VAN-COMPARATOR Guide
Renting an RV with your dog: what you need to know
Finding a pet-friendly vehicle, securing the drive, crossing borders: the complete guide to a motorhome road trip with your dog.
The motorhome is the best travel mode ever invented for a dog: its home follows it, no aircraft hold, no hotel that says no. You still need the right vehicle — and three rules.
Finding a vehicle that accepts your animal
Roughly a third of listings accept pets. With private owners (Yescapa, Goboony) it is case by case — owners who travel with dogs themselves are the most open; always declare the animal BEFORE booking, breed and size included: an undeclared dog is a classic ground for a deposit deduction. Professional operators (Roadsurfer, Indie Campers) set policies per vehicle, usually with a pet cleaning fee of €30–75. On Van-Comparator, the “pets allowed” filter surfaces only compatible listings.
On the road: restraint is mandatory
A loose dog in the cabin is a projectile under braking — and an offence in several countries (Italy and Germany fine unrestrained animals). Two solutions: a certified harness clipped to a seat belt, or a transport crate wedged crosswise. Never on the beds while driving, and water within reach at every stop — every two hours, same as for the humans.
Borders: simple, except for three countries
Within the EU, the European pet passport (microchip plus valid rabies vaccination) is enough. Three destinations add an echinococcus treatment administered by a vet 1 to 5 days before entry: the United Kingdom, Ireland and Norway (plus Finland and Malta). Build the vet appointment into your route — on the fjords run, the vet stop at the last Swedish stage is a road trip classic.
Life aboard, for real
In summer, the absolute rule: never leave an animal alone in the vehicle — a closed cabin reaches 50 °C within the hour. Campsites accept leashed dogs (€2–5/night); many beaches and some national parks refuse them in season: check before you build the stage. At drop-off, a vacuumed, odour-free vehicle protects your deposit — and the reputation of dog-owning travellers with the next owner.