Traveling with Dogs in Your Campervan - Complete Europe Guide 2026

TL;DR:

• UK travelers need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued within 10 days of EU entry - EU Pet Passports from Great Britain are no longer valid post-Brexit
• Rabies vaccination must be given at least 21 days before travel, and your dog must be microchipped first
• Crash-tested harnesses or crates are essential - an unrestrained 10kg dog becomes a 500kg projectile at 50mph
• Never leave dogs in a hot van, even briefly - temperatures can hit 47C inside after just 20 minutes
• Most European aires and stellplatze welcome dogs, but use RoamLife's dog-friendly filter to find spots with walking trails and fenced areas

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Why We Travel with Millie

Two years ago, we made a decision that changed everything: instead of finding a dog-sitter every time we wanted to travel, we'd rebuild our life so Millie could come with us. We sold the house, converted a Mercedes Sprinter, and hit the road full-time.

The learning curve was steep. Our first Channel crossing involved frantic calls to the vet because we'd miscounted the days since Millie's tapeworm treatment. We've been turned around at a stellplatz in Bavaria because we didn't realise German breed restrictions applied to our last dog (a Staffie mix). And I've spent more time than I'd like to admit researching exactly which ferry companies allow dogs in cabins versus kennels.

But here's the thing: every single complication was worth it. Watching Millie sprint across an empty Portuguese beach at sunrise, or curl up in her bed while rain hammers the van roof in the Scottish Highlands - that's what van life is actually about.

This guide is everything we've learned, the hard way, about traveling Europe with a dog. It's specific, it's practical, and it's written by someone who's done it thousands of times, not just researched it for an article.

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Documentation: The Non-Negotiable Paperwork

Getting the paperwork right isn't optional. Get it wrong, and you'll be watching your ferry sail without you - we've seen it happen to other travelers at Calais. Here's exactly what you need, depending on where you're traveling from.

If You're Based in the EU

Requirement	Details
EU Pet Passport	Issued by any EU vet, valid for life
Microchip	Must be implanted before rabies vaccination
Rabies Vaccination	Valid 21 days after first jab; boosters every 1-3 years
Tapeworm Treatment	Only for Ireland, Finland, Malta, Norway

The EU Pet Passport is genuinely straightforward. It's a little blue booklet that travels with your dog, recording vaccinations and treatments. Your vet updates it, and you're sorted. The passport itself doesn't expire - just keep the rabies vaccination current.

We got Millie's passport in the Netherlands, and it's been stamped by vets in France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy. Each entry tells a story - the emergency vet visit in Barcelona when she ate something dodgy, the routine booster in a tiny village in the Algarve.

If You're Traveling from the UK (Post-Brexit)

This is where it gets more involved. Since January 2021, EU Pet Passports issued in Great Britain are no longer valid for EU travel. You'll need an Animal Health Certificate instead.

Requirement	Details
Microchip	Required before any vaccination
Rabies Vaccination	Must be at least 21 days old
Animal Health Certificate (AHC)	Issued within 10 days of EU entry
Tapeworm Treatment	For Ireland, Finland, Malta, Norway (24-120 hours before arrival)

The AHC must be issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV) - not just any vet. It's a 12-page document confirming your dog's microchip, vaccination status, and general health. Costs typically range from 100-200 GBP depending on the practice.

Important: Each AHC is single-use. You need a new one for every trip into the EU. However, once you're in the EU, the certificate is valid for onward travel between EU countries for up to 4 months.

Returning to the UK

Coming back is actually simpler than going out. Your AHC (or EU Pet Passport if you have one from a previous EU residence) covers the return journey. The main addition is tapeworm treatment for dogs - this must be administered by a vet between 1-5 days before your scheduled arrival in the UK.

Critical: Only specific tapeworm treatments are accepted. Stronghold, Advocate, Frontline, Nexgard, and Nexgard Spectra will NOT be accepted and will result in your dog being refused entry. The treatment must contain praziquantel or epsiprantel.

What's Changing in 2025-2026?

There's promising news on the horizon. In May 2025, the UK and EU agreed in principle to reinstate an EU-style pet passport for British pets. This would eliminate the need for repeated AHCs. Implementation is expected throughout 2026 - check the official UK government guidance for the latest updates.

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Keeping Your Dog Safe While Driving

Here's something that genuinely changed how I think about dog travel: at 50mph, an unrestrained 10kg dog becomes a 500kg force in a crash. A 30kg dog like Millie? That's 1,500kg of force. It's not just about your dog's safety - it's about everyone in the vehicle.

