Camping With Pets Checklist

Camping with Pets Checklist 1
Camping with Pets Checklist 2

Medical

Spray for bugs
First aid kit for pets
All of their medical records
Find out in advance where the nearest 24 hour vet is located
Phone number to your veterinarian
Flea and tick repellant
Current tags on dog
Tweezers and/or Mentholatum for removing ticks

Grooming

Brush for long haired dogs
Toe nail clipper

Food/Drink

Pet food
Food and water dish
Water bottles for our dogs when on walks
Big bucket for water
Can opener (for canned food)

Playtime

X-pen or playyard
Bones or other chew toys
Treats
Toys (Ball, Frisbee or favorite toys)

Shelter

Blanket and warm bedding
Cage or tent (see tip #4)

General

Pet
metal spiral stake (corkscrew stake) for hooking up the leash
two leashes
two collars
reflector light tag for their collar or Glow in the dark collar (see tip #6)
muzzle (if dog is not good with interacting with people)
picture of them in case they are lost
bandanna
dog back pack
dog whistle
Portable air-conditioner
washcloth to soak to keep pet cool
towels or chamois to dry wet pet
Pooper Scooper (see tip #5)
bucket (with lid - this is a very important part to avoid pesky bugs) to put poop in after scooping (see tip #5)
plastic bags

Safety

life jacket
Shoes or boots (swimming and hiking leads to soft paws that easily get sore and cut)

Tips and Suggestions

Just a comment or note: Please Do Not leave your pet locked up in your camper all day long (burning up) while you are out on the lake enjoying yourself.
Always keep in mind that dogs should not be subject to the extreme heat of summer or the extreme cold of winter. If you can I would suggest leaving the dog with a friend or kennel.
Call ahead to see what is allowed -- some require pet to sleep in tent or car so bring any carrier or bedding you need for the pet.
Instead of a cage, let your pet have his own tent. Pack it with blankets and toys. Rig something inside (near the door) like a cinder block to hold the leash. It gives them a more comfortable escape when they get overwhelmed with new visitors, changes in surroundings/routine, etc.
don't bring pooper scooper (yuck for transporting), just plastic bags
We couldn't see our little black dog at night when we camped. Our kids brought glo sticks for the grandkids and we put two attached together on the dog for a collar. We always knew exactly where she was!

Pet Basics
_____ bowls
_____ food
_____ water
_____ leash
_____ spare lease
_____ traveling collar
_____ spare collar
_____ familiar bed, blanket or rug
_____ toys
_____ pet sweater
_____ old towel(s)
_____ poop-scoop/plastic bags
_____ animal crate
_____ dog pack
_____ booties to protect footpads

Pet Records
_____ vaccination records
_____ medication list/doses
_____ ID tags
_____ dog license
_____ rabies tag
_____ emergency contact information
_____ vet phone number
_____ local pet hospital location/phone info
_____ photo of dog(s) in case he/she gets lost

Pet Medical
_____ pet first aid kit
_____ medications

Miscellaneous
_____ __________________________
_____ __________________________
_____ __________________________
_____ __________________________
_____ __________________________

Camping With Your Dog

Remember, not everyone is a "dog person". Do not allow your dog to approach someone unless they consent.

Ask campgrounds what their pet rules are when making reservations. Many camp-grounds have prohibitions on pets and others may limit the size of dogs they will allow.

Keep your dog on a leash at all times. Even a well-behaved dog may run off at the sight or scent of other animals. Additionally, don't let your dog chase wild animals/game.

If you plan to leave them alone, keep in mind they can't care for themselves. Make sure the temperature will be in a safe and reasonable range and that they are safely contained, fed and watered.

Dogs don't sweat. Remember that dark colored dogs overheat more quickly than light colored dogs. A dip in a pond or a quick hosing down with cool water will help cool an overheated dog.

If you hike with your dog remember that he/she may not be able to go as far as you. Just like people, dogs must be conditioned for any performance activity.

Teach your dog a reliable, off-lease recall. You never know when they might get away from you and you will need to call them back.

Talk to your vet about camping and ask whether he/she thinks your puppy needs to be vaccinated for Lyme Disease. Ask for specific first aid instructions and about ‘must have’ items for your pet’s first aid kit.

Carry emergency information for your family and for your pet. If you should become injured the authorities will need to contact someone to care for your dog.

Dogs are not allowed on National Park or National Monument trails. On-leash dogs are permitted on or near the paved, developed areas, but that's all. National Forests often allow dogs on their trails, but there are exceptions, so check first. Dogs are usually allowed on wilderness area trails but, check to be sure.

Be certain that the dog’s leash, snap, collar and buckle are in good condition and will not break if the dog suddenly lunges.

Camping with Pets Checklists

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