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Dog-Friendly Motorhome Holidays: Rules, Safety and Packing

Nothing beats hitting the road, knowing you have a holiday adventure to enjoy ahead. However, for many UK holidaymakers, a holiday isn't the same without our four-legged friends. A common question we receive is "Can you take a dog in a rental motorhome?", and the answer is yes. At Hertz Motorhome Hire, we offer dog friendly motorhomes, these have their own layout which makes it easier to embark on your adventure.

To help you plan, we've put together the ultimate guide to dog friendly motorhome hire in the UK, covering all the rules, safety and packing tips.

Dog-Friendly Motorhome Holidays: Rules, Safety and Packing

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UK Law: What You Need To Know Before You Travel

Before setting off, it's important to understand the legal responsibilities that come with travelling with a dog. Under Rule 57 of the Highway Code, drivers must ensure dogs are suitably restrained whilst the vehicle is moving, this means your dog should not be free to roam the cab or living area whilst driving, as this can distract you and cause serious injury to both you and your pet in the event of sudden braking or a collision. Failure to comply can result in a fine and points on your licence.

How To Secure Your Dog In A Motorhome

How do you secure a dog in a motorhome whilst driving? There are three widely recommended methods:

  • Crash-tested harnesses: These clip into the motorhome's existing seatbelt buckles and are one of the most practical options for dogs that travel well & comfortable being seated.
  • Secure travel crates: A sturdy, well ventilated crate fixed within the living area provides a familiar, enclosed space for your dog. This is particularly useful for anxious dogs who benefit from having their own den.
  • Fixed safety tethers: These attach to heavy duty anchorage points within the cab or living area, limiting your dog's movement without fully confining them.

Whichever method you choose, ensure it is properly fitted before you drive. It's worth doing a short test run closer to home before embarking on a longer trip.

Pet-Friendly Motorhomes: What To Look For

Not all motorhomes are well suited to travelling with dogs. When booking dog friendly motorhome hire in the UK, look for the following:

  • Easy clean flooring in the living area, rather than carpet, makes managing muddy paws easier
  • Sufficient interior space so your dog can move comfortably when the vehicle is stationary
  • Good ventilation to keep the motorhome cool & comfortable during warmer spring/summer
  • Secure exterior storage for muddy leads, towels & outdoor kit

At Hertz Motorhome Hire, our pet friendly vehicles are selected with practicality in mind, so you spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the trip.

Finding Dog-Friendly Campsites

A question we're often asked is: Do campsites charge extra for dogs? This varies, a lot of larger holiday parks charge a small fee of £2–5 per dog/per night to cover additional cleaning, but a lot of independent and farm based campsites welcome dogs for no added cost.

When searching for campsites, look for:

  • Dog walking areas or access to footpaths & countryside
  • Dog wash facilities or outdoor taps for cleaning muddy paws
  • Clear information on lead rules & restricted areas within the site

Websites like the Caravan and Motorhome Club are useful tools for filtering campsites by pet policy before you book.

What To Pack For Your Dog

A little preparation goes a long way. Here's what to bring:

  • Collapsible food & water bowls for use on the go
  • Enough food for the full trip, plus a little extra in case of delays
  • An up to date pet first aid kit, including tick removal tools (essential for spring walks through grass & woodland)
  • Old towels & a dog friendly shampoo to deal with mud after walks
  • A long tether line & ground stake for safely keeping your dog outside the motorhome at the campsite
  • Their own bed or blanket to help them feel settled in an unfamiliar environment

Get in touch with our team today to browse our range of pet friendly motorhomes at Hertz Motorhome Hire and find the right vehicle for you, whether you're heading somewhere in the UK or further afield, we're here to make your dog friendly motorhome holiday as straightforward as possible.