Basic Rules To A Pet Friendly Camping
Camping allows your pets to experience new sights and smells, get some exercise and spend quality time with you. Plus, you probably already share your beds with your pets, so why not snuggle up together under the stars as well?
Pet-friendly camping can be a lot of fun! But, before you go, you should be aware of the rules and responsibilities, as well as the additional steps of preparation that are required.
How do you introduce a dog to camping?
For your dog’s first camping trip, his safety should come first. Here are a few important pet-friendly camping things to remember before you go:
Understand your pet! – You are the most knowledgeable about your pet. Leave them at home if you believe they may pose a danger or threat to you or other campers.
Check to see if your campsite allows pets. Some parks may have restricted areas, such as park facilities, lakes, ponds, creeks and streams, and the backcountry.
Consider whether your pet is in good health. Is he or she in good enough shape to meet any physical demands of the trip? If your pet has difficulty with longer walks and your camping location requires a hike, you may want to leave your pet at home.
Vaccinations – Make sure your pet has received all required vaccinations and is protected against heartworm, fleas, and ticks.
Collars and ID – Make sure your pet has the proper collar and ID tags. Your dog should always be leashed at a campsite, but if they get separated from you, make sure they have the best chance of finding their way back to you. Maintain a collar with ID tags on your dog at all times. If a well-behaved dog becomes overly excited, he or she can slip out of a loose collar and chase after a wild animal. Microchipping and registering your dog is an additional precaution you can take to ensure that you are contacted if they are found.
Hiking on Trails – Many parks prohibit camping with pets from using hiking trails or boardwalks. If you intend to hike during your stay, always check the park regulations.
Consider how involved your pet will be – Pets are family members, but if you plan on spending a lot of time doing activities that are not pet friendly, you may need to consider an alternative, such as a boarding facility.
My camping with dogs tips
Travel with a Crate
It is important that you bring a crate for your pet when you travel.
A piece of debris may become lodged in your pet’s eye while he is admiring the scenery in the car. And if you own a cat, you’ve probably heard horror stories about cats running rings in a car.
Prepare Your Pet’s Meals
When you’re in a hurry to pack, it’s easy to throw your belongings together without much thought. But don’t forget about your pet!
He or she lacks some of the luxuries that humans enjoy.
For example, your cat cannot simply drink from a water fountain. You must provide her with a bowl.
And if your pet is on The Original CrockPET Diet®, you’ll need to plan ahead of time.
When traveling, it is tempting to bring some store-bought dry pet food. However, with a little effort, you can ensure that your pet eats healthily.
Take Reasonable Precautions
Remember, never leave your pet alone in the car without adequate ventilation.
With the scorching summer temperatures, it’s critical that your pet avoids dehydration and overheating.
You might even want to get your pet microchipped before leaving as mentioned above.
My camping with dogs tips
When You’re Out Camping with pets
- Keep an eye out for restricted areas.
- Pick up after your dog and keep barking and other noises to a minimum to be considerate to other campers.
- Maintain a leash on your pet. Some parks require a 6-foot leash; check with your park for specific rules.
- Never leave your dog alone, especially in a hot car.
What do you do with pets while camping?
Many national parks allow you to bring your dog with you. This can include developed areas, lodging, and a good number of trails and campgrounds.
The key question then becomes: What kinds of adventures do you want to go on before your head hits the pillow? The rules for whether your dog can accompany you on your outings vary depending on the park. And your dog will most likely be your constant companion—leaving your dog alone at camp is not an option, according to all land management agencies.
While these pet travel safety tips will assist you in protecting your pet while on the road, go one step further. Feeding The Original CrockPET Diet® to your dogs and cats will
protect their health!
Check out blog post on how to travel long distances with a cat and dog
