Traveling with your dog in a motorhome? No problem!

Published on 21.12.2015 from Johanna Risse

Motorhome vacation with dog

dogs allowed

We were interested to know whether there are many motorhome parking spaces that do not allow dogs to travel. We asked about the parking spaces on www.stellplatz.info and got a clear picture of how dog-friendly the parking space operators are.

Hundreds of opinions, one message

Over 300 pitches responded to our inquiry as to whether dogs were allowed and whether there were any problems with dogs. This amount of feedback shows that the topic is certainly polarizing, but the clarity of the statements actually surprised us very much! Of the approximately 300 parking space operators, a total of 9 stated that dogs are not welcome on the parking space! There was also feedback that the information as to whether dogs are allowed or not allowed is not given because this allows you to react individually. The daily changing situation on the Panorama Therme parking space with regard to occupancy density could require a temporary ban on dogs. But in addition to these 9.5 parking spaces with a (temporary) dog ban, there is a clear message to motorhome owners: your dogs are welcome!

Dogs welcome, but…

However, the message from most pitch operators was not that dogs were allowed without reservation. There is a clear message regarding the expected behavior of dogs and, above all, dog owners. Very often it was clearly stated that only dogs on a leash comply with the regulations and that it should be a matter of course that the dog's waste is cleaned up. This behavior is not always adhered to, according to some operators. A lack of consideration and a lack of understanding when it comes to criticism are also common at the Urmitz pitch . Starting next season, the German Tourist Union's “Parking Etiquette” will be posted here so that the small number of “problem cases” are informed about the correct behavior. However, dog owners who take care of the dogs are very welcome! Some pitches also communicate a clear procedure: "If you don't know how to behave, you will be reprimanded!". It was also often mentioned that there are breeds that are forbidden by law and therefore also on the parking space. So-called “fighting dogs”, although this term is very controversial, are not welcome at some parking spaces or are sometimes even sent away again. It is definitely advisable to find out in advance whether there are any restrictions at the desired parking space or campsite.

“People are often the problem, not the dog!”

Not everyone loves dogs and some people are even afraid of them. Every dog owner should be aware of this! In order to avoid misunderstandings and irritable behavior, the dog owner should always seek conversation. The OUTTOUR Aktivreisen pitches report that there is often a lack of consideration and tolerance between dog owners and people without dogs. The dogs themselves are often seen as a source of problems and it is quickly forgotten that the dog's behavior is only a reflection of the dog owner. It is often worth looking for the problem at the other end of the leash. An appeal for more tolerance also came from the Twistesee motorhome port , which is not willing to further restrict the freedoms of motorhome owners. Since the majority of motorhome owners already travel with dogs, a ban is out of the question. On the contrary, the dogs' needs were taken into account.

Dogs allowed in the village in the sky

Dogs are also welcome in the village in the sky , provided they are kept on a leash

Places made for dog owners

In addition to restrictions and bans, some mobile home parks and parking spaces also try to specifically appeal to dog owners with special offers. Dog showers, free dog bags and our own dog toilets are just a small excerpt from the repertoire that the parking spaces now offer. The camping park and mobile home port “Am Großen Lausiger Teich” has expanded the service for dogs and can therefore count on many dog owners, especially in the off-season. Since the owners have a dog themselves, the needs of the four-legged friends and their owners can be optimally addressed. Food is always available, vet contacts are made and there is an accessories shop for dogs and cats in the neighboring town. Placement at a puppy school and a dog boarding facility can also be arranged. Of course, there are also rules of conduct here, such as keeping on a leash, showing consideration for one another and properly disposing of waste. Different pitches charge different prices for dog service. We were told everything from free to several euros per dog. The version where you only have to pay for the first dog and additional four-legged friends are free is also possible.

Overall, we can summarize that most pitches allow dogs. This result is quite interesting, as emotions often run high when it comes to the topic. If you want to be on the safe side as to whether your dog is allowed, you should definitely make an inquiry in advance. Then all that’s left is to wish you a lot of fun traveling with your dog!

We would like to thank all the pitches who responded to us: