As the nation’s most beloved pet – with a third of Brits owning at least one dog – organising travel arrangements can be an annual challenge for UK holidaymakers. Providing guidance and inspiration for dog owners, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ Canine Campervan Guide combines tips and tricks for campervan getaways with pets, and a range of dog-friendly, lesser-explored destinations to discover.
These include:
- Packing for your pooch: before setting off on the road, make sure to pack a lead and seatbelt harness, dog bed, towel, portable water bowl, food for the duration of the trip, and a goody bag of toys and treats to keep your dog entertained along the way.
- Make sure your dog is comfortable and secure: in case of any sudden stops, ensure your dog is suitably secured in the campervan, using a seatbelt harness or fixable crate.
- Plan frequent pit stops: encourage regular rest breaks and hydration stops, to give your dog a chance to stretch their legs.
For further tips and dog-friendly locations to explore, the Canine Campervan Guide can be found here.
As icons of freedom and adventure on the road, Volkswagen campervans are the ideal vehicles for a getaway with pets, with the space, facilities and home comforts for any dog-friendly adventure.
The Volkswagen California 6.1 features a fully-fitted kitchen with a cool box, sink and stove kitchen unit and, as night falls, the campervan can be transformed to comfortably sleep four. With space for the entire family and their canine chum, the folding bench seat and swivelling front seats provide a highly flexible and adaptable interior, while integrated accessories – such as a stowable camping table and chairs – save on space when not in use.
At 6.0-6.8m, the larger motorhome variant, the Grand California, features a transverse bed which sleeps two adults, and an optional over-cab bed with space for two children. A built-in wet room and fully-fitted kitchen, living and dining space, provide even more home comforts on the road, without ever having to leave their dogs’ side.
Clever details, such as an external temperature controlled shower, allow Grand California users to hose sand or mud off their dogs after a long day of exploring, while easily accessibly storage cabinets and spacious interior provides plenty of room to comfortably store all the essentials for a dog-friendly adventure.
Putting the Volkswagen campervan to the ultimate ‘canine camping’ test, leading dog influencers, Jess (@foxredpeggy) and Alice (@hectorthechocolabo), experienced the Grand California’s dog-friendly features for themselves. Watch here to find out how they got on.
To find out more about Volkswagen’s range of campervans, visit: volkswagen-vans.co.uk/en/new-vehicles.html
