When you are packing for a 19-night camping trip, it is easy to think about the big stuff first: clothes, food, campground reservations, camper gear, and fuel stops. But for us, one of the most important parts of getting ready is making sure Boomer has everything he needs for the entire trip.
Boomer is not just along for the ride. He is my service dog, my travel buddy, and a big part of what makes Paws & Paths what it is. That means packing for him takes a little more planning than just tossing a leash and food bowl in the camper.
For this trip, we have been making sure we have enough of everything: food, treats, bowls, extra vests, leashes, grooming supplies, cleanup bags, towels, wipes, and all the little things that make traveling with a dog easier. Since we will be on the road for 19 nights, we do not want to get halfway through the trip and realize we are short on something important.
One of the biggest things on the list was Boomer’s medication. Thankfully, we just got his meds from Chewy, so now we have enough for the entire trip. That is a huge relief because when you are traveling with a service dog, you cannot always assume you will be able to easily replace everything while on the road. Having his medication ready before we leave means one less thing to worry about.
We are also packing for the weather, and that means Boomer’s boots and cooling vest are must-haves. Since this trip takes us south, heat is going to be a big factor. Campground roads, parking lots, sidewalks, and travel stops can get extremely hot, so Boomer’s boots help protect his paws from hot pavement. His cooling vest will also help keep him more comfortable during warm travel days, campground walks, and outdoor stops along the way.
Those are not optional items for this trip — they are part of keeping Boomer safe, comfortable, and ready for the road.
Food is another big part of the packing plan. We are making sure Boomer has enough food for the whole trip, plus a little extra just in case. Travel days can change, campgrounds can be busy, and plans do not always go exactly how you expect. Having backup food packed means we are ready if we stay somewhere longer, get delayed, or simply need a little extra time before finding a store.
We are also making sure his vet records are up to date and easy to access. When traveling with a service dog, especially across different states, campgrounds, attractions, and public places, it is always better to be prepared. Having records ready gives us peace of mind in case anything comes up along the way.
Packing for Boomer also means thinking about comfort. After long days on the road or out exploring, he needs a place to rest, cool down, and relax in the camper. Just like us, he needs downtime after busy travel days.
A 19-night camping trip is a big adventure, and getting a dog ready for that kind of travel takes time. But that is part of the journey. Behind every cute photo, campground walk, and travel day video, there is a lot of planning that goes into making sure Boomer is safe, healthy, and ready to go.
This trip is not just about where we are going. It is about learning what it takes to travel well with a dog, sharing the real behind-the-scenes work, and showing that every great adventure starts with good preparation.
For us, that means the camper is getting packed, the supplies are getting organized, Boomer’s meds are ready, his boots and cooling vest are packed, and the road is calling.
Every Path, Every Paw.
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