Travelling in a camper van with dogs in Europe is one of the most rewarding ways to see the continent — and I speak from experience. I've been doing it for years with my rescue greyhounds, exploring Spain and beyond in my Fiat Ducato. When I first wrote this, Issy and Poppy were both along for the ride. Poppy passed away in March 2026, but she loved every mile of it, and this guide is as much hers as it is mine. It's an incredible lifestyle, but there are practicalities to get right, especially around pet passports, border crossings and vaccinations. Here's everything I've learned.

As a resident of Spain with a British passport, I find it amusing that my dogs, with their EU passports, have better freedom of movement than I do.

EU Pet Passports: What You Need to Know

Travelling across the EU with dogs that possess EU pet passports is remarkably convenient and straightforward. These passports, issued by authorised veterinarians, ensure that all essential health and identification requirements are met, such as microchipping and rabies vaccination. This standardisation allows pet owners to move seamlessly between EU member states without the need for additional health certificates or quarantines.

It’s a fantastic initiative that promotes hassle-free, pet-friendly travel, making it easier for families to create wonderful memories together across the continent.

One of the key benefits of travelling with dogs is the companionship they offer. Dogs are great travel buddies, always eager for the next adventure and providing a sense of security. They also encourage you to stay active, as regular walks and playtime are essential.

Many European countries are dog-friendly, with numerous campsites, parks, and even some beaches welcoming canine visitors.

When living in a camper van, it’s important to ensure your dogs are comfortable and safe. This means having a well-ventilated space, plenty of water, and a cosy sleeping area. It’s also crucial to keep their routine as consistent as possible, with regular feeding times and exercise. Investing in a good quality harness and leash is essential for those daily walks and hikes.

Travelling through Europe in a camper van allows for flexibility and spontaneity. You can choose to stay in one place for a while or move on whenever you feel like it.

This freedom is particularly beneficial when travelling with dogs, as you can easily adapt your plans to suit their needs. For example, if you find a particularly dog-friendly area, you can choose to stay longer.

However, there are also challenges to consider, especially if you are a third-country national travelling in the Schengen area. Crossing borders with pets requires careful planning, as different countries have varying regulations regarding vaccinations and pet passports. It’s essential to research these requirements in advance to avoid any issues. Additionally, some urban areas may not be as dog-friendly, so it’s important to plan your stops accordingly.

One thing worth knowing if you're based in Andalucía: while EU travel rules accept a rabies vaccination as valid for up to three years (in line with most vaccine manufacturers' recommendations), vets in Andalucía typically require an annual rabies vaccination under regional regulations. These are two separate sets of rules — one for EU travel, one for local compliance. My advice is to follow your local vet's guidance and vaccinate annually, which keeps you compliant on both counts.

A Word of Caution: EU Pet Passports for Non-EU Residents

Some British vanlifers travelling in Europe have obtained EU pet passports from vets on the continent, using a campsite address rather than a genuine EU residential address. Technically this is not legal — the EU pet passport is only supposed to be issued to EU residents. That said, enforcement varies considerably between countries and vets. I wouldn't recommend it, and I'd be cautious about travelling with a passport obtained this way — border checks do happen.

As an EU resident myself, Issy and Poppy's passports are completely above board. If you're based in the UK and travelling frequently to Europe with your dogs, the honest answer for now is that you need an Animal Health Certificate for each trip — though that should change once the new UK pet passport deal comes into effect.

Update: UK Pet Passports Are Coming Back

If you're a British pet owner based in the UK, there's good news. Following the UK-EU summit in May 2025, the government announced plans to reintroduce the UK pet passport system. This means UK owners will no longer need a costly Animal Health Certificate for every single EU trip — instead, a lifelong pet passport is on the way. Timelines haven't been confirmed yet, so check the UK government website for the latest before you travel.

Update: New EU Pet Travel Rules – 22 April 2026

From 22 April 2026, a new single EU regulation replaces the pet travel framework that has been in place since 2013. For UK-based vanlifers the core requirements are unchanged — a readable microchip, a current rabies vaccination, and an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an official vet no more than ten days before arrival. What has tightened is border scrutiny. Officials will now check more carefully that the microchip was implanted before the rabies vaccination was administered, so make sure your dog's paperwork shows this clearly and allow at least two weeks to get everything sorted before you travel.

The UK pet passport remains on the horizon. Until it arrives, the AHC is still required for every trip.

For more on vanlife in Spain with dogs — park-ups, Hermoso Campo, and life on the road — read my Vanlife in Spain guide.

Read more vanlife adventures with Issy and Poppy here.

Wonky park-ups, proper adventures, genuine freedom — The Flexible Chef.