Leaving Dogs In Camper Vans: Safe Or Not?

Travelling with a dog can be fun, but it's natural to worry about leaving your pet alone in a camper van. While it's not recommended, there are precautions you can take to ensure your dog's safety and comfort. Firstly, check the local laws and campground rules, as some places prohibit leaving pets unattended. If you must leave your dog, take steps to avoid temperature extremes, such as installing a temperature monitoring system and ensuring adequate ventilation and shade. Exercise your dog beforehand, leave plenty of water, and provide comforting white noise. Additionally, consider using a crate or kennel, and always leave your contact information in case of emergencies.

Temperature control

Insulation

Proper insulation is key to maintaining a comfortable temperature in your van. It helps reduce heat transfer between the interior and the metal exterior walls. Consider using materials such as Thinsulate, foam board, or Reflectix for effective insulation.

Ventilation and Airflow

• Install a roof fan, such as a MaxxAir fan, to exhaust hot air from the van.
• Open windows or install additional vents to bring in cooler air from outside. Consider adding floor vents that draw in air from the underside of the van, as it tends to be cooler and shaded.
• A 12v vent fan is highly recommended, especially one that runs on solar power, as it significantly decreases the internal temperature when combined with open windows.

Window Covers and Sunshades

• Use insulated window covers or curtains to block out heat and keep the van cooler. Magnetic window covers that are easy to install and remove are available for different van models.
• Sunshades, especially on the windshield, are essential for reducing the greenhouse effect and blocking radiant heat.

Parking Orientation

• Whenever possible, park your van in a shaded area, such as under a tree or on the north side of a building, to minimize direct sunlight through the windows.
• Avoid parking in direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day.

Temperature Monitoring

• Utilize temperature monitoring devices, such as Waggle RV Temperature Monitor, MarCELL Temperature and Humidity Monitor, or SimpliSafe with an add-on temp sensor, to keep track of the internal temperature of your van.
• Some devices allow remote monitoring and will notify you via text or phone alerts if the temperature rises above a certain level.

Planning and Scheduling

• Plan your errands or activities during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening, to avoid leaving your dog in the van during the hottest hours.
• If possible, schedule hikes or outdoor activities for the morning when temperatures are milder.

Additional Tips

• Spend some time in your van with your dog before leaving to gauge the comfort level. If you feel warm but not uncomfortable, it is likely safe for your dog for a short period.
• Always leave ample water for your dog, and consider adding ice cubes to keep it chilled.
• Exercise your dog before leaving them alone to ensure they are calm and rested during your absence.
• If your dog is crate-trained, consider bringing a crate along, as it provides a safe and familiar space.
• Be mindful of your dog's breed; brachycephalic breeds (dogs with shortened snouts) are more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• If you are travelling to a hot location, consider avoiding peak summer months to minimize the risk of extreme temperatures.

Remember, the safety and well-being of your dog are paramount. Use your best judgment and take all necessary precautions to ensure your dog is comfortable when left unattended in your camper van.

Camper van preparation

Know Your Dog

It is crucial to understand your dog's needs and behaviours. Brachycephalic breeds (dogs with shortened snouts) are more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, so take extra precautions if your dog falls into this category. If your dog has any anxiety or undesirable behaviours, consider starting a training routine before your trip to help them adjust to the new environment.

Temperature Control

Maintaining a comfortable temperature inside the camper van is critical for your dog's safety. Install a ventilation system, such as a MaxxAir fan on the roof, to exhaust hot air. Open windows for cross-breezes, and consider adding floor vents that draw in cooler air from the underside of the van. Insulate your van well to regulate temperatures, using materials like Thinsulate, foam board, and Reflectix.

Dog-Proofing

Before leaving your dog unattended, ensure that anything potentially harmful is out of their reach. This includes food, treats, cleaning products, electrical wires, phone cords, and any toys or items they might chew on. If your dog likes to chew on things, consider using a crate or kennel to provide a safe space for them while you're away.

Exercise and Comfort

Before leaving your dog alone in the camper van, take them for a long walk or play session to burn off excess energy and reduce anxiety. Provide comfortable bedding, such as a dog bed, yoga mat, or blanket, especially for long drives. Leave plenty of fresh water to keep them hydrated, and consider leaving the radio or TV on for comforting white noise.

Safety Measures

Install an indoor temperature monitoring system linked to your phone to ensure you can respond quickly if temperatures become unsafe. Set up an auto-starting generator or RV to maintain power and keep the air conditioning running. Install indoor security cameras with a Wi-Fi link to your phone, so you can keep an eye on your dog and even talk to them remotely.

Campground Considerations

Always check the rules of the campground before leaving your dog unattended. Many campgrounds have 'no dogs left unattended' rules due to barking disturbances. Exercise your dog before leaving them alone to reduce the likelihood of excessive barking. Leave your contact information with the camp hosts and inform them that you'll be leaving your dog unattended, so they can reach out to you if needed.

