid kit for you or your kids, you should bring some essentials just in case anything should happen on your campervan trip. Make sure you’ve got:

• Antibacterial and antiseptic wipes
• Any prescriptions your dog may need
• Tweezers for safe removal of ticks 
• Flea treatment and spray
• Bandages 
• Medical tape
• Syringe 
• Spare blankets
• Disinfectant spray

Essential Dog Accessories

Alongside the more specific campervan dog accessories, there are a few items you’ll want to bring that you would take on any trip with your pup.

• Toys
• Dog treats, bones and chews
• Dog collar
• Lead and harness
• Pooper scoop and waste bags
• Brush

For more ideas on what to bring on your trip, we’ve got an exclusive campervan checklist to make sure you’ve got everything you need before you set off.

Smooth Sailing with a Pet-Friendly Campervan from Auto Finance

If you’re ready to enjoy a tremendous trip with your dog then it’s time to get started with an Auto Finance campervan loan. Whatever your budget, our team are dedicated to getting you the best deal and loan rates so you can walk away with the vehicle of your dreams without breaking the bank. 

Our budget finance calculator gives you full transparency on how much you can borrow and your expected payment rates so you can make the best decision for you and your pup.

Once you’re ready to apply, check your eligibility and use our online application form. If you’d rather talk to someone in person, our team are available to contact for all your finance needs. 

If you’re in need of advice on the right campervan for you of if you want to know more about our loans, get in touch with our expert team and we’ll be happy to help.