Restraint Methods Compared

Method	Pros	Cons	Best For
Crash-tested harness	Freedom of movement, easy to fit	Must be attached to solid anchor point	Medium dogs, short trips
Travel crate	Most secure, den-like comfort	Takes up space, needs securing	Anxious dogs, long journeys
Barrier/guard	Dogs can move freely in rear	Zero crash protection	Calm dogs in estate cars
Fabric carrier	Portable, comfortable	No crash protection	Small dogs only

Crash-Tested Options Worth Buying

The pet industry is largely unregulated when it comes to safety claims. Many products are marketed as "tested" but haven't undergone independent crash testing. Look for certification from the Center for Pet Safety (CPS).

Certified Harnesses:

• Sleepypod Clickit Terrain (up to 50kg) - the only CPS-certified harness for large dogs
• Sleepypod Clickit Sport (up to 36kg) - good for medium dogs
• Ruffwear Load Up - strength-rated hardware, multiple sizes

Certified Crates:

• Gunner Kennels G1 - first to earn CPS 5-star crash rating
• MIM Variocage - crash-tested cage system designed for estate cars

Millie travels in a Variocage that's bolted to the floor of our Sprinter. It took an afternoon to install, but the peace of mind is worth it. She has her bed in there, a water bowl, and can see us through the mesh front. After the first week, she started jumping in voluntarily whenever we opened the van doors.

Travel Sickness Prevention

Some dogs get carsick, especially as puppies. Signs include drooling, restlessness, yawning, and vomiting. Here's what works:

• Ginger treats - natural anti-nausea, give 30 minutes before travel
• Empty stomach - no food 3-4 hours before long drives
• Fresh air - crack windows for ventilation
• Frequent breaks - every 2 hours maximum
• Lower position - dogs travelling lower in the vehicle experience less motion

Millie used to get queasy on mountain roads. We learned to time our driving so the twisty sections happened in the morning before breakfast. Problem solved.

The 2-Hour Rule

Every 2 hours, stop. No exceptions. Dogs need to:

• Stretch their legs (minimum 10-15 minutes)
• Drink water
• Toilet (always clean up - we carry a dedicated poo bag roll)
• Sniff around (mental stimulation matters)

We plan our routes around good stopping points - rest areas with grass, quiet villages with a square to walk around. RoamLife shows rest areas and day parking spots along your route, which makes this much easier than scrolling through Google Maps hoping for something suitable.

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Temperature Management: The Silent Killer

I'm going to be blunt here because this matters: dogs die in hot vehicles every summer, and many of those deaths happen to experienced, loving dog owners who "just popped into the shop for five minutes."

External Temperature	Inside Van After 10 Minutes	Inside Van After 20 Minutes
22C	32C	47C
25C	37C	50C+
30C	45C	60C+

Even on a mild 22C day, the inside of a van can reach 47C within 20 minutes. Dogs can't cool themselves efficiently - they rely on panting and contact with cool surfaces, not sweating like us. Once core temperature rises above 41C, organs start failing.

What Actually Works

Cooling Mats: Pressure-activated gel mats absorb heat from your dog's body. They work well in shaded, ventilated spaces but won't perform miracles in direct sunlight. We keep one in the cab and one in Millie's crate.

Roof Fans: If your van has a Maxxfan or similar, this is crucial for summer travel. We run ours on low whenever we're parked, even with windows cracked. Some owners install secondary fans specifically for the dog area.

Reflective Window Covers: External covers that reflect sunlight work far better than internal ones, which still allow heat to build up inside the glass. We have custom-cut Thermomats for all windows.

Frozen Kongs: Stuff a Kong with peanut butter and freeze overnight. Gives your dog something to focus on and helps cool them from the inside.

The only safe option when it's hot: Take your dog with you, or have someone stay with the van with ventilation running. There is no temperature at which it's safe to leave a dog in a closed vehicle on a sunny day.

Water on the Road

The Road Refresher bowl has been a game-changer for us. It has a floating plate that prevents sloshing and spillage during travel - something that seemed impossible before we found it. Fill it before you set off, and your dog has access to water throughout the journey.

We also carry a collapsible fabric bowl for walks and a 10L water container specifically for Millie. When wild camping in remote spots, that dedicated supply has been essential.

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Finding Dog-Friendly Overnight Spots

Here's the good news: the vast majority of European aires, stellplatze, and campsites welcome dogs. The van life community skews heavily toward dog owners, and facilities have adapted accordingly.

