Camping with Pets

 Camping with Pets 

According to data provided by Statistica https://www.statista.com/statistics/416001/share-of-campers-traveling-with-pets-us/ up to 53 percent of people always or sometimes camp with pets. While dogs are the most common travel companions, we have seen cats and even a pet duck.  Most campgrounds are well aware of the popularity of camping with your pet and have certain accommodations and rules concerning these very important travel companions. A list of simple do’s and don’ts should make your camping trip with pets more enjoyable and safe for all concerned.

1.       Do know your pet and their preferred travel habits. Our dog has a place in the motorcoach she likes to ride that also works well for us. We have found she does not have a queasy stomach so feeding the day of the trip is fine. She expects to go outside every time we stop, so we are most careful to have her on lead before we open the door.

2.       Do pack for your pet like any other member of the family. While animals will not need an extra pair of PJs they may need a longer lead, bedding, a new chew toy, medication and food for the journey. Items from home help your pet feel more secure in new surroundings. While you are at it consider what activities, you will be doing on the trip. A pet friendly dining location or a local hiking trail may add to everyone’s enjoyment.  

3.       Do practice safety first. Pets have no business in the driver’s lap or under their feet near the brakes. Riding harnesses or pet carriers are a good option if your pet likes to roam when you are driving. Remember the risk of hot vehicles when you stop for a needed break. Keep pets on lead and under control in a new location and around areas with lots of traffic.  

4.       Do think about the reason your pet is part of your trip. Are they a first line of defense against intruders at the campground or in the woods? Are they hunting with you or a foot warmer in the middle of the night? Do they enjoy hiking in the woods off lead and does your destination allow for this activity? If you are taking your pet along because you have no one to watch them, it’s expensive to board them, or they are unmanageable with strangers, you may need to make plans to minimize the problems they might cause when camping. It’s important not to leave these pets alone for long periods of time. That may impact some of your planned activities.  

5.       Do be familiar with rules in place in most camping areas. The most basic include cleaning up after your pet relieves themselves and keeping animals on lead.   While this rule may not always be posted, you should not plan to leave your pet tied up outside when you leave the campground. Excessive barking is also something that can generate a visit from the campground host. If a campground restricts certain breeds or large animals find a different option for your stay and avoid the disappointment of being asked to leave.

6.       Do look for dog parks-both on your trip and at your final location. Although not all pet owners are great at cleaning up in these areas, most parks have good parking and offer a safe place for your pet to run, explore and get some exercise. We also have found that finding parks can make the trip more interesting when your GPS takes you through historic downtown or a place for lunch away from traffic. Meeting local people is rewarding well.

7.       Do consider using a tracking devise or having your pet micro chipped.  While a pet may not need tracking in their own backyard, these options can help if your pet gets lost in the woods.  

 

 

 

As to the Don’t’s  Here are a few suggestions we have found helpful.

1.       Don’t expect children to be able to handle a larger pet in a strange location. Other dogs, a squirrel or even an unfamiliar human can get a relatively docile pet excited in a hurry.

2.       Don’t assume other animals are friendly or will welcome advances by your pet. It’s better to steer clear and ask for permission to approach. This is also true for people who want to touch your animal or avoid them completely.  

3.       Don’t take untrained or high maintenance animals into crowed situations. Holiday weekends are some of the busiest times of the year at campgrounds. If your large dog tends to bark at every stranger this may not be the weekend to bring this pet along.

4.       Don’t leave animals unattended in a tent. Tents are not designed as a space of confinement and you do not want to return to a structure that is ripped or has a broken zipper not to mention that your animal is now on the loose.

5.       Don’t be afraid to ask for help or get information prior to your trip. If your animal gets loose and does not return quickly having others keep an eye out for them is a good idea. If your animal gets ill during the trip campground owners and managers likely know a good vet in the area. By calling ahead you may find a location has a place to park your stock trailer or they may even have a barn.  

6.       Don’t plan on taking pets into a pool area or allow them to swim in a pool with out permission.

7.       Don’t assume all animals like water. They may not want to go over a bridge or spend time on your boat. They may even need a life jacket if there is a good chance they might go overboard or end up in the water.

After your trip you may need to check your animal for fleas, ticks, injury, rashes  or matted hair. They may be out of their normal routine and it can take a bit of time to adjust to the regular work-day again. Camping with your pet is in general very rewarding and they are great subjects for pictures with their owners and along the trail. Happy camping everyone.

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