A Guide to Travelling and Camping with Pets

We’d argue that camping is best enjoyed when you’ve got your whole family huddled around the campfire together- and of course, that includes your adorable four-legged friends. It only makes sense to bring them along on your outdoor adventures. After all, it saves you from having to sort out a pet-sitter or a doggy day-care service while you’re away. Plus, it’ll do your pup some good to get out of the house and into the great outdoors.

Travelling and camping with pets doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. In fact, by following your old school camping tips, along with doing a little extra research and stocking a few additional supplies, you can enjoy an incredibly memorable trip that we guarantee, will pave the way towards many more in future. To help you stress less on your upcoming holiday, we’ve prepared a guide to travelling and camping with pets down below:

1. Research Pet-Friendly Camping Sites

One of the only downsides to travelling with pets is that you can’t just rock up at any campsite and hope that they’re pet-friendly. Instead, you’ve got to do significant research beforehand, to make sure you’re choosing a place that allows pets on-site. Keep in mind that some campsites out there will require you to have your dog on a lead at all times. To avoid any confusion or misunderstandings, make sure you read the code of conduct for each campsite before you go ahead and make a booking. To help you out, we’ve added some pet-friendly campsite favourites down below:

• Sandy Cape Recreation Park, WA
• Kookaburra Park, QLD
• Banksia Bluff Campground, VIC
• Heritage Caravan Park, NT
• Capital Country Holiday Park, ACT
• Old Bara Campsite, NSW

One of the best resources out there for knowing about (almost) every campsite in Australia is the Camps 11 series. These books list all the important details, such as if a campsite or caravan park is pet-friendly. Take a look at them here.

2. Prepare for the Car Ride

If you want to prevent your dog from bouncing around in the car, it’s a good idea to invest in a harness or a dog seat belt for the drives to and from your campsite. In the lead up to your big holiday, it’s also recommended that you take your dog on several short car rides to prepare them for the long haul eventually. This will help them get used to the feeling of being in a car for so long. Another great tip for long-distance car travel is to take your dog on a walk before heading off.

3. Be Ready for Emergencies

Humans can run into all sorts of injuries whilst venturing out into the great outdoors, and the same rings true for your pets. Ticks are a major problem to look out for, especially since they can cause issues like blood poisoning, which can be fatal for your pooch. Because of this, it’s important to make sure that your pets are up to date with their vaccinations before heading off on your trip. Packing a separate emergency kit for your dog that includes must-haves like bandages, scissors, antiseptic cream, dressings for wounds, rubber gloves, mosquito repellent and dog sunscreen, will prepare you a lot better for potential injuries and help to keep your pup happy and safe on the holiday.

4. Secure Your Dog

First thing’s first- if you’re going travelling with your pet, you must make sure that they’re chipped and wearing their ID tag. Aside from this, it’s also important to invest in the right lead- especially if your campsite requires that your dog always remains on a lead. An extendable leash is best in these circumstances, as this will allow your dog to roam around a fair amount without having to restrict themselves to one area.

5. Bring Some Familiar Items

If it’s your first time bringing your pooch out on holiday, you’ll want to bring along some items that can help ease them into the new environment. Consider bringing along some of their favourite treats, familiar toys (like a ball or frisbee that you can also use to play with them) and maybe even a blanket or their bed. With the help of these items, you can keep your dog feeling nice and comfy at the campsite when you’re aren’t out exploring together. If you’re going to be camping in winter, make sure that you bring along something extra to keep your dog warm at night, like a dog jacket or sleeping bag.

Get All Your Camping Essentials at Supex Products

Whether you’re going camping or caravanning with your pup, it’s important to make sure that you’ve got all the necessary equipment. Luckily, we’re the one-stop shop for all things outdoor here at Supex Products. So, whether you’re hoping to upgrade your camping gear or make sure you have all the integral RV accessories, you can turn to us for durable, functional and long-lasting products that will guarantee to make your outdoor adventures all the more enjoyable.

To get your hands on our range of outdoor, camping and RV equipment, find your nearest Supex Products stockist today!