Camping With Pets Checklist

Click here for the general camping checklist

Food/Drink

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

General

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

Grooming

• Brush for long haired dogs
• Toe nail clipper

Medical

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

Playtime

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

Safety

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

Shelter

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

Tips and Suggestions

• 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.
• don't bring pooper scooper (yuck for transporting), just plastic bags
• Instead of a cage, let your pet have his own tent. Pack it with blankets and toys. Rig something inside like a cinder block to hold the leash. It gives them a more comfortable escape.
• 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.
• 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!