How RoamLife Helps

When searching for overnight spots on RoamLife, filter for "dog-friendly" to see locations specifically marked as welcoming pets. But the real value is in the community reviews - users often mention:

• Nearby walking trails and their difficulty
• Whether there's a fenced area (rare but wonderful when you find one)
• Beach access and seasonal dog restrictions
• Proximity to forests or parks
• How other dogs behaved (useful for reactive dog owners)

We've found some of our favorite spots through reviews mentioning "great for dogs" or "off-lead forest nearby." That's information you won't get from official policies.

Country-by-Country Campsite Policies

Country	General Attitude	Typical Fee	Notes
France	Very welcoming	2-4 EUR/night	Dogs allowed at most aires; lead required
Germany	Dog-friendly culture	2-5 EUR/night	Some breed restrictions
Netherlands	Generally positive	3-5 EUR/night	Dogs often restricted from swimming areas
Spain	Variable	0-3 EUR/night	Some campsites exclude dogs in peak season
Portugal	Mixed	0-3 EUR/night	Beach restrictions common in summer
Italy	Regional variation	3-6 EUR/night	Muzzle often required in public areas

Wild Camping Considerations

If you wild camp (where legal), having a dog actually helps in some ways - you're clearly not there to cause trouble, and the presence of a dog makes the van feel more like a home than an abandoned vehicle.

That said, always:

• Keep your dog leashed until you've assessed the area
• Check for livestock (especially sheep) nearby
• Be extra vigilant about cleaning up - wild camping access depends on good behavior
• Have a backup plan if the spot isn't suitable

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Country-by-Country Guide

Every European country follows the basic EU pet travel rules, but local regulations and cultural attitudes vary significantly. Here's what we've learned from actually traveling through each.

France

Official Rules:

• Dogs must be leashed in urban areas
• Muzzles required on public transport and in some shops
• Category 1 and 2 dogs (attack breeds) have strict requirements

Practical Reality:
France is genuinely dog-friendly. Most restaurants will welcome your dog on the terrace, and many shops allow dogs inside. The famous French love of dogs isn't a myth.

Beach Restrictions: Most beaches ban dogs during July and August. Look for "plages autorisees aux chiens" (beaches that allow dogs) - they exist but require research. Brittany and Normandy tend to be more relaxed than the Mediterranean coast.

Aires: Nearly all municipal aires welcome dogs. Keep them leashed in communal areas. The France Passion network of farm stays is excellent for dogs - most hosts actively welcome pets.

Our Experience: We spent three months in France last year and never felt unwelcome with Millie. The only issue was beach access in the Var region during August - we ended up driving 40 minutes to find a dog-friendly cove.

Germany

Official Rules:

• Strict breed legislation varies by state
• Pit Bulls, Staffordshire Terriers, and some others banned entirely in some Bundeslander
• Lead and muzzle requirements vary locally

Practical Reality:
Germany has excellent infrastructure for dogs - designated dog beaches (Hundestrande), dog-friendly hiking trails clearly marked, and a culture that respects well-behaved dogs.

Breed Restrictions: This is serious. Bavaria, Baden-Wurttemberg, Hesse, and North Rhine-Westphalia have breed-specific legislation. If you have a breed that might be affected (or a mix that looks like one), research thoroughly before entering.

Stellplatze: Almost universally dog-friendly. Many have dedicated dog walking areas. The stellplatz system in Germany is exceptionally well-organized.

Our Experience: German stellplatze are some of our favorites - clean, well-maintained, and often in beautiful locations. The Black Forest in particular is exceptional for hiking with dogs.

Spain

Official Rules:

• Potentially Dangerous Dogs (PPD) require registration, insurance, muzzle, and short lead
• Rules vary significantly by autonomous community
• Most beaches prohibit dogs year-round, with some exceptions

Practical Reality:
Spain is a mixed bag. Cities like Barcelona and Madrid are increasingly dog-friendly, but rural areas and beach resorts can be less welcoming. Summer heat is a major consideration.

PPD List: Includes Pit Bull, Staffordshire, Argentine Dogo, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, Akita Inu, Rottweiler, and others. If your dog is on this list, you'll need:

• Registration within 3 months of entry
• Third-party liability insurance
• Muzzle and lead (max 2m) in public

Campsites: Quality varies. The larger chains (Camping & Bungalows, ACSI-rated sites) are generally good with dogs. Smaller family sites sometimes exclude pets in peak season.

Our Experience: We spent winter in Andalucia - the weather was perfect for Millie, and the hiking (Sierra Nevada, Alpujarras) was spectacular. Summer in Spain would be brutal with a dog.

