Camping with your pet can be as much fun for you as it is with your pet.  Following these guidelines will ensure the safety and comfort of your pet.

• Do not camp with your pet unless it will be comfortable both during the day and through the night.  No pet should endure cold weather or extreme heat camping.

• Your pet should be up to date with all shots and veterinary checkups.

• Be sure your dog and cat has been given a full dose of flea/tick repellant such as Advantix or similar.

• If your pet does not do well around others, you should make other arrangements for the care of your pet while you are camping.  This will be best for both you and your animal.

• If your pet sleeps in a kennel and is comfortable with it, consider bringing the kennel for both safety and familiarity.

• Your dog or cat should have tags with name and phone number, including area code.

• Place one or more glow sticks on your animal's collar at night, or purchase a glow in the dark collar or vest for your animal.

• Bring tweezers for easy tick and burr removal.

• Bring all of your animal's medication.

• Bring a brush if your dog or cat has long hair.

• Always carry water and a bowl for your pet.  There are items made specifically for hiking and camping that will hold water for your animal.

• Provide a dishpan or large bucket to hold water for your animal at the campsite.

• Keep your animal's food in a sealed, bug/critter proof container.

• Have towels on hand for when your animal needs to be cleaned or dried.

• If you are camping in warm weather, have a washcloth handy to rub down your dog with water to keep him cool.

• Never leave your animal in a vehicle or camper.  Tents can become hot too, so be sure you do not leave your animal in the tent while you go on a hike or adventure. 

• Be sure your animal is provided with shade at all times.

• Bring a harness your dog or cat cannot wiggle out of.  You should also bring a corkscrew leash holder or a line to tie to trees so your dog can be secured.  If your dog is small, consider using a play yard to keep your animal safe.

• Just as you would for a child, provide toys and other items to keep your animal occupied.

• Always carry a picture of your animal in case he or she becomes lost.

• Consider how you wish to dispose of your animal's waste.  It may be easiest to bring lots of small grocery bags to scoop the poop with.  Then have a sealed container ready to dump the smelly bags in.  Sealing this container will help to keep your campsite bug free and smelling nice.

• Never allow your pet to roam the campground.

• Don't leave your animal's food out where bugs and critters can soil it.  You may wish to keep a small tent for your animal that will hold his or her bed, food and water during the evening hours.

• Always be sure your animal can get to his water at all times.

• Never leave your animal alone at your campsite.

• Before you camp, find the nearest emergency veterinarian in the area you will be staying.

For further information on keeping strong and healthy pets, visit www.strongpets.com.