Advantages, tricks and possible destinations for pet-friendly travel
The sense of freedom that Motorhoming offers becomes even more appreciable when animals are also part of the family. Travelling by Campervan with pets is indeed a trend that is becoming increasingly popular as it combines a passion for adventure with love for our furry friends.
Let’s discover together the benefits, the necessary precautions and the best destinations for an on-the-road trip.
The advantages of travelling in a Motorhome with animals
One of the main advantages of travelling in a Motorhome with a pet is the possibility of offering them a familiar and comfortable environment. Unlike travelling by plane or train, a Motorhome allows our furry friend to stay in a familiar and welcoming space, reducing the stress associated with change.
Travelling by Campervan also eliminates the worry of finding hotels or restaurants that accept animals: we can stop when necessary to let them play or go for a walk, maintaining a travel rhythm that also respects their needs.
No less important is the emotional bond that an adventure on the road helps to create: spending time together on the road can strengthen the relationship between us and our pet.
Some tricks to take
When travelling with your dog in a Motorhome, it is a good idea to take a few precautions that will make the journey safe and comfortable for everyone.
First, let’s make sure we have everything to allow our friend to travel safely: leash and harness, indispensable for walks, must be in good condition and a tag with our contact details must be attached to the collar, pet-friendly carriers or safety belts to prevent injuries in the event of sudden braking or accidents. Fiamma has developed a collapsible kennel by the name of Carry-Dog complete with a bag with a carrying handle and a mat and eyelets for attaching it to the ground, ideal for this type of need.
Portable enclosures are also very useful for allowing the animal to move freely and safely when the Motorhome is parked.
It is essential to have a first aid kit available that includes specific items for animals, such as tweezers for ticks, disinfectant solutions for wounds, and a copy of the medical prescriptions if the animal is undergoing particular therapies. In this case, make sure you also have a sufficient supply of medicines for the duration of the trip.
For international travel we will also require the health booklet, which contains the history of vaccinations carried out, and in some cases a certificate stating that the animal was examined by a veterinarian shortly before departure and is in good health. If our pet is insured, we also bring policy documents that may be useful in the event of a medical emergency.
How to make your pet’s journey more comfortable
Before we leave, let us make a list of everything that could be useful to make our four-legged friend’s journey as stress-free as possible. Let’s not forget his favourite toys to keep him occupied and quiet and make sure he has a comfortable place to rest and sleep during the trip.
Let’s prepare a sufficient supply of his usual food to avoid sudden changes in his diet that could cause digestive upset and don’t forget some snacks, which are useful during the long hours of travel.
If we are travelling in warmer areas and during excursions, water bottles or flasks and one or more collapsible bowls should not be missing. Wet wipes, a brush and shampoo can be very useful when travelling, especially after a day outdoors.
During the journey, we schedule some regular breaks to allow our pet to stretch, do his business and relax. This will help keep him calm and keep him happy and active.
Pet-friendly destinations for a Motorhome trip
Choosing pet-friendly destinations can make Motorhoming an even more enjoyable and relaxing experience, both for us and for our pet.
Parks and nature reserves are ideal places for long walks and exploring nature; many campsites offer specific services for animals, such as fenced areas for them to play freely and safe routes.
In Italy, Lake Garda is a popular destination and many of its campsites and beaches are pet-friendly. You can take long walks along the lake, visit picturesque villages like Sirmione and Riva del Garda, and enjoy the breathtaking views. Tuscany is also perfect for those travelling with pets: with its hilly landscapes, vineyards and hiking trails, it offers ample opportunities for long walks in the heart of nature.
Bavaria in Germany is famous for its hospitality towards pets and also offers beautiful parks and nature reserves, such as the Bavarian Forest National Park, ideal for long walks with our furry friend.
Provence is another fantastic destination, known for its lavender fields, mild climate and the nearby beaches of the Côte d’Azur that offer some dog-friendly areas throughout the year.
Travelling in October in a Motorhome with animals will allow us to discover autumn traditions and flavours by taking part in some of the most popular festivals and food and wine events
Travelling in a Motorhome with animals can therefore turn a simple holiday into a memorable adventure for everyone. With a little attention to their needs and the choice of appropriate destinations, we can guarantee our furry friends a joyful, stress-free experience and Motorhoming can become rewarding and fun for both us and them.
