It can be hard to leave your best mate behind when going on holiday, not to mention the expense of a kennel. Luckily, many public and private campsites will allow you to bring your canine companion!

Depending on what country you live in, you might even be able to take your furry friend to a national or state park. There are no hard and fast rules, and there will be different guidelines depending on your location. Ring ahead and check with your local authorities beforehand to ensure a smooth trip.

Some no fuss (and commonsense!) rules for camping with dogs are:

• Your dog should be with you at all times. You can never leave a dog unattended at camp. Unfamiliar surroundings, the smell of a neighbour’s barbecue, and local wildlife and other dogs mean it’s easy for dogs to get distracted and wander off. 
• You’ll probably need to have your dog on a leash, or at least have a leash on hand at all times. A good idea is to take some extra long chain/ripe so that you can tie your dog up but have enough length for it to roam around camp.
• Dogs will need to wear a collar with an ID tag at all times – make sure if they do get lost, you’re easily contactable (much like at home!).
• Dogs should be well trained and responsive to basic obedience commands like ‘stay’ and ‘leave it!’ – handy when dealing with wild animals like snakes. 

• Depending on where you’re camping, paralysis ticks and other insects can be dangerous to your dog. Do your research carefully and take preventative measures before setting out.
• Bring a dog crate just in case they need some time out, as it’s an easy place for them to rest.
• Generally, it’s advised to have your dog sleeping in your tent or car where there’s less likelihood of a confrontation with a wild animal.
• Bring some home comforts, like a dog bed or blanket. It will be easier to settle your dog at night and to keep them calm in new surroundings.
• Make sure you pick up dog waste and dispose of it in the correct way – that’s a no brainer for a clean campsite.
• The heat and energetic excitement of a new place can quickly lead to dehydration, so keep your dog cool and watered at all times.
• If your dog is prone to barking a lot, let’s be honest, it’s best to leave them at home for everyone’s sake!