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In the U.S. alone, more than 30 million people each year take their
pets with them while camping. Yet, when we first started RVing with our
dogs, we were unable to find much written on the subject. Sure, there
were the occasional articles in magazines that reminded us to use pet
ID tags, bring plenty of water, and take their favorite toy. But in
terms of providing genuine support or bottom–line information, there
was nothing out there. Since it was something that we felt was badly
needed, we decided to write this article.
While there are many issues to consider while camping with dogs, these are some of the most important.
1. Make Sure that Your Dog Can’t Get Lost
It’s one thing if your dog gets free in your neighborhood. It’s another
when you’re at a rest stop, nine hundred miles from home. Either train
your dog to come when called or make absolutely sure that they’re on a
leash at all times.
2. Get All of their Vaccinations Up to Date
If your dog gets into an altercation with another animal (or a person),
the central issue will become their rabies shots. If you stay at a
campground that has a demanding pet policy, you’ll need to verify your
dog’s vaccination records. If you cross into Canada, you’ll have to
confirm that your dogs have had their shots. You get the idea.
3. Make Your Dogs Easy to Identify
If your dog does get lost (unfortunately, it happens all the time), the
ability to easily identify them will become critical. For permanent
identification purposes, consider tattoos or microchips. At a minimum,
make sure they wear tags that show their name, your current phone
number, and the date of their last rabies vaccination.
4. Clean Up After Your Dog
The biggest complaint about dogs has nothing to do with their bark,
their bite, or their behavior. If you pick up after your dog, you’ll be
helping dog owners everywhere.
5. Learn How to Provide First Aid to Your Dog
If a medical crisis occurs while at home, you drive to your local
veterinarian. But if you’re heading down a dark highway in a strange
town, it will seem like a bad dream. Although there are ways to get
help while on the road, it always takes more time. In the meantime,
your ability to provide competent first aid could save your dog’s life.
6. Involve Your Dog in Everything You Do
If you really want your dogs to have a good time, include them in your
activities. Take them with you on long walks. Buy a cheap plastic
wading pool and let them play in the water. Throw a ball. Cook them up
a hamburger. If you do stuff like that, they’ll do cartwheels the next
time you decide to take them camping.
7. Call the Campgrounds Before You Go
Even if a park claims they’re pet–friendly, always call ahead to
confirm their policy regarding your dogs. We’ve arrived at parks (with
our two German Shepard dogs) after a long day on the road only to
discover that “pet–friendly” meant dogs weighing under 20 pounds.
8. Plan Ahead for the Unexpected
Have a plan (for your dogs) in case of a flat tire, a serious accident,
or a fire in your RV. Start with a few extra leashes, a pet carrier,
and an extra fire extinguisher. Then have a fire drill to identify
potential problems.
9. Learn About Your Camping Environment
The U.S. is a huge country with a vast assortment of dangerous
wildlife, treacherous plants, unpredictable weather conditions, and
demanding environmental challenges. If you don’t know what you’re
doing, you might inadvertently be putting yourself and your dog in
danger.
10. Recognize and Respect the Views of Others
While some of us can’t imagine traveling without dogs, others can’t
image traveling with them. If you keep your dog under control and clean
up after them, you won’t give others much to grumble about.
Happy Camping with Rover!
About The Authors: Jack and Julee Meltzer. The authors of The Ten
Commandments are avid pet lovers and campers. They are the authors of “Camping & RVing with Dogs”.
In addition, they are full-time RVers, who RV with two large dogs and
three cats, at last count! Contact Julee Meltzer at
julee@rvingwithdogs.com.
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