If you’re considering a life of van travel with your furry friends by your side, you’re not alone! Dogs and cats can make great road trip companions, and with a little bit of preparation, it’s easy to create a pet-friendly vehicle conversion. In this article, we’ll outline the basics of setting up your van for pet travel and share some tips for making the journey as comfortable as possible for both you and your four-legged friends.
When it comes to vanlife with pets, the first thing you’ll need to consider is your layout.
First things first, where will your pets eat?
The next thing to think about is how you’ll manage mealtimes. Will you feed your pets from bowls that are attached to the van, or will you stop to feed them each time you take a break? Or will they have their own dedicated area in the van?
Dogs: where are they going to sleep?
Will they have their own bed, or will they sleep in your bed with you? If you’re planning on having more than one dog, it’s important to make sure that there is enough space for both dogs to sleep comfortably.
If you’re traveling solo with one dog, you can get away with a pretty simple setup – a bed or crate in the back, some food and water bowls, and maybe a few toys for good measure. But if you’re traveling with multiple pets or plan to do a lot of long-term travel, you’ll need to get a bit more creative.
A good rule of thumb is to dedicate about half of your floor space to your dogs. This way, they’ll have plenty of room to move around and won’t feel cramped or claustrophobic. If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of great van conversion plans available online that can be customized to fit your specific needs.
When it comes to food and water, you’ll need to make sure you have enough for both you and your dogs. It’s a good idea to invest in a high-quality portable water bowl that can be refilled as needed. For food, we recommend keeping a few days’ worth of dry food on hand, as well as some canned food or wet food for times when you can’t make it to a store.
What about cats?
If you’re traveling with a cat, it’s important to create a space for them to use the litter box. The last thing you want is for your cat to feel stressed out on the road, so make sure that they have everything they need to stay comfortable.
A small litter box can be placed under the bed or in a corner of the van, and you can line it with newspaper or disposable liners for easy cleanup. You’ll also need to bring along enough litter to last the duration of your trip.
In terms of food and water, we recommend keeping a few days’ worths of dry food on hand, as well as some canned food or wet food for times when you can’t make it to a store. So be sure to leave enough space handy to store it.
Plan your trip to give them time to go out
Make sure you give your pet (or pets) plenty of opportunities to relieve themselves throughout the day. If you’re traveling with a dog, this means making frequent stops for potty breaks. If you’re traveling with a cat, you’ll need to provide a litter box in the van.
Whenever possible, try to plan your trip so that you can make stops at pet-friendly rest areas or campgrounds. This way, your pet will have plenty of space to stretch their legs and explore.
And last but not least, don’t forget to pack some toys!
A few well-chosen toys can go a long way towards keeping your pet (or pets) happy on the road. If you’re traveling with a dog, consider packing some of their favorite chew toys or balls. If you’re traveling with a cat, pack a few of their favorite toys, as well as a scratching post or catnip to keep them entertained.
Finally, don’t forget the basics like a collar and leash, ID tags, and a first-aid kit. These are all essential for keeping your pet safe on the road.
With a little bit of planning, vanlife with pets can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your furry companions. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next adventure today!
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