Adventuring With Your Pet

Our pets are an extension of our family, so why not take them adventuring and exploring with you? Whether it is a day hike, a camping excursion, or a holiday somewhere new and far, our pets can have an enriching experience alongside you. 

To provide a positive adventure experience for your pet, Petland recommends the following necessary and fun accessories. We have listed them as your pet’s 4 Basic Needs: Environmental, Behavioural, Nutritional, and Maintenance. When these needs are met, your adventure will be memorable for the whole family!

Note that this is a condensed list of your pet’s 4 Basic needs for short term adventures. For a comprehensive list of needs pertaining to your pet, refer to their specific Tip Sheet. 

TRAVEL & EXPLORING

Dog Backpack – A backpack can be wonderful for high-energy dogs or ones who value having a “job” to do. It provides mental and physical stimulation, and allows your dog to carry their own accessories on a hike!

Dog Life Jacket – If your adventure involves water, either with the intention of swimming or not, a life jacket will keep your dog safe in the event of an emergency. 

Dog Seat Belt, Kennel, or Travel Carrier – All modes of transportation, whether it is by air, water, or road, require pets to be confined in some capacity for safety. If flying by air, refer to your airline’s website for carrier size requirements and other information regarding travelling with pets. 

ENVIRONMENTAL

Bed or Cooling Cot – Your pet will still appreciate having their own space while adventuring!

Fenced Play Yard – As an alternative to a tie-out, a fenced play yard can give your pet some controlled freedom to play at a campsite. 

BEHAVIOURAL

Toys – Consider fun toys for the adventure, like floating water toys, as well as comfort toys that will make your pet feel secure in the new environment. 

Anti-barking Tool – If you are adventuring near other people, such as a campground, nuisance barking can be a problem. An anti-barking tool, such as a sound emitter, can deter this habit. 

Deterrent – Many deterrents are available to keep your pet out of areas they shouldn’t be in, such as the garbage.  

NUTRITIONAL

Food – Bring the same food that your pet is eating, and keep it in an airtight container to prevent bugs from getting in. Pack more than you will need in case of travel delays. 

Treats and Treat Pouch – This will keep the treats easily accessible. 

MAINTENANCE

Portable Bowls and Drinking Bottles – Portable bowls take up less space when packing for an adventure. A portable drinking bottle makes water easily accessible while exploring. Consider bringing enough water from home for your pet, as adjusting to the water at your destination could cause intestinal problems. 

Brush – This will be useful for mats and to remove any sticky foliage from the fur. 

Shampoo – This will prevent your pet from smelling “like the lake.” You can choose to bring a skunk shampoo in the event of an unfortunate encounter on your adventure. 

Deodourizer – If washing your dog fully with shampoo seems like too much for a simple day trip, a deodourizer will do an excellent job at masking the wet dog smell. 

Cleaning Wipes – Mud on the paws? Messy foliage and cob webs on the snout? A cleaning wipe will serve as a quick-clean tool for your adventurous pet.  

Collar, Identification Tag, and Flashing Dog Tag – In the event that your pet gets spooked or escapes, proper identification will be invaluable. 

Leash and Tie-out – This will give your dog or cat some controlled freedom to explore a camping site. Retractable leashes are popular choices as it gives extra length when exploring, but can still bring your pet close to you when necessary. 

Poop Bags and Poop Scooper – Leaving no trace includes cleaning up your pet’s feces and disposing of it appropriately. 

Pee Post – This will centralize their peeing, making cleanup easier and keeping it away from where the household is gathered. 

FIRST AID & HEALTH

First Aid Kit – You never know what is going to happen on an adventure, so packing a first aid kit is a smart move. Refer to our Canine Care Tip Sheet for more information about assembling a first aid kit. 

Paw Protection – Your dog’s paw may be at risk of cracking or getting too hot or cold, depending on where your adventure takes you. Refer to our Canine Care Tip Sheet for more information about paw protection in different seasons. 

Flea and Tick Repellent – These repellents are best applied prior to adventuring. Your pet counsellor can help you find the right repellent for your pet. 

Tick Remover – If you find a tick on your pet, it is best to remove it as soon as possible. A tick remover will gently remove the pest without severing the head, risking infection.

Travel Considerations

You might be ready to start the adventure, but is your pet? Review the following to ensure your adventure starts on the right paw!

• Practice travelling in the car. Does your pet get visibly anxious or sick? There may be solutions for this that your pet counsellor can assist with.

• Double check that any hotel or motel accommodations you have booked will allow pets.

• Proactively confirm what local veterinarians are available near your vacation spot.

• Ensure all vaccinations are up to date. 
  

Cleanliness and Safety

All pets can potentially carry diseases that may be contagious to people. Young children, infants, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems, and the elderly are at greater risk of infections and should use caution when in contact with pets or their environments. Regular cleaning of your pet's environment with a pet-safe cleaner may help avoid the spread of contaminants.

Hygiene procedures such as washing your hands before and after handling your pet and/or after having any contact with their habitat, is a necessary routine. Children should be assisted with hand washing and always have adult supervision when interacting with pets.