Paws in the parks
By KELLY SOMERO Michigan Department of Natural Resources
As travel trends change, recreational vehicles get larger
and modern technologies come to campgrounds, one thing has not changed – love
for family pets and including them in daily activities and even vacations.
However, traveling with pets can pose several questions.
Where do you go? What are the rules? How do you keep
your pet safe and healthy while on vacation?
“Michigan state parks offer some pet-friendly solutions to
get you and your pet into Michigan’s great outdoors together,” said Maia Turek,
a Michigan Department of Natural Resources resource development specialist.
“Pets are important in the lives of a lot of our park visitors. For many,
having to leave a pet at home is like leaving a member of the family at home
alone.”
Carol Dunstan of Negaunee knows all about
this. She’s been a campground host at Van Riper
State Park in Marquette County for more than a
decade. Over those years, she’s enjoyed being able to bring her two black
Labrador retrievers along to her host campsite at the park.
“I probably wouldn’t host if I couldn’t,”
she said. “(I’m) like most pet owners, they are family.”
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While the majority of Michigan state parks, harbors, