Camping With Pets Checklist

Camping with your pet can certainly enhance the outdoor experience. This list will help you pack all the necessary items to ensure that both you and your best friend will have the best possible trip.

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!