Travelling with pets? It’s a whole adventure in itself. Think: more breaks, more walks, more cozy corners — and most importantly: way more love onboard. Because let’s face it, a campervan without a furry friend is basically just a tin can on wheels.
We’ve learned a thing or two about road-tripping with animals. Not necessarily because we planned it that way, but because life sometimes chooses its own direction — just like we do on the road.
Our First Camper Companions
Our very first “van cat” was Ben. We found him sick, skinny, and shivering at our workplace in the Netherlands. After some medication, good food, and plenty of cuddles, he made a full recovery. Eventually, he found a lovely forever home — but we were hooked. Travelling with an animal makes everything softer. More human. More real.
Then came Vardas. A little stray we met in Greece, with paw problems and a huge personality. He became our buddy. He slept with us (read: on top of our heads), joined us on hikes, and had a serious obsession with chasing anything that moved — including mice. Tragically, he passed away too young when he ran onto the road chasing one. His loss still stings. But he showed us just how much a small creature can impact a big journey.
Thanks to Ben and Vardas, we now know: travelling with a pet takes extra effort — but gives back even more.
These days, we don’t always travel with a pet of our own. However, we do occasionally look after Quick, a tiny fluffball who belongs to Den’s parents. He may be little, but his presence fills the van with warmth and joy. Whether he’s snoozing on the passenger seat or trotting proudly around the campsite, he reminds us why we love sharing the road with animals — even if they’re just with us for a short while.
Is Travelling with Pets Right for You?
Before you roll out the welcome mat and place a dog bowl next to your camper bed, is your travel lifestyle actually suited to a pet?
Ask yourself these questions:
✓ Are you willing to adjust your plans around your pet?
✓ Is there enough space in your van?
✓ Are the places you want to visit pet-friendly?
✓ Do you know where to find a vet in case of emergencies?
✓ And most importantly: can you afford it? Food, meds, and insurance all add up.
If you’re nodding along, chances are your life on the road has room for four extra paws. If not? No worries. You can always pet every street dog you see, or volunteer with animal shelters along the way.
Thinking About Adopting a Pet While Travelling? Read This First.
You’re walking through a little Portuguese village or a Greek harbour town, and there they are. A scruffy puppy with floppy ears. A tiny kitten with a heartbreaking meow. We’ve been there. The urge to take them in is real — and sometimes, the right thing to do.
But scooping up a street animal and taking it along? It’s not as simple as it sounds.
Here’s what you need to know:
✓ Health & vaccinations
Always get the animal checked by a local vet first. Many countries have great (and often volunteer-run) organisations that can help.
✓ Passports & paperwork
An official EU pet passport is required for border crossing. It has to be issued by an approved vet.
✓ Microchip & rabies shot
Both are usually mandatory for travel. Be aware that some countries require a waiting period after vaccination before travel is permitted.
✓ Transport logistics
Ferries and borders often have specific rules for animals. Always double-check ahead of time.
✓ Future plans
What happens when your trip ends or you head back home? Can you bring the animal with you, or do you have a long-term adoption plan?
Our tip: Work with local animal charities. In Greece, Spain, Portugal and beyond, there are wonderful groups who handle everything from vet care to official travel arrangements. This way, you help responsibly — and avoid heartbreak or complications later on.
Paws on the Road: Our Best Tips for Travelling With Pets
Whether you’re on your way to the Alps or the Algarve — these are the lessons we learned (some the hard way):
✓ Plan ahead
A pre-trip vet visit can save you a world of stress. Make sure vaccinations and paperwork are all sorted.
✓ Comfort is key
Bring their favourite blanket, bed, or toy — anything that smells like “home.” And make sure they have a safe space while driving.
✓ Food & water
Pack enough for the road, and stop often for breaks. Full bellies and happy paws make for smoother journeys.
✓ Safety first
ID tags, microchips, sturdy leashes — don’t skip the basics. It only takes a second for curiosity to lead them off-track.
✓ Keep them engaged
Travel days can be long. Bring toys, chew treats, or create a cozy little den. Even cats appreciate a hidey-hole.
✓ Know where you’re going
Not all campsites or hikes allow pets. Some of our best memories came from places that did — and we even made a few four-legged friends on the way.
✓ Flexibility is everything
You planned a hike, but your dog wants a nap. Or it starts pouring. Go with the flow. The best travel stories often come from the unexpected moments.
Top 5 Pet Gadgets We Swear By in the Campervan
✓ Tractive GPS Tracker
We started with an Apple Tag — but it wasn’t accurate enough. The Tractive GPS has a beeping feature we paired with treats to train recall. Game-changer.
✓ Pet First Aid Kit
You never know when you’ll need it, especially while hiking or boondocking off-grid.
✓ Collapsible Litter Box
Space-saving, lightweight, easy to clean. No more bulky plastic boxes. Vanlife essential.
✓ Thermal Pet Blanket (No Power Needed)
For those chilly mountain mornings. These keep your furry friend warm without taking up much space.
✓ DIY Cat Scratching Post
Grab a small tree stump or wrap a PVC pipe with sisal rope — voilà! Keeps claws happy and your curtains intact.
Travelling With a Heartbeat More
Is travelling with pets always easy? Nope. Is it always perfect? Also no. But it’s real. And beautiful. The extra stops come with extra views. The unexpected moments bring laughter. The planning turns into presence.
Whether you already share your life with a four-legged sidekick or you’re considering adopting one on the road, do it with love, patience, and preparation.
