Welcome to life on the road — with a pup in the passenger seat! Van life offers freedom, flexibility, and a front-row seat to nature… and when you bring your dog along, the journey becomes even more meaningful.

Since starting van life with my dog, I’ve learned so much about what works (and what doesn’t). This guide covers daily routines, must-have gear, campsite tips, and how to keep your dog happy and safe — wherever the road leads.

🐶 1. Create a Comfortable Dog-Friendly Setup

Your dog needs a cozy, secure space inside the van. Here’s what works for us:

  • A dedicated sleeping area (although my dog always ends up sleeping with me)
  • Fresh water available at all times
  • A cool, shaded area during warm weather
  • Windows or vents for airflow and sniff-tainment
  • Doggy swimming pool (optional)

💡 Tip: A cordless hand vacuum is a lifesaver for muddy paws and shedding fur.

⏰ 2. Stick to a Routine (Even on the Road)

Dogs love consistency. While van life is flexible, I stick to a few routines:

  • Regular mealtimes
  • Daily walks and toilet breaks
  • Simple enrichment: sniff walks, tug toys, or training games

It keeps both of us balanced, even when the scenery changes daily.

🧠 3. Prioritize Exercise + Mental Stimulation

Bored dog = frustrated dog. Here’s how we keep things fun:

  • Long walks in nature
  • Bicycle rides
  • Swimming
  • Tug toys or chew toys for downtime
  • Short training sessions (5–10 minutes daily)

🛒 Try this: Dog Puzzle Feeder Toy – great for keeping them busy in the van.

🏕️ 4. Campsite Etiquette for Dogs

Not all campers love dogs, so it’s important to be respectful:

  • Keep your dog on a long lead or tether
  • Pick up waste — always (I use biodegradable poop bags as I hate the thought of natural poop going into a plastic bag to be thrown in the bins)
  • Limit barking, especially early/late
  • Avoid letting your dog roam near other campers

🛒 Helpful gear: Ground Anchor for Dogs – keeps your pup safe and nearby.

🎒 5. Must-Have Dog Gear for Van Life

Here’s my go-to list of dog essentials:

🚐 6. What to Do When You Leave the Van

Leaving your dog alone in the van is tough. Only do it when absolutely necessary:

  • Park in the shade with good airflow
  • Leave the roof vent open (if you have one)
  • Use reflective window covers
  • Leave fresh water
  • Use a fan if it’s warm
  • Keep trips short — under 30 mins is best

💡 Ask nearby vanlifers to check on your dog if you’re gone longer.

⚠️ 7. If Your Dog is Reactive or Anxious

I rescued a reactive dog once and here’s how we coped when travelling:

  • Using a yellow “I need space” lead
  • Avoiding crowded trails and camps
  • Sticking to routines
  • Focusing on positive reinforcement

Want more? I’ll be writing a full post soon on van life with a reactive dog — stay tuned!

🐾 8. The Joy of Traveling with a Dog

Life on the road with a dog is slower, more grounded, and full of joy. There’s nothing like watching your dog explore a new beach, curl up beside you after a long hike, or alert you to every squirrel in a 5-mile radius 🐿️ The truth is if you are solo travelling, your furry friend is the best company, you share every moment together, you feel safer because you know he’s got your back, you’ve got somebody to talk to and enjoy life with.

Yes, it sometimes takes extra effort — but it’s worth every second.

📥 Bonus Freebie:

🐾 Dog Essentials for Van Life Printable Checklist – Click here to download it

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re just beginning van life or already deep into your travels, bringing your dog adds depth, adventure, and love to the journey. With some planning and the right gear, it’s totally possible to make van life a dream for both you and your pup.

My boy enjoying the beach in the Canary Islands

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting The Mindful Nomad!

Post Views: 20