08/19/2026
Camping with your pet?
When camping with pets, it’s essential to select a campground that welcomes animals.
Preparation Before Camping:
Health Check: Ensure your pet is in good health and up-to-date on vaccinations, including rabies, distemper, and kennel cough. Discuss parasite prevention with your veterinarian, especially for fleas, ticks, and heartworm.
Identification: Equip your pet with a collar, ID tags, and consider microchipping. Update contact information in case your pet gets lost.
Gear: Pack food, water, collapsible bowls, a comfortable bed or sleeping pad, leash, long line or tether, p**p bags, towels, and any medications.
Trial Run: If your pet is new to camping, try a short backyard or local campsite stay to acclimate them to tents and outdoor conditions.
Safety and Comfort During Camping
Supervision: Keep your pet with you at all times. Never leave them unattended, especially in vehicles or near campfires.
Leash and Tether: Follow campground rules, typically a 6-foot leash policy. Use a stake or long line to allow safe exploration without risk of wandering off.
Hydration and Shade: Provide constant access to fresh water and shaded areas. In hot weather, use cooling vests, mats, or wet towels to prevent overheating.
Wildlife Awareness: Prevent contact with wildlife to reduce disease risk and avoid dangerous encounters.
Check for Injuries: Inspect your pet daily for ticks, scratches, or paw injuries, and provide first aid as needed.
Check in advance where the closest Veterinary Hospital is from where you are staying, to be prepared in case of emergency.
Campground Etiquette
Clean up after your pet and dispose of waste properly.
Control barking and maintain respectful behavior around other campers.
Keep pets on designated trails or areas to protect wildlife and other visitors.
Be safe, be prepared, and happy camping!