Last Updated on September 22, 2023 by ellen
Check out the best dogs for van life. Learn more about the best dog breeds and how to live in a van with your furry friend.
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Best Dogs for Van Life
Van life is becoming more popular as people seek to simplify their way of life. Whether you choose to live full time in a van or simply travel more often during the summer, you’ll want to bring along your canine companion.
Keep in mind that van life means long car rides. So be sure that your dog loves to ride in the car with you.
Several dog breeds may enjoy van life. Even if your pet isn’t on the list, they make be the perfect van life dog for you.
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What is van life?
Van life is a lifestyle that involves living and traveling in a van. It can be done full-time or part-time, depending on your preference, budget, and commitments. People who live the van life usually do so for reasons such as saving money, reducing their environmental footprint, or just wanting to explore the world with fewer restrictions.
How to tell if your dog will enjoy van life
The first step is to make sure your dog loves car rides. Some dogs may experience anxiety or motion sickness in a car, so it’s important to be aware of this before embarking on any lengthy trips.
You’ll also want to ensure that your van has plenty of space for your best friend and that you have the right supplies such as a comfortable bed, food and water bowls, and toys.
Tips for van life with your dog
Once you have figured out if your pup will be able to adapt to van life, there are a few things you should keep in mind for van life.
- Make sure that your pet is properly secured when driving. A car seat belt or crate is essential for keeping them safe and secure during long drives.
- Have plenty of water for your pup. This is especially important during hot summer days or if you are in an area with limited access to water.
- Bring along waste bags and potty training pads so that your pup can do their business without making a mess in your van.
- Take plenty of breaks when traveling and make sure you are stopping every few hours to stretch your dog’s legs and let them have a proper bathroom break. Look for dog friendly parks while you travel.
- Monitor your pup for signs of anxiety or stress, as it can be difficult to manage these issues when living in a confined space. Little dogs may be more prone to stress.
- Make sure you have plenty of treats and toys on hand to keep your pup entertained during long drives.
- Be aware of extreme temperatures. If it is too hot or too cold, be sure to take measures to keep your pet comfortable.
What dog breeds won’t do well with van life?
These breeds won’t make the ideal van life dog.
- Avoid big dogs because you will not have a lot of room. A small dog will be easier to fit in a small space. A large dog will also eat more dog food and require more storage space in your camper van. Small dogs will have fewer bags of food to store.
- Dogs that shed a lot will require much more daily maintenance. Just imagine the dog hair.
- Long, low dogs like dachshunds will have more difficulty jumping in and out of the van.
Best dog breed for van life
Not all dog breeds are suited for van life. Some dogs require too much exercise, while some may bark incessantly and disturb the peace of your campsite. So what is the ideal dog breed for living in a van? Here are some of our favorites dog breeds:
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Husky
- Chihuahua
- Border Collie
- Cocker Spaniel
- Brittany Spaniel
- A mutt
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What do you need for van life with a dog?
When you are living in a van with your dog, there are certain items that you will need. Here is an overview of some essential items for traveling with pets:
- A sturdy and comfortable crate or carrier
- Locking bins for dog food
- Dog snacks
- Leash
- Water bowls and food containers
- Cleaning supplies (towels, wipes, deodorizers etc)
- A dog bed
- Dog bags (for waste)
- Dog’s vaccination records
- Vent fan for air circulation and to keep your dog cool
- Blankets to keep your dog warm
- First aid kit
- Hand vacuum if your dog sheds
- Dog paw wipes for muddy paws
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How to store dog food in a van?
When you are living and traveling in a van, it’s important to have enough dog food on hand. The best way to store your pup’s food is in airtight containers. This will keep the food fresh and help prevent pests from getting into it. It’s also helpful to label the containers with the date of expiration so that you don’t have to worry about expired food. If you are worried about the space taken up by airtight containers, use collapsible containers that can be easily stored and transported.
Finally, make sure that any food is stored away from direct sunlight and in a dry place for optimal freshness!
Dog friendly activities for van life
Life on the road can be quite lonely for your pup, so it’s important to come up with activities that will keep him entertained. Here are some ideas:
Take hikes or nature walks – Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and explore new places while traveling. Just make sure that the trails you take are dog friendly. Look for national parks and see if you can camp there for a few days. Many offer free camping.
Visit a dog park – Dog parks are a great way to make new friends and let your pup run free. Just be sure to check the rules of any dog parks you visit before letting your pup off-leash. Most national parks have areas for dogs to run.
Play fetch – A classic game that most dogs love! It’s also a great way to tire out an energetic pup.
Camping games – Many camping sites offer activities like frisbee or catch. These can be a fun way to get your pooch running around.
Take swimming lessons – If your van is near a lake, stream, or ocean, then why not take advantage of it? Swimming is an excellent form of exercise and can help build a strong bond between you and your pup. Many national parks have lakes or rivers to play in.
Dog friendly restaurants – Research restaurants or cafes that are pet friendly. This way, you can enjoy a meal with your pup in tow!
Bike rides – if you own a bike, take your pup along for the ride. This is great exercise and can help keep both of you in shape. Just make sure that your loyal companion has a leash and collar on at all times when biking.
Do dogs like van life?
Van life is an exciting and rewarding experience; however, it’s important to make sure that your pup is comfortable and taken care of during the journey. With the right supplies and activities, you’ll be well on your way. I hope this list of the best dog breeds for van life has helped.
Even the most dedicated pet owners may want a break from van life with a dog. Look for dog sitting in your area. Living in a van with a dog 24/7 is a lot of work. A few hours alone at a local coffee shop may be just what you need. Check at local dog parks for recommendations for a dog sitter.
Whether you’re living full-time in your van or simply traveling more often during the summer, these van life tips should have you and your pup ready for life on the road! So grab your supplies, buckle up, and enjoy the journey.
Happy vanning!
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Ellen runs a small pet sitting business in southern Vermont. She has experience with a variety of small animals, dogs and cats. She has also cared for ducks, chickens and rabbits. Combined, she has over 20 years of experience in pet care and pet sitting.