Camping with pets

True story, I was on a camping trip with my brother in Oregon a few years back, and there was a favorite ridge he liked to camp at and to my amazement there was an older gentleman camping with his bird and his dog. No kidding he had his bird there in a cage over looking Mount Hood. The point of my story is, no matter what pet you have, chances are you probably want them with you. However, not all pet's suitable for camping. This may be just because they have never been camping, or even outside for an extended period of time. In my experience, I have only seen dogs camp, but how unusual to see a bird. Anyhow, check out this information on camping with pet's and you be the judge.

One of the most important things you must do before heading out, is to find out if where you are going ,will allow pets. Find out what rules and leash laws exist. The worst thing to happen is to get all the way there, and find out you can't stay. That is a result of poor planning and no one to blame but you. I have mentioned in my checklist for pet's what items to bring, but I want to go a little deeper with some things to consider. If your pet is used to sleeping in a kennel it might be a good idea to bring it along so that way they feel more comfortable since they are in an unfamiliar territory. Animals get cold and hot just like people do, so make sure you treat your animal as you would be treated and don't leave them out in the cold or in the heat. It would be a good idea that you make a shaded area using tarp just for them. When it comes time for bed, my dogs sleep in my tent. I give them an area with blankets and pillows so they can curl up as well. I'm not saying cuddle with your animals, but treat them kindly. Also, I have seen tents specially made for animals. During the day make sure you have water available as well as food. It's not a good idea to leave a container of food lying on the ground, as ants need to eat too. Pick it up and seal it, and give later when their interested. Never leave your animals unattended at the camp site, and never leave them alone in the tent. Keep them confined the best way possible, to not to wander into other campsites. One of the most important things, is to pick up your animals waste immediately after seeing it. If you don't, you will have flies, and someone is bound to step in it and not to mention it STINKS! Just be courteous, as this also affects the next campers that move into that area. The next thing I want to touch on is, to make sure your animals is vaccinated and that they are healthy to travel. Good idea to have your animal checked out by a vet. And while you're there, look into getting some tick and flea repellent. The woods especially are prone to contain ticks, which carry deadly diseases. If your pet gets them, chances are you're coming home with them. And yes they also suck on humans YUCK! Don't forget to bring extra towels in case you need to dry them off ,and don't forget their favorite toys or any medications they may be taking. lastly, really be sure that the pet you're about to take, is truly one that will enjoy themselves and that it's not just your wish. You can always make arrangements for someone to watch your animals, even if its a neighbor. The worst thing is to bring a pet camping, and not come home with it. What a horrible thing to happen.