Britain is known as a nation of dog-lovers, and the fact that six million dogs reside in the UK would certainly seem to bear this out. And British caravanners are no less fond of their canine companions than anyone else, so with all those pooches around it’s no surprise that so many turn up on site. To many of us, taking the dog on holiday is as natural as taking the kids. Just like us, dogs love the outdoors, so in many ways they can be ideal caravanning companions.
Dogs mean business, too: a good, dog-friendly, commercial site can expect more than 30 percent of its bookings to come from dog owners. Figures from the Caravan Club show that last year, nearly 80,000 members took dogs onto club sites.
Taking your dog on a caravan holiday requires some careful thought and advance preparation, but include him in your plans from the word go, and you should have an enjoyable, trouble-free holiday. The process normally starts with choosing a site, at which point it’s useful to ask yourself a few questions. What does your dog want from the holiday? Where will he sleep? Are the site and nearby facilities suitable for him? What if something goes wrong?
If you’re unsure about a site, or don’t know where to start looking, ask fellow dog-owning caravanners, or post a request for information on the Practical Caravan Forum at www.practicalcaravan.com. Word of mouth is a powerful tool, and often reveals things you can’t find in a book. Most site directories, such as the BH&HPA Holiday Parks Guide, use easy-to-recognise symbols (usually a dog profile) alongside site entries which indicate dog-acceptance.
But what exactly do these sites do for your dog? Before you book, ask the site staff about the facilities so you know exactly what to expect when you arrive. Make a list of your and your dog’s requirements and tick them off when considering where you’re going to stay. Some sites allow only two dogs per unit, or have restrictions about ‘large dogs’ and ‘dangerous breeds’. These rules could affect you, so check when booking; it’ll be too late when you get there to find out that your dog won’t be accepted. Also, it may be the case that if the site staff have your information in advance, they may allocate you a larger, or secluded, pitch.
If you have chosen your site wisely, yours will actually cater for dogs rather than merely accept them. Some have a specific dog-walk area – a secure open space where your pet can run, free of his lead. Signs around the site will encourage responsible dog ownership and indicate where your dog can and cannot go.
Look out for dedicated doggy-bins at the site, and if there aren’t any, ask what the correct cleaning up procedure is. Low-cost biodegradable bags, specifically for dog mess, are often available, making the clear-up easy and environmentally friendly. Other considerate touches include ‘dog parks’ where you can secure your dog safely while you use the site facilities, with bowls of fresh water for him to have a drink while tethered. Some sites offer a choice of dog food in the site shop. The information point should show any site rules relating to dogs, as well as giving details for the nearest vet. Good sites will also be free of any dog waste – a clear sign that the wardens keep things properly maintained and apply the rules.

THE RUFF WITH THE SMOOTH
The joys of taking your dog caravanning go hand in hand with the responsibility. All sites have rules about pets. One site owner we spoke to simply said: “Dogs are welcome, as long as their owners are well-behaved.” Often the rules are unwritten and can be vague, but generally they cover four main areas: cleaning up after your dog; minimising disturbance; the correct use and maintenance of any pens or outdoor housing; and keeping your dog on a lead. To prevent dogs reaching adjacent pitches, the Caravan Club advises a maximum lead length of three metres, while the Camping and Caravanning Club sets its limit at two metres. Both clubs have a common-sense code of conduct for pet owners, with leaflets often available on site. Most commercial sites echo these guidelines. The general rule is that for everyone’s comfort you should learn the rules and abide by them. Charging for dogs is a sensitive issue, as most sites (including the Caravan Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club) welcome dogs without charge, and many hope to keep it that way. Some sites simply absorb the charge into the pitch fee, but others raise a specific charge, which can range from a nominal 25p to a pricey £2 or more per night. Unfortunately, there seems to be little to link the fee charged with the standard of facilities provided. Instead, site owners often quote the cost of dedicated land and additional site maintenance as the main reasons for charging. So, when choosing a site, enquire about the prices and ask what exactly is provided for the money.

BEFORE YOU EM-BARK
If this is your dog’s first journey, think about how he will cope with the travelling. If he is sensitive or you are worried, discuss it with your vet, who may prescribe something to relax him. Most dogs, though, adapt well. If you want to be on the safe side, take your pet on a few short trips beforehand to familiarise him with travelling while he is restrained.
It’s a good idea to have an ID disc made up and attach it to your dog’s collar in case he gets lost. You might consider getting him microchipped – having a tiny microchip inserted under the dog’s skin – so that your pet can be identified and traced if he should lose his collar. The average cost is around £25, and it is mandatory if you intend travelling abroad.
When it comes to packing for your trip, make a list of all the ‘doggy’ things you need to take and make sure you allow for the weight of these extra things. Be sure to pack any medication or supplements he takes, as well as enough food to last until you can obtain a local supply. Most dogs also have a favourite toy or blanket, so make sure that’s on the list, too.
Pet insurance, which can cover medical costs, is available through banks, insurance companies, or on the internet. Check that the pet policy covers your planned itinerary and includes third-party liability (although you may have third-party liability cover for your dog included in your household policy; in which case, check to make sure this is adequate). In addition, you should make sure that your dog’s vaccinations and worming treatments are up-to-date to prevent infecting other dogs or children on site, as well as protecting your own dog from infection.

