Looney Jeep Adventures is a very pet friendly group. We take our dogs pretty much anywhere we go. Tim and I have two Miniature Schnauzers named Mugsy and Misty. Vince, Jennifer and Gabe have a Brussels Griffon named Lazlo.
Coming along on one of our off-roading adventures means that you can bring your pet along instead of paying for kennel charges or leaving them with friends and family.
This being said, there are a few things that need to be taken into consideration. Family pet covers a broad spectrum of critters. It wouldn’t be wise to bring along the family goldfish, rabbit, turtle, ferret etc. But we are dog and cat friendly. If you have a pet that you just cannot leave, please feel free to contact us and we can discuss more about that with you.
When camping with pets, there are a lot of things that need to be considered in order to keep your pet safe and comfortable.
Some trails are a little wompy. Yes, off kilter, bumpy, steep, rocky and just plain rough. If you have a nervous rider, this can really put your pet into a panic or, even worse, make them sick. Before you bring your pet, please be sure he or she can handle the ride. Some pets prefer to ride in a crate. Others prefer their head out the window, which is acceptable except on an obstacle where it is recommended that the windows remain up to avoid jumping out or falling out if the vehicle tips.
Always make sure that you have enough food and water to keep your dog happy and hydrated. Just like us, long days in the desert can be hard on them as well. Don’t consider this doggy vacation a time to change up their diet. Keep them on their regular schedule so that no unforeseen stomach issues come up, or out! Remember, when you feed your pet, do not leave the dish of food sitting out. That is just an attractant for wild animals, be it ants, mice or something much bigger. Pick up the dish and put it in a safe container or dispose of it properly. Bring their blanket or bed along if there is room in your vehicle. It will make them feel much more at home. Don’t forget their toys.
The desert is an exciting place for your pet with all the new smells, but it can also be a dangerous place for them as well. Snakes, bugs, prickly cactus, coyotes are all things we don’t want your pets messing with. That is why we recommend keeping your pet on leash with you. We don’t want pets tied to a bush while you explore. Too many things can go wrong. If you must leave them, put them in the vehicle. Always leave the windows open. We highly recommend a battery-operated fan for them.
It is also advisable to keep your pet on a leash, because there may be multiple dogs on a tour. Make sure your dog is social or let us know if he isn’t so we can accommodate. We may find a great open area where they can all be off lead for a bit to play, but that doesn’t always happen.
What size is your dog? That question makes a big difference when it comes to sleeping in the great outdoors. You might be a single guy with your dog and a small pop-up tent, but if your dog happens to be a Great Dane, the tent is going to be a little crowded. Make sure your dog has been introduced to the tent. If your pets have never slept with you in a tent or your vehicle, it may be a little disconcerting to them, and you may end up losing a lot of sleep.
Looney Jeep does prepare ahead for the unexpected and we carry a medical kit for people and for pets. But it is important that you bring any medications your dog may be on with you. It also does not hurt to always carry a small pet First Aid Kit in your vehicle. If you need any information about what you should consider bringing, please refer to the link below. All vaccinations should be up to date and you should have a copy with you.
Waste bags for your pet is an absolute necessity. They too must practice pack in- pack out. This also ensures that your pet can continue to be welcome on overland trails when so many parks no longer allow that due to environmental issues with the wildlife.
We want your pet to have an enjoyable time on your Looney Jeep Adventure, making new friends just like you will. We will happily address any questions that you may have. Please feel free to shoot us an email, text or chat on the website. We are a small, family-owned business that really wants to show you, your family and your pets how to “GET OUT THERE!”
