Camping with your dog: All Things to consider before hitting the road

It's no secret that the UK is a nation of animal lovers, with an estimated 51 million pets residing in our homes. Of these, dogs are by far the most popular, with 67% of the population owning their own pooch and many of us considering them a much-loved family member. So it’s no surprise we don’t wish to leave them behind when we head off on our adventures.

Camping and caravanning is one of the best options for a holiday with your dog – offering beautiful outdoor space, long walks, and plenty of other furry friends. If you are considering taking your dog on a trip for the first time, there are a few things you might want to consider beforehand.

First things first, there’s likely to be lots of other campers and dogs around, so it is good practice that your dog is vaccinated, socialised (good with people and other animals), and obedient. This will make the trip away enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

While there are dedicated campsites that allow dogs (check out the Campsites website for recommended dog-friendly spots), most will ask you to keep them on a lead whilst on site. It’s also worth carrying out a little bit of research into the local area to ensure its an ideal spot for dogs. For example, taking your dog to a seaside destination may seem like a fantastic idea, but some beaches may be no-dog zones during certain times of the year, especially throughout the height of summer. It’s best to be aware of this when choosing your holiday location to save any disappointment when you arrive.

Once your trip is booked it's time to start thinking about the practicalities, one being where your dog will sleep at night.

Smaller caravans and campervans don't tend to have the space for a pet bed on the floor, so it's likely your dog will end up sharing with you (lucky thing!). If this is the case it's worthwhile taking bedding that can be washed and dried easily. Unlike traditional sleeping bags, our Duvalay Sleeping Bags have a removable cover that can be washed and dried easily to ensure your sleeping area is clean and fresh for every trip - not to mention they also create an extremely comfortable bed.

If you own a larger motorhome or caravan which has the luxury of extra space, you may prefer to take your dog their own bed if sharing with you is against the rules. We suggest taking a dog bed and/or a blanket that they use at home to help your pooch feel more settled whilst away.

A trial run before the main event is always a wise idea. Whether this be a night away somewhere close to home, or simply a sleepover on the drive. This will allow your dog to become accustomed to the new environment and give you the chance to suss out sleeping arrangements and everything you need to take with you.

On a final note, we have collated a list of our must-have essentials that we never leave behind when going camping with our dogs:

• A collar complete with a tag containing all of your contact information
• An extendable lead - this is particularly useful on campsites that require dogs to be kept on leads at all times
• Dog food (and water if your campsite is without a standpipe)
• Bowls for food and water
• Poop bags (rememeber to dispose of these where designated by the campsite owner). We're a big fan of biodegradable ones as they help to preserve the environment for others
• Plenty of towels, especially if rain is forecast
• Lots of energy for walking!
• Oh, and don't forget the dog...