Pawprints on the Trail: How to Prep Your Pet for Hiking & Camping Adventures

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Because “sit” and “stay” are just the warm-up drills.

I’ll be honest — the first time I brought my dog on a camping trip, I thought “training” meant packing extra treats and hoping for the best. I was wrong. Between tangled leashes, unfamiliar noises, and one very determined attempt to share my sleeping bag, I learned that outdoor skills for pets are a real thing.

Whether you’ve got a trail-ready Labrador or a cat who tolerates you (and possibly a harness), a little preparation will make your adventures safer, smoother, and way more fun.

Step One: Vet Check, Then Trail Check

Before you map your route or get too excited about gear shopping, make sure your pet is healthy enough for the trip. Schedule a vet visit to:

• Update vaccinations and parasite prevention (ticks, fleas, heartworm — the whole itchy lineup).

• Check joint health, weight, and stamina.

• Discuss microchipping and ID tags — just in case.

Also, scout the trail or campground rules ahead of time. Some parks have leash-length requirements, seasonal wildlife restrictions, or “pets not allowed” zones you’ll want to avoid.

Pre-Trip Grooming = Happier Trails

Mats, overgrown nails, and an undercoat ready to explode? None of that makes for a happy camper. I started using the OneisAll pet grooming vacuum at home for our cats and dogs, and honestly, I didn’t know I needed it until I tried it. It brushes, trims, desheds, and vacuums all at once — no tumbleweeds of fur drifting across my living room. It’s perfect for a quick tidy-up before your trip (less fur in the tent) and for post-adventure clean-up when your dog comes home looking like they rolled in every leaf in the forest. It is quiet and gentle, so much so that my cat Smudge comes running to me when he sees me take it out. He is ready for a spa-level grooming session.

Getting There (Without the Muddy Mayhem) — Before you even hit the trail, set your car up for success. The Orvis Grip-Tight Windowed Seat Protector saves your seats from dirt, hair, and damp paws, while the mesh “window” lets your dog see you and stay contained comfortably in the backseat. Your car will thank you.

Gear Up Like a Pro (for Both of You)

Your pet’s trail kit isn’t just about looking rugged in Instagram photos (though I won’t lie, the aesthetic is strong). The right gear keeps them safe, visible, hydrated, and comfortable.

My pack essentials:

• I am a massive fan of the LITO light-up leash, collar, and harness . Visibility is everything on dawn patrols, evening walks, or when your campsite turns pitch-black and Fido needs to go potty. LITO’s rechargeable LED gear is lightweight, waterproof, and keeps your pet glowing like a moving firefly on the trail.

•Well-fitted harness & leash — A harness gives you better control on uneven terrain and helps protect your dog’s neck if they lunge. For serious hikes or rugged dogs, the Orvis Tough Trail Four-Point Harness is a champ — secure, padded, and designed to handle rough conditions without chafing.

• Pet K’tan carrier — For small pups, cats, or nervous travelers, this soft, hands-free carrier is a game-changer. Your pet stays close and calm, while you keep both hands free for hiking poles, coffee, or balancing on that one sketchy log bridge.

• HEEL: Roam 360 tracker — Think of this as your dog’s adventure buddy who also happens to be a great communicator. The Roam 360 keeps tabs on your pet’s location in real time and offers gentle, customizable cues to get their attention — from soft sounds (enough to snap my dog Beans out of mid-sprint after a deer) to a mild static “tap” that feels more like a nudge on the shoulder than anything harsh (trust me, I tested it myself). For curious noses in big parks or off-leash spaces, it’s a confidence booster for both of you — helping your dog roam freely while keeping you connected every step of the way.

•Pet first-aid kit — The basics matter: vet-approved paw balm, any meds your pet takes regularly, and a reliable way to deal with ticks. I keep the Bug Bite Thing tick remover in mine — it’s a CDC-compliant tool that makes tick removal quick, clean, and way less stressful than fumbling with regular tweezers.

• A Cushy Bed — Gives them a designated “safe spot” at camp. I’m partial to the Orvis Memory Foam Lounger — supportive enough for older joints, cushy enough for post-hike naps, and durable enough to handle the occasional muddy paw. My husband thinks this bed is much more comfortable than our inflatable mattress and has been tempted to sleep on it himself.

Trail Manners 101: Training Before You Go

Camping and hiking introduce distractions your pet doesn’t see in the backyard — deer, strangers, and the intoxicating smell of bacon at a neighboring campsite. Work on:

• Recall — “Come” should work even if a chipmunk is mocking them.

• Loose-leash walking — Saves your shoulder and your sanity.

• Leave it — For dropped food, animal scat, or weird plants they really don’t need to eat.

• Settle — A cue to relax on a mat or blanket, especially useful around camp and campfires.

Field Tip: Practice in gradually more distracting environments — a local park, then a busier trail — before committing to a full weekend trip. Practicing with camp gear at home is extremely beneficial and will reduce stress for both you and your pets.

At Camp: Keep It Fun, Keep It Safe

• Secure your pet when you can’t supervise.

• Never leave them in a hot car or tied up alone.

• Store food out of reach (from both bears and sneaky paws).

• Give them time to rest — just like you, pets can (and will) overdo it.

If you’re sharing a tent, introduce them to it in your living room or backyard first. A few practice “camp nights” at home will help them settle faster in the wild.

Pack Out More Than You Pack In

Yes, that includes poop bags (compostable or not). Burying poop isn’t enough in many areas, especially near water sources. Leave No Trace applies to all species in your party.

If you’ve got a pet who loves the outdoors as much as you do, the effort you put into training now pays off in years of stress-free, tail-wagging adventures.

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