| Camping with your pet brings the whole family | | | | Center hotline (888-426-4435), and emergency |
| together to enjoy the experience instead of | | | | pet hospitals in the areas where you plan to |
| leaving the four-footed member of the family | | | | travel should be taken along. Visit Emergency Tips |
| behind to worry about. | | | | at for more information. |
| It's no fun to be cooped up in a kennel for a | | | | * Travel tag. A travel tag on a pet's collar or |
| weekend or longer when the rest of the family is | | | | harness will help someone locate you locally should |
| out having a good time. If your pet is physically | | | | you and your pet become separated. The travel |
| able, well behaved and eager to go, wouldn't it be | | | | tag should contain information about where you |
| nice to take him along for the trip? | | | | are staying locally (while away from home), |
| Just as you would pack what items to bring along | | | | including addresses and phone numbers. A cell |
| for you, don't overlook what your pet may need | | | | phone number is also a good idea since nowadays |
| to keep him comfortable too. Being prepared with | | | | most people have one with them when they |
| the right essentials and equipment is the key to | | | | travel anywhere. Be sure to pack an updated |
| ensure a happy time on the road and in the | | | | photo of your pet that will also help identify him |
| woods. Keep in mind also of when and where you | | | | to others. |
| plan to camp. The time of year and geographical | | | | * Treats, food and water. Pack the appropriate |
| location of your campsite can make a big | | | | amount of food and water for your pet (and |
| difference in how and what you prepare for your | | | | you!). New innovations in pet travel products |
| camping trip. Know what the weather conditions | | | | make it easy to take along portable or collapsible |
| are likely to be and pack accordingly. | | | | food and water bowls, pet backpacks that even |
| Consider these tips to make your camping | | | | have their own water supply. |
| experience with your pet more enjoyable: | | | | Here are a few other essentials that you should |
| * Check out the campgrounds, parks or | | | | consider for your pet: |
| wherever you plan to visit well in advance to | | | | * Protective dog shoes. For hiking in rough terrain |
| make sure they accept pet campers. You can | | | | or to protect from ice forming between toes in |
| search Pet-Friendly Attractions on for these. | | | | cold weather. |
| * Find out what types of facilities they have on | | | | * Toys. A familiar chew toy is like a baby blanket |
| site, such as dog runs, off-leash areas, drinking | | | | and reinforcement to your pet. You may want to |
| water, etc. | | | | include two or three for a little variety or in case |
| * Do they allow off-leash pets on nearby hiking | | | | one becomes lost or your pet decides to hide |
| trails? | | | | one. |
| *Is there a size restriction or a limit in the number | | | | * Grooming supplies. Burs, beggar's lice, |
| of pets you can bring along? | | | | hound's-tongue… there are lots of names |
| Don't forget about your pet's safety in getting | | | | for all of those hijackers that get on pets and |
| him to your destination either. | | | | one's clothing while in the woods. It's advisable to |
| * Invest in a vehicle pet harness, seat belt or car | | | | have the right kind of brush to get those pesky |
| seat (for smaller pets) to protect him (and you) in | | | | things off your pet's coat. Additionally, in case |
| case you have to make a sudden stop or | | | | your pet gets into something he shouldn't that |
| become involved in an accident. Unrestrained pets | | | | may require a bath, some pet shampoo with you |
| become deadly projectiles to other passengers. | | | | may do the trick. Pack some extra towels for |
| For example, did you know that an unsecured, | | | | drying or wiping muddy feet. |
| 25-pound dog in a 40 mph crash becomes a | | | | * Leash and harness. You should always have a |
| 1,000-pound mass (half a ton) flying uncontrollably | | | | means of controlling your pet when you travel. |
| inside the vehicle? | | | | Some animals get very anxious when they're in |
| * Never attach a restraining device to the pet's | | | | new territory and can become scared and run |
| collar inside a vehicle that could choke him or | | | | away or excited and want to explore. Be |
| break his neck in a collision. A harness will help to | | | | courteous of others in the campground, park or |
| prevent injury. | | | | on the trail so they are not unnerved by a pet on |
| As you plan your trip, here are some items for | | | | the loose. Remember to check the leash |
| your pet that may help make his (and your) | | | | regulations where you plan to romp with your pet |
| camping experience more enjoyable: | | | | before setting out. Wildlife such as snakes, |
| * Pet tent and bedding. Who doesn't like his own | | | | skunks, porcupines, raccoons, bears, mountain |
| digs? A small, easily assembled pet tent gives | | | | lions, and coyotes can be a problem with a pet on |
| everyone a better night's sleep. A pet travel bed | | | | the loose and can cause serious injury. Make sure |
| or cot keeps your pet off the ground and away | | | | your pet stays in close proximity to where you |
| from crawling bugs. | | | | are hiking. |
| * Pet first-aid kit. An essential item to pack and | | | | * Flea and tick repellant. Some products last |
| should contain such things as antiseptic cream, | | | | several weeks to kill adult fleas (and larvae), ticks |
| assorted bandages, tweezers, eye drops, gauge, | | | | and mosquitoes. Consider treating your pet, |
| tape, and the like. Know what items are in your | | | | according to the manufacturer's directions, to |
| kit and how to use them. Phone numbers for | | | | make his camping experience more enjoyable. |
| your pet's vet, the National Animal Poison Control | | | | |