Portugal

Official Rules:

• Dogs must be leashed OR muzzled in public (not both, interestingly)
• Potentially Dangerous Dog rules similar to Spain
• Most beaches prohibit dogs May-September

Practical Reality:
Portugal is one of our favorite countries for van life with a dog. The climate is mild, the coastline stunning, and the people genuinely welcoming.

Recent Changes: Portugal has tightened up on wild camping enforcement in the Algarve. This affects dog owners because traditional spots we could wild camp with Millie are now actively patrolled. Use official aires or campsites instead.

Dog-Friendly Beaches: Look for "praia pet-friendly" - there are designated dog beaches, particularly around Lisbon and in the Alentejo region. The Costa Vicentina has some beautiful options.

Our Experience: The Silver Coast north of Lisbon is exceptional - uncrowded beaches, affordable campsites, and excellent surf. Millie loves the Portuguese sardines that fall off barbecues.

Italy

Official Rules:

• Leads (max 1.5m) required in urban areas
• Muzzle must be carried at all times
• Muzzle required on public transport and in crowds

Practical Reality:
Italians love dogs, but bureaucracy and local rules can be confusing. Rules are inconsistently enforced - in small villages nobody cares, in tourist hotspots you might get fined.

Regional Variation: Northern Italy (Trentino, South Tyrol) is exceptionally dog-friendly with clear hiking trail markings. Southern Italy can be more challenging logistically.

Aree di Sosta: Italy's motorhome aires are generally dog-friendly, though facilities vary dramatically. Some are little more than car parks; others have proper services.

Our Experience: The Dolomites with Millie was a highlight - incredible hiking, crystal-clear lakes, and refugios that welcomed dogs (some even had water bowls outside). The Lake Garda area is also excellent.

UK (for return travel)

Coming back to the UK requires:

• Valid AHC or EU Pet Passport (from EU residency)
• Tapeworm treatment 1-5 days before arrival (praziquantel-based only)
• Microchip matching documentation

Post-Brexit Reality:
The process works smoothly if your paperwork is correct. We've re-entered via Eurotunnel, Dover ferries, and Harwich ferries without issues. The key is having everything organized and easily accessible.

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Practical Tips from Two Years on the Road

These are the things that actually matter day-to-day, beyond the official rules and regulations.

Finding Vets Abroad

In most European countries, finding a vet is straightforward. Google Maps works for routine issues. For emergencies:

Country	Emergency Search Term
France	"Urgences veterinaires"
Germany	"Tierarzt Notdienst"
Spain	"Urgencias veterinarias"
Portugal	"Veterinario urgencias"
Italy	"Pronto soccorso veterinario"

Before you travel:

• Download offline maps for regions you'll visit
• Save 112 (EU-wide emergency) in your phone
• Know your dog's weight in kilograms (vets will ask)
• Carry vaccination records (digital backup essential)

Pet Insurance Considerations

Your existing pet insurance may or may not cover treatment abroad. Check your policy for:

Coverage Type	What to Look For
EU Vet Fees	Covered for 90+ days per year
Emergency Treatment	No location exclusions
Repatriation	Costs if your pet can't travel home
Travel Disruption	Extra accommodation if pet illness delays return

We use Petplan, which covers EU vet fees for up to 364 days - essential for full-time travelers. Check your policy specifics before assuming you're covered.

Feeding Routines on the Road

Dogs thrive on consistency, so:

• Stick to the same feeding times regardless of time zone changes
• Bring enough of their regular food for the trip (switching food + travel stress = digestive disaster)
• Know the local equivalent brand in case you run out
• Carry a 3-day emergency food supply separately

Millie eats at 7am and 5pm, wherever we are. That consistency helps her feel settled even when the view outside the van changes daily.

Exercise Ideas at Campsites

Not every overnight spot has great walking nearby. For those times:

• Long line (15-20m) for controlled off-lead exercise
• Flirt pole for high-energy dogs (compact, tires them quickly)
• Snuffle mat or puzzle feeder for mental stimulation
• Training sessions - new tricks keep their brain busy

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Essential Gear Checklist

After two years of dog-based van travel, here's what we actually use versus what gathered dust.

