Thank you Steve , do you know if I can even buy a car with a US Passport, International Driver's License and drive it away legally on a tourist VISA ?
Do I need a DNI to buy a car ?
Thanks again , Kevin
Yes, you can buy a car with a US Passport, International Driver's License, but you can't just "drive it away" the same day like you can in the USA.
Just flying in, clearing customs with one dog, and then returning to (or waiting at) the airport for the other two dogs and getting them to a hotel sounds like more than enough work for one day.
Even if you could find a car you wanted to buy on the second day, there's too much paperwork that would be required for you to leave that same day.
I'm not sure how long it will take, but you don't want to drive any vehicle without the proper credentials (rental contract or registration card).
Getting a rental contract will only take a few minutes. Getting the registration card will (probably) take (at the least) a number of days.
And if you buy a car in CF and a're going to be living in a different province than the vehicle is registered, there would be additional paperwork.
So, as I previously suggested, just rent the van.
And don't drive at night!
PS: If you buy a vehicle in CF you would also have to get insurance and if you have a mechanical problem en route you will be on your own.
If you rent a van (from a reputable, nationwide company) and have a mechanical breakdown, you should be able to get assistance and continue your trip without the nightmare of trying to find a mechanic and having to wait for the repairs to be completed.