Camper van safety

Leaving your dog in a camper van is not recommended. However, if you must, there are several precautions you can take to ensure your dog's safety.

Temperature Control

The temperature inside a camper van can change rapidly and reach dangerous levels for your dog. To prevent this, you can:

• Install a fan to keep the air circulating.
• Park in a shaded area to avoid direct sunlight.
• Insulate your van to regulate the temperature.
• Cover your windows with reflective sunshades to block radiant heat.
• Install an RV indoor temperature monitoring system that links to your phone.
• Set up your RV generator auto-starting system to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Exercise and Comfort

Before leaving your dog alone in the camper van, ensure they are well-exercised and comfortable. You can:

• Take them for a long walk or play session to reduce anxiety and tire them out.
• Provide comfortable bedding, such as a dog bed, yoga mat, or blanket.
• Leave the TV or radio on for white noise, or play soft rock or reggae music, which dogs seem to prefer.
• Leave out their favourite toys and a familiar blanket to reduce anxiety.

Safety and Security

To ensure your dog's safety and security, you can:

• Exercise them before leaving so they are more likely to rest while you are away.
• Install indoor security cameras with a Wi-Fi link to your phone so you can keep an eye on them.
• Add pet rescue stickers to the door or window of your camper van, including your contact information.
• Leave your phone number with the campground host or a neighbouring camper to notify you of any issues.
• Use a crate or kennel to give them a safe space and prevent them from chewing on things.
• "Dog-proof" your van by removing anything potentially dangerous, such as food, treats, cleaners, electrical wires, etc.
• Leave fresh water to prevent dehydration.
• Microchip your dog and/or invest in a GPS collar to easily locate them if they get lost.

Dog comfort

If you're going to be leaving your dog in a camper van, you'll want to make sure they're as comfortable as possible. Here are some tips to help you achieve that:

• Exercise your dog beforehand: Taking your dog for a long walk or having a play session before leaving them alone will help to burn off any excess energy and reduce their anxiety. A tired dog is more likely to sleep or rest quietly while you're away.
• Provide plenty of water: Make sure your dog has access to fresh water at all times, especially if you're leaving them alone in the van.
• Maintain a comfortable temperature: The temperature inside a van can fluctuate easily, so it's important to ensure your dog doesn't get too hot or too cold. Install a temperature monitoring system that links to your phone, so you can keep an eye on the van's interior temperature remotely. Also, consider investing in an RV generator auto-starting system, which will keep the air conditioning running even if there's a power outage.
• Provide proper bedding: Give your dog somewhere comfortable to lay down, especially on long drives. Bring a dog bed, a yoga mat, a blanket, or a foam sleeping pad that can be folded in half.
• Create a calm environment: To keep your dog calm and relaxed while you're away, close all the windows and pull the shades before you leave. You can also leave the TV or radio on for some white noise, or play their favourite music (apparently, dogs prefer reggae and soft rock!).
• Provide entertainment and familiar items: Leave out some safe toys for your dog to play with, as well as a favourite blanket or item of clothing that smells like you. This will help reduce their anxiety and give them something to do while you're away.
• Ensure proper ventilation: Install a vent fan or open a window to provide fresh air and prevent the van from heating up too much. Just make sure your dog is secure and cannot escape through the window.
• Plan shorter outings: If possible, plan shorter outings so you can return to check on your dog more frequently. This will help reduce their anxiety and give them a chance to stretch their legs.
• Use a crate or kennel: If your dog is crate-trained, consider using a crate or kennel to give them a sense of security and familiarity. This will also help prevent them from chewing on things or causing destruction if they get anxious.

Legal considerations

Temperature

Firstly, it is important to consider the temperature inside the camper van. In hot weather, a camper van can heat up quickly, leading to dangerous conditions for your dog. Similarly, in cold weather, your dog could be at risk of hypothermia if left alone without a source of heat. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that your dog has a comfortable temperature while you are away. This may involve leaving the air conditioning or heater on and investing in temperature control monitors that will notify you if there are any significant changes in temperature.

Local Laws

It is essential to be aware of the local laws regarding leaving dogs unattended in vehicles. In some states, it is illegal to leave an animal unattended in a vehicle under certain conditions, such as extreme temperatures, poor ventilation, or a lack of food and water. Breaking these laws can result in fines or other legal consequences. Therefore, it is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with the laws in the areas you plan to travel to.

Campground Rules

Each campground will have its own rules and regulations regarding pets. Some campgrounds may prohibit leaving dogs unattended altogether, while others may have specific requirements, such as keeping your dog quiet or providing adequate ventilation. It is crucial to respect the rules of the campground to avoid any issues with your neighbours or the campground management.

Dog Safety

When leaving your dog unattended in a camper van, it is essential to take precautions to ensure their safety. This includes providing adequate food and water, exercising them beforehand to reduce anxiety and boredom, and creating a comfortable and safe space for them to rest. Additionally, consider microchipping your dog or investing in a GPS collar to easily locate them if they escape.

Frequently asked questions