Safety and Travel

Item	Why It Matters	Our Pick
Crash-tested crate/harness	Non-negotiable safety	MIM Variocage
Road Refresher bowl	No more wet floors	Original, large size
Cooling mat	Summer essential	Pecute self-cooling mat
LED collar light	Evening walks near roads	Nite Ize SpotLit

Daily Essentials

Item	Why It Matters
Long line (15m+)	Freedom without full off-lead
Collapsible bowls (x2)	Water and food on walks
Microfiber towels (x3)	Muddy paws, wet dogs
Tick remover	Ticks are everywhere in mainland Europe
Poo bags (biodegradable)	Minimum 100 at all times

First Aid Kit

Pack a small kit with:

• Gauze pads and self-adhesive bandage wrap
• Antiseptic wipes (chlorhexidine-based)
• Tweezers and tick remover
• Digital thermometer (normal range: 38-39C)
• Saline solution for eye/wound flushing
• Antihistamines (vet-approved dose for your dog)
• Any regular medications (plus 2-week extra supply)
• Copy of vaccination records

Skip These

• Portable dog showers - a 2L water bottle with holes in the cap works fine
• Expensive travel beds - a folded blanket they already know works better
• GPS trackers - unless your dog has a history of bolting (we've never needed one)
• Dog booties - most dogs hate them and adapt to hot/cold surfaces naturally

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a pet passport for Europe in 2026?
If you're an EU resident, yes - the EU Pet Passport is your travel document. If you're traveling from the UK, you need an Animal Health Certificate instead, though this may change later in 2026 with new agreements being implemented.

Can dogs stay in the campervan overnight?
Absolutely - that's normal. Most campsites and aires expect dogs to sleep in your vehicle. Some campsites have specific rules about dogs being left unattended, but evening and overnight they're assumed to be with you.

What vaccinations does my dog need for Europe?
Rabies is the only legally required vaccination for EU travel. The rabies vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before travel (for first-time vaccinations). Your vet may recommend additional vaccinations based on where you're traveling.

How long can I travel with my dog in Europe?
With an EU Pet Passport, indefinitely (keeping vaccinations current). With an AHC from the UK, the certificate is valid for 4 months of travel within the EU. You'd need a new AHC for each subsequent trip from the UK.

Are there breed restrictions in Europe?
Yes, but they vary by country. Germany has the strictest rules - some breeds cannot enter at all. Spain and Portugal have Potentially Dangerous Dog regulations requiring registration and insurance. Check specific country rules if you have a restricted breed or a mix that resembles one.

What if my dog needs emergency vet care abroad?
Vets throughout Europe are well-equipped for emergencies. Treatment quality is generally excellent. Payment is usually required upfront (claim back on insurance). We've used emergency vets in Spain and Portugal with no issues.

Can I take my dog on European trains?
Policies vary by country and train operator. Generally, small dogs in carriers travel free; larger dogs need a ticket and often a muzzle. France (SNCF), Germany (DB), and Italy (Trenitalia) all allow dogs with conditions.

How do I find dog-friendly beaches?
Use RoamLife to filter for coastal locations, then check reviews for beach access information. Generally, beaches outside July-August have fewer restrictions. Look for "Hundestrand" (Germany), "plage autorisee aux chiens" (France), or "praia pet-friendly" (Portugal).

What's the best time of year to travel with dogs?
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are ideal. Temperatures are manageable, destinations are less crowded, and beach restrictions are typically lifted. Summer requires constant heat vigilance; winter is fine if your dog tolerates cold.

Do I need to declare my dog at borders?
Within the Schengen Area, there are no routine border checks. When entering the EU from the UK (or returning), your pet's documentation will be checked at the port of entry. Have everything organized and easily accessible.

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Final Thoughts

Traveling Europe with your dog in a campervan is one of the most rewarding ways to explore. Yes, there's paperwork. Yes, you need to think about safety gear and temperature management. But once you've figured out the logistics, you're left with the good stuff: morning walks in new forests, your dog's excitement at each new smell, and the simple pleasure of having your best mate along for the adventure.

Millie has now visited 14 countries with us. She's hiked in the Alps, swum in the Atlantic, and slept in more beautiful locations than most people see in a lifetime. She doesn't care about the views, obviously - she cares about the smells, the other dogs she meets, and whether that particular beach has good throwing sticks.

But I care. And having her there, every single time, makes every destination better.

Start with a short trip - a long weekend in France or Belgium. Get comfortable with the ferry or tunnel process. Work out what gear you actually need versus what the internet told you to buy. Then plan something bigger.

The road is better with dogs. That much I'm certain of.

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Last verified: January 2026

Use RoamLife's dog-friendly filter to find thousands of verified pet-welcoming overnight spots across Europe. Our community marks locations with real reviews about space for dogs, fenced areas, and nearby walking trails.