Leave No Trace (Even with Paws): How to Camp Responsibly with Pets
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We all know the basics: pack it in, pack it out, leave it better than you found it. But when you bring a pet along, “Leave No Trace” gets a little more complicated. Paw prints don’t count as litter (thankfully), but everything else—from poop disposal to spilled treats—does.
Here’s how to keep your trail cred squeaky clean while camping and hiking with pets.
1. Poop Happens (Deal With It)
The number one offender? Number two! Poop. It’s not just gross—it spreads disease, messes with ecosystems, and definitely ruins the vibe for the next hiker.
• On trails: Scoop it up, bag it, and carry it out just like your own trash.
• At camp: If you’re somewhere remote and digging cat holes is allowed, bury it at least 6–8 inches deep and 200 feet from water sources.
• For cats: Pack a lightweight, plant-based litter (like ökocat litter) in a collapsible box and set it up at camp. No one needs to stumble across a surprise “deposit” in the woods.
2. Protect the Water
Dogs love to cannonball into lakes. Water quality matters. Keep pups from wading where people drink or filter water, and always bring your own supply.
Field Tip: Set up a OneIsAll pet fountain at basecamp. It keeps water fresh, encourages hydration, and prevents your pet from slurping straight out of a pond that could carry Giardia. Honestly, we thought pet fountains were a bit silly until we had one. Now we will never go back!
3. Respect Wildlife
A curious pup chasing deer or a cat stalking songbirds? Not cool. Wildlife stress can be as damaging as habitat destruction.
• Keep pets on a leash or in a secure carrier like the Pet K’TAN when the terrain or wildlife traffic gets tricky.
• Use tick prevention and check your pets daily—no one likes spreading hitchhikers. If you find one on yourself or your pet, ditch it quick with Bug Bite Thing's Tick Remover.
• Don’t let your pets bark, chase, or lunge at wildlife. (It’s stressful for them and could put your pet in danger.)
4. Minimize the Mess
Even the best-trained pets roll in questionable things. (Why must skunk smells be so… appealing?) A pack of CAT or DOG wipes goes a long way in keeping your tent, gear, and fellow campers clean.
Field Tip: Do a quick wipe-down of paws before they hop into your sleeping bag. A little dirt won’t hurt but muddy paw prints can be tough to get out of camping gear.
5. Noise Counts Too
Leave No Trace isn’t just about visible impact—it’s also about sound. If your pet tends to bark or yowl when anxious, think about campsite placement. Camp farther from others, bring along calming aids (like DOG Calm Cologne), and set them up with their own comfy spot to settle. We are big fans of Orvis beds!
6. Safety is Stewardship
An injured or lost pet isn’t just a personal tragedy—it can disrupt wildlife and other campers too.
• Light up at night with LITO harnesses and collars so you can spot your dog in the dark.
• Use GPS trackers on your pets in case they get loose. Better yet? Check out Heel's Virtual Dog Leash.
• Bring a pet-specific first aid kit and know how to use it.
The Big Picture
Camping with pets is awesome—you get the joy of watching them sniff out trails, nap under trees, and generally remind you how fun the outdoors can be. But with that joy comes responsibility. If we want to keep wild places wild, we must ensure that our furry friends leave as little trace as possible.
