Camping with Your Pet

Summer is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities with your pet. We enjoy taking camping trips, and we like to take our dog Clancy with us to enjoy the great outdoors. Before you toss your tent into your car and hop in with your pet, you will want to make some preparations.

First, while you are making your travel plans, you will want to make certain that pets are allowed in your campsite. U. S. National Parks do not allow dogs outside of vehicles, so you will not be allowed to camp with your pet in a National Park. Many National Parks have National Forests or state parks nearby, and these usually allow pets. These forests and parks can be found online, and you can learn whether pets are allowed, and if there are any special concerns for your pet.

If rabies has recently been diagnosed in any animals near the park, you may be required to provide proof of rabies vaccination for your pet before you are allowed to camp, or you may have to agree to camp at your own risk. It is a good idea to carry a copy of your pet's medical records whenever you travel, especially vaccination records.

Be certain to pack your pet's collar and leash, and keep your pet on his leash at all times, even while you are at your campsite. Your pet could become frightened by another animal and run away, or see an animal that he wants to chase. This could result in your pet being hit by a car, mauled by a large animal, bitten by a snake, or becoming permanently lost. You will want your pet to sleep either inside your tent or vehicle, never allow him to sleep outside and be exposed to these dangers during the night.

Outward Hound Pet Travel Gear offers two great products for camping pets. One product is a Pet Tent and Shade Center, which is essentially a mini-tent with mesh sides and roll-up side covers just for your pet. This is available in sizes Medium and Large. Their other product is the Port-A-Crate, a lightweight portable kennel with spring-loaded poles, mesh sides, and roll-up front door and sides. Available in sizes Small to Large, it comes with a handy carrying case and a removable, washable fleece pad. This is a great product! It can be used either as a pet tent while camping, while staying in a hotel room, or to keep your pet in while you are away at work. For years, my husband and I used a heavy metal kennel for our dog Clancy, the Port-A-Crate takes up about the same space, but it is so much lighter that it is much easier to take out of the car and carry into a hotel room.

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