As a dog-friendly campsite, we’re firm believers that it’s not a proper family holiday unless the furrier members can join in too. Not only is a staycation much more fun with your precious pooch in tow it can also save you a small fortune on boarding costs (and you don’t feel horribly guilty about leaving them behind). As pet friendly destinations go, Pembrokeshire is hard to beat. With miles of beaches, muddy riverbanks, lush fields and shady woodlands to explore it’s the perfect spot for your four-legged friend to sniff, splash and scamper all day long. The trick is to be well-prepared for your dog-friendly break so that you and your pet get the most out of the experience. So, if this will be your first summer camping with dogs, here are a few top tips!
Choose a dog friendly campsite
OK, bit of an obvious one but people do occasionally make mistakes when booking camping holidays with a dog – so double check that the site actually is dog friendly. Somewhere with plenty of space and easy access to suitable country walks is a good bet. We’re lucky here at Rhosson Ganol that we’re next to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and a number of beaches where dogs are allowed are accessible on foot. (For more on Pembrokeshire’s summer beach restrictions for dogs, click here.)
Keep your dog comfortable while travelling
Travelling with your dog takes a bit of extra preparation. Depending on how far you’re travelling, those frequent wee stops might make the journey a little longer for a start! Make sure your dog is safe and secure in a suitable seat belt harness or crate when travelling and that they have a nice comfy spot to lie down. Temperature and ventilation are important too. You dog might get hot more easily than you do, so keep them cool and with a good supply of fresh air. And you’ll need plenty of snacks and fresh water at the ready for your travel breaks.
Don’t forget the doggie camping supplies
Food is another obvious one, but it’s surprisingly easy to forget that bag of dog biscuits when you’re loading up the car with all the other holiday supplies! A separate doggy checklist is a good idea. Food, bowls, tasty treats (always a priority), a dog bed and some toys are essential. It’s also sensible to get a mini dog first-aid kit together just in case you need to see to any minor injuries they may get on their adventures. Make sure your dog is wearing an ID collar (or even a GPS tracker) with your contact details on it, just in case they carried away in the countryside and wander off into unfamiliar territory.
Make your dog feel at home
If you haven’t been camping with dogs before, it’s worth getting them used to the tent before you go. You want them to feel at home and relaxed while you’re away, so making them more familiar with the items you’re packing is always a good idea for first timers. You can always bring a blanket or something else with the scent of home on it to make them feel more at ease. You’ll also need to think about how to keep your dog under control on site. If your recall is on point, all the better, if not, remember to bring a means to secure your dog while you’re relaxing at your pitch.
Get ready for walkies
Of course, once you get here and get set up, you’ll be itching to go exploring. Just don’t forget your lead. While there will be safe spaces for you dog to scamper unfettered, being in the countryside doesn’t mean you can let your dog roam wherever it wants – just bear in mind that on the coast path, on trails near any livestock, conservation areas and local nature reserves, dogs must be under control at all times. (You can read the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park advice on responsible dog walking here.)
Some water and a portable bowl are a good idea if you’ll be out for the day or it’s particularly hot, as is a pocket full of poo bags so you can scoop up anything your dog leaves behind (no one wants to risk a fine). And whatever you do, don’t forget – a few towels! They’re an absolute essential whenever you’re camping with dogs. They’ll really save the day when your pooch does sneaky roll on a muddy riverbank, or you have to deal with the soggy, sandy aftermath of a session in the surf.
The perfect pitch for camping with dogs in Pembrokeshire
As dog friendly holidays go, like to think Rhosson Ganol is pretty much a pooch’s paradise! There are acres of land to explore, nearby beaches and walking trails and the site itself has a laid back, relaxed atmosphere. To book a summer camping trip with your faithful friend, just book online. And if you have any questions about bringing your dog for a Pembrokeshire getaway with us, just call on 01437 720608/361 or 07870 202894 or email info@pembrokeshire-camping.co.uk.
