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Taking Your Dog in a UK Hired Motorhome: Everything You Need to Know

A family with a dog sat outside a Just Go hire motorhome

There's nothing like exploring the UK's coastlines, moors and national parks with your dog(s) beside you. Travelling with your four legged friend in a hired motorhome is not only possible, but it's easier than you might think – if you know the rules. Here’s everything you need to know about taking your dog in a UK hired motorhome.

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Can You Take a Dog on a Hired Motorhome in the UK?

Yes, most reputable hire companies, including Just Go, welcome dogs on board, however, it's essential to declare your dog at the time of booking, rather than assuming it's fine to bring one along last minute. Hire companies need to know so they can prepare the vehicle appropriately and apply any relevant pet terms.

At Just Go, we offer a dedicated dog friendly motorhome hire option, along with a simple pet supplement add on at checkout, so you can travel with complete peace of mind.

Booking: Declaring Your Dog & What It Costs

When you book your motorhome, select the pet option at checkout, this covers everything you need for a smooth start to your trip: a small daily supplement, usually just a few pounds per day, gives you access to a pet friendly vehicle specification and full clarity on what's expected in terms of cleaning at drop off.

What happens if I take a dog without telling the hire company? Undeclared pets can result in additional cleaning charges, a breach of your hire agreement, or in some cases affect your damage deposit. It's a quick tick box at booking and always worth doing properly at the time of booking and browsing our dog friendly motorhome range to find the right vehicle for you, your dog and your group.

Preparing for the Trip

Restraints and the Highway Code

Under Rule 57 of the Highway Code, dogs (and other animals) must be suitably restrained so they cannot distract the driver or injure themselves or others if you brake suddenly. In a motorhome, this means:

  • Using a dog seatbelt harness, travel crate, or dog guard
  • Never allowing your dog to roam freely in the cab while driving
  • Securing the crate or carrier so it can't shift during braking
    or cornering

Failing to restrain a dog properly could also invalidate insurance claims in the event of an accident, so it's worth investing in proper kit before you set off.

What to Pack

Before you head off, it's worth taking a little time to organise some dog friendly preparations for travel such as a dog's travel kit. Bring familiar bedding, bowls and toys to help them settle into unfamiliar surroundings, along with a lead, poo bags and a small first aid kit for peace of mind on the road. Pack enough food for the whole trip, plus a little extra in case your journey overruns, and make sure you've got water on hand for regular stops. Finally, double check your dog's ID tag and microchip details are current, this is essential if they wander off somewhere new.

On the Road: Driving with Dogs

Long journeys need regular breaks, for you and your dog. Aim to stop every two hours to let your dog stretch, drink and relieve themselves. Motorway services and rural laybys both work but always keep your dog on a lead near traffic.

What If My Dog Gets Car Sick?

Motion sickness is common, especially in unfamiliar vehicles. To help:

  • Avoid feeding a large meal just before travelling
  • Keep the motorhome well ventilated
  • Take frequent breaks
  • Consider vet approved travel calming aids for anxious travellers
  • Face your dog forward, ideally with a view out of the window

If you are already aware that the sickness will persist throughout your trip, a quick chat with your vet before departure is a sensible precaution, if not it is worth noting this for any future motorhome trips.

Staying: Dog Friendly Campsites in the UK

The UK is one of the best countries in Europe for travelling with dogs, and dog friendly campsites are widespread. When choosing a pitch, it's worth checking a few things in advance, look for sites with designated dog walking areas or nearby footpaths, and confirm there's on site water and waste disposal available. It's also sensible to check for any breed/ number restrictions before you book, and to find out whether dogs are allowed off lead in certain zones so you know what to expect once you arrive.

Two standout destinations for dog owners are:

  • Dartmoor – vast open moorland, dog friendly pubs & countless walking trails
  • Northumberland – dramatic coastline, quiet beaches & some of the UK's most welcoming dog friendly sites

Both make brilliant motorhome road trip destinations if you're looking to combine adventure with your dog's favourite pastime (exploring somewhere new).

Ready to Hit the Road Together?

Taking your dog on a UK motorhome holiday is simple once you know the essentials: declare them at booking, restrain them properly, plan your stops, and choose dog friendly campsites along the way.

At Just Go, we make it easy with our dog friendly motorhome hire options and straightforward pet add on. Contact us today to hire your dog friendly motorhome for your next trip and start planning today.