Camping with Pets

By Jennifer Otto

You dusted off the tent and cleaned out the cooler. Hiking gear, bug spray, sleeping bags and water jugs are already packed in the car for a week-long camping trip to one of Florida’s beautiful state parks. The pet sitter will arrive in half an hour to discuss feeding and exercise routines for your two best friends.

Back up a minute – why is the pet sitter on her way? Didn’t you know most Florida state parks10 allow travelers to camp with cats and dogs on the exception of a limited few? That’s right, call up the pet sitter and cancel her for the week. Your furry friends are taking this trip with you.

Only two state parks on the Emerald Coast do not allow pets on the campgrounds at all: Grayton Beach State Park and St. Andrews State Park. Other than that, you have your pick of state parks. All the parks ask in return is that you pay attention to a few rules:

• Pet fees are $2 per animal, per night – Funds go to support the pet camping program at the park you are visiting
• Pets must have rabies vaccinations – Owners of pets must provide proof of the current year’s rabies vaccination
• Pets must be in carrier or on a leash at all times – Leashes may not exceed six feet in length
• Pets must be supervised at all times – Pets left unattended for more than 30 minutes may result in removal from the park
• Pets must be well behaved – Pets must remain quiet during the park’s quiet hours from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m.
• Pet waste must be properly disposed – Pet owners must pick up all animal droppings from their pets and dispose of them in the trash cans located throughout the campgrounds

 
Note: Failure to abide by Florida state park rules may result in the early dismissal of both you and your pet.

Paying attention to pet rules is only half of having a wonderful, carefree adventure with your pet in one of Florida’s exciting state parks. You also need to make sure that your pet stays healthy and happy throughout the camping trip. This is easy to do by bringing the right essentials and taking the proper steps ahead of traveling.

Some necessary steps and items to bring for camping with pets is as follows:

• Find a veterinarian that is located near the camp site and carry the phone number with you at all times
• Locate all medical records for your pet and make copies to bring with you
• Make sure your pet has the current year’s rabies tag
• Pack essentials for feeding – food, water and food dish, water bottles for long walks, can opener for canned food and treats
• Pack essentials for insects – bug spray, flea and tick repellant and tweezers for removing ticks
• Get together a first aid kit – talk to your vet about items that should go into your pet’s individual kit
• Pack essentials for grooming – brush, shampoo and nail clippers
• Pack essentials for play time – chew toys, Frisbee and other favorite toys
• Bring a sturdy collar, leash, harness and corkscrew stake
• Carry photographs of your pets in case they get lost
• Pack essentials for sleeping – blanket, warm bedding and crate
• Keep your pet cool with a portable air conditioner, fan and wet washcloth
• Bring a pooper scooper and plastic bags to keep the park nice and clean from animal waste
• Bring a litter box and extra litter for cats

Other considerations to take before bringing your pet to camp:

• Do not bring your pet with you in extreme weather conditions, such as intense heat or below freezing temperatures
• Call the state park ahead of time to see what special requirements the park has for visitors traveling with pets
• Do not let your cat or dog loose to approach random park guests
• Do not let your pets chase wild animals
• Do not feed your pet camp food, such as hot dogs and s’mores
• Limit the amount of physical activity you require of your pets until they are used to the extra exercise
• If you plan to take your pet for a swim, invest in a pet-sized life jacket
• Do not keep your pet boarded in a crate the entire trip – provide your pets with plenty of exercise