Hiring a Campervan in Scotland With Your Dog: What You Need to Know

Bringing your dog on a campervan trip around Scotland just makes sense. More walks, more fresh air, and nobody gets left behind. Pet friendly campervan hire is available across Scotland, but not every operator takes dogs, and the rules on fees, deposits, restraints and breed limits vary from one to the next. Here’s what to check before you book.

Yes. Pet friendly campervans are limited in number, though, and summer dates disappear fast, especially in July and August. Book early if you already know your travel window.

Scotland is built for outdoor trips with a dog. Under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, walkers get responsible access to most land and inland water, which opens up a huge amount of the country on foot. Dogs still need to be kept under control, particularly around livestock and wildlife.

Check the operator’s rules on dog size, breed and how many pets are allowed per vehicle before you book. Travelling with a large dog, or more than one, is worth a quick conversation first.

Most campervan hire companies charge a separate pet fee and expect dogs to be safely restrained while the van is moving. The exact policy depends on the operator, so read the terms for the van you’re booking.

Pet friendly hire usually comes with a non-refundable cleaning charge on top of the normal rental price.

A refundable security deposit is separate from that and covers the terms of the wider vehicle hire.

Highway Code Rule 57 says animals should be suitably restrained inside a vehicle. In practice, that means a proper dog harness attached to a seatbelt, a travel crate, or another suitable restraint while the campervan is moving.

Bring the right restraint with you, and make sure your dog is already comfortable using it. A long drive through Scotland isn’t the moment to discover your dog hates the new harness.

Campervans are compact living spaces, so muddy paws and loose hair matter more than they would at home. Bring a blanket or dog bed for the floor, and keep your dog off beds, seats and other soft furnishings.

A quick towel-down after a wet walk saves a lot of cleaning later. And this is Scotland. There will probably be at least one.

Check the vehicle’s pet policy and damage cover before booking rather than relying on a general “pet friendly” label. Know exactly what’s covered, what counts as damage, and what happens if extra cleaning is needed.

The extra cost of bringing your dog usually comes down to two separate charges: the pet surcharge and the security deposit.

We charge a fixed £75 pet surcharge per booking. For most dog owners, that still works out cheaper than kennels or a pet sitter for a week away.

We require a £500 security deposit, reduced to £250 with the Gold package.

The deposit comes back in line with the hire terms once the campervan is returned as agreed.

Campervan rates change with the season and the vehicle. May, early June and September are excellent times to travel, with quieter roads, good walking weather, and more availability than the height of summer.

July and August are the busiest months, so book ahead if those are your dates.

We’re based near Edinburgh Airport, with free secure parking included for the full length of your hire. Airport meet and greet is also available for an extra charge, which keeps things simple if you’re flying into Scotland with your dog.

Get in touch before booking so we can confirm everything for your van and dates.

Edinburgh is a great place to start a dog friendly road trip. Head north towards Inverness and the start of the NC500, west for Loch Lomond and the Argyll coast, or south into the Scottish Borders for open countryside and gentler walking.

You’re not boxed into one route. That’s the whole point of having a campervan.

We welcome pets by prior agreement. Travelling with more than one dog? Speak to us before booking so we can make sure the van works for your group.

Our four VW California Oceans, Aaron, Lewis, Harris and Skye, are compact, cleverly designed and well suited to travellers who pack light. They can work well with a small or medium-sized dog.

Hamish, our Ford Custom Limited, gives you more room inside and is the better choice for a larger dog, more luggage, or just more space to move around.

Think honestly about how much room your dog needs. A cosy van is lovely. A cramped van, four wet boots and a large dog trying to turn around is a lot less charming.

At Compass Campers we’re based near Edinburgh Airport and welcome dogs with prior notice for a £75 surcharge. Free secure parking, airport meet and greet, and a fleet of fully equipped campervans are all part of the offer.

We’re proud of this country, and there are few better ways to see it than with your dog along for the ride. Get in touch to check availability and talk through what you need, or book your campervan directly and start planning the route.