POOCHING UP
Your dog will be as eager to get under way as you are. Most caravanners will tell you that their dogs love it in the car, and quickly learn what it means when they see the van attached behind. Nevertheless, there are one or two measures you can take to help ensure trouble-free journeys with your pet.
Where and how your dog travels greatly depends on individual circumstances, but the important thing is not to have him loose in the car – he could easily become a distraction, especially when you are towing. Remember, too, that dogs, like humans, need regular stops en route to give them the chance to have a drink and stretch their legs.
Once you have set up on site, it is essential that your dog feels at home. You don’t want him fretting, so make a fuss over him and he’ll soon settle, especially if he’s had the chance to explore his new surroundings. Space will be an issue. Even with a full awning, your van’s area will be limited. Opinions about where a dog should ‘live’ on site are split; some dogs are allowed freedom of the caravan, while others are restricted to the awning. There are pros and cons to both options and you need to balance the emotional aspects, such as having your dog near you, against the practicalities of having a dog inside a van (physical size, odours, pet hairs and so on). An awning, even in winter, can be kept warm with a small heater and may free space you need inside the van, especially with a large or boisterous dog. By leaving a door or window open into the awning, you can make him think he is simply in the next room. If your dog is left in the awning overnight, make sure he stays within the unit. Avoid leaving him on a lead as it is restrictive and he could become entangled. You’ll probably have your own idea about how best to secure him but measures range from making sure the awning skirt is secured, through to using a purpose-made cage – a travel cage can double-up as a ‘bedroom’ for him. A favourite blanket, toy or treat placed inside the cage will entice him in and help establish trust. At first, leave the door open and he will soon accept the cage as his space. It can also be covered at night, keeping out draughts as well as insulating him from disturbances. Feeding arrangements will probably matter more to your pet than those for sleeping, and he will be expecting his normal regime. Think about where you will feed him. Space will be restricted so choose anti-tip bowls and place them where you won’t trip over them.
On site, you really do need to keep your animal under close control at all times. Normally, this means keeping him tethered to a secure fixing or on a lead; some sites provide special ‘dog parks’ with leash-fixings near their facilities so you can go about your chores. A caravan site is full of new attractions that are sure to have your dog straining at the leash, but he should not be able to access other pitches or other dogs without your control. Be extra careful around children who are not familiar with him.
Respect the privacy and space of other caravanners by keeping to pathways, shared areas or the dedicated dog walk. If your animal fouls an area, be sure to clean it up. Not all caravanners love dogs, but a responsible owner can do a lot to increase tolerance levels.

SNOUT AND ABOUT
Most dogs need plenty of exercise. The site wardens will tell you about any areas where you can let your dog roam freely. Ideally, there will be a place to do this on site, or one accessible directly off it. Even if you know the area, it is worthwhile checking with the wardens on any potential hazards; they will have intimate local knowledge and can advise on things to avoid such as farm animals, ground-nesting birds and other wildlife, especially during the breeding season. Ticks – bloodsucking parasites that live in long grass and woodlands – can be a nuisance. Again, ask the warden; he may know areas to steer clear of.
You may want to go off site, perhaps to visit a tourist attraction, and taking your dog may not be feasible or allowed. What do you do? One option is to find a local kennels that will take your dog for the day. Alternatively, a fellow caravanner may offer to look after him – an ideal solution, especially if it is a reciprocal arrangement.
Leaving a dog unattended for an extended period should be avoided wherever possible, especially during summer as temperatures can rise rapidly, even on a cloudy day, leading to increased stress, heatstroke or dehydration. If you do need to leave your pet alone, make sure he has plenty to drink, is sheltered from the sun and wind, and that the warden or a neighbouring caravanner is aware. The RSPCA and Dogs Trust, formerly the National Canine Defence League (NCDL), will provide guidance on dog welfare. The Dogs Trust has also launched a scheme called the We Are Dog-Friendly Awards. Keep a look out for the yellow paw sticker at tourist attractions, pubs and the like, or check the organisation’s website (www.dogstrust.org.uk).
Eating out, especially when exploring a new area, is something most caravanners enjoy, but it can prove a problem if you have a dog. Other dog owners, or the site wardens, can tell you if there is a dog-friendly pub or restaurant nearby – your pet probably won’t be allowed in the dining area but at least he’ll be close to hand. Back at your pitch, there’s no reason your dog can’t enjoy barbecues – another great feature of being on site – as much as you. Just remember to secure him away from the heat, and he will relish the smells and activity as he waits for his share of the food.

PAWS FOR THOUGHT
Plan the journey home, as a rerun of your outward trip. Take care to secure your animal out of harm’s way while you’re packing up and manoeuvring the van, putting him in the car just before your departure. Finally, when you have moved your caravan off the pitch, check the whole area is clean, just as it was when you arrived.
As long as you’re sensible, there’s every chance that you and your dog will have a great time on holiday, but even the most careful owners never have complete control, either over their animals or over events, so it’s as well to be in a good position to tackle any unexpected problems that might crop up. Most can be anticipated (running out of food or losing his favourite toy), but others, such as accidents or sudden illness, can strike at any time. A few simple measures such as keeping the local vet’s details handy, or taking a few spares of things, should see you through most doggy dilemmas. Whatever the emergency, don’t be afraid to ask the warden or fellow caravanners for help – they may know exactly what to do.
Get the preparation right and both you and your four-legged member of the family will be looking forward to your next holiday.