Camping with dogs: How to make it work for you, your pooch and your fellow campers
Nobody can help you live in the moment more than your dog!
Dogs bring so much joy wherever they are, so it’s a no brainer that so many Aussie families are keen to take their four-legged friend on holidays with them. And no holiday is easier with a pooch than camping, particularly when pet-friendly options are becoming more readily available.
However, camping with dogs involves different rules, and they can vary depending on the destination.
With a little research and planning, you can ensure a better experience for you, your dog and your fellow campers.
Ensure there is a good oxygen supply in the camper, and NEVER leave your dog in a closed vehicle.
Animals can quickly overheat and, if left too long with no windows open, they could die in as little as six minutes. If you are taking your pet on holiday with you, keep this in mind and make sure that when you stop, it is at an animal-friendly location. That way, your pet can enjoy the trip as much as you and your family, and you can enjoy spending time together. It is also good to put a sign behind your window that a pet is on board so that other travellers can respond to situations that might occur and be aware when they are nearby.
Make sure your pet is microchipped and registered so that they can always be found.
When travelling, be sure to keep an eye on your four-legged friend, especially as they will be in an unfamiliar environment. You should also take measures to ensure that if for any reason you did lose sight of them, they could be returned safely – this includes microchipping, registration and a tag on their collar.
Handy tip: A glowstick attached to your dog’s collar can help you immensely if your little mate goes wandering in the dark!
Pack a pin that you can put into the ground.
When travelling with a dog, make sure you always have a pin to attach their leash to. This way, you don’t have to worry about your pup running away, you always know where they are and, fellow campers don’t have to be afraid of a strange dog that has been allowed to roam the campsite.
Take your dog into account when making plans.
It may be uncomfortable for your pet to be in a different environment, and dogs are not welcome everywhere, so choose your destinations wisely when travelling. Ensure that there is enough freedom of movement for your pet in between trips so that everyone can stretch their legs and travel for longer with fewer stops. Rules regarding pets may also differ per campsite – for example, in some places, your pooch must be on a lead at all times, so look it up carefully before you travel!
Make sure your dog is securely seated while driving to prevent accidents.
When travelling with any pet, ensure that they are secured correctly. You can use a car seat, harness or if you have a dog, they make special doggy car seats that you can purchase too. Not only does this mean that you won’t need to worry about the safety of your pet or getting distracted while you drive if they are moving around, but your pet will still look out the window and enjoy the surroundings just like you as you travel.
It is also worth noting that different states and territories have laws and severe penalties around dogs being properly restrained in vehicles, and it is worth checking out the liabilities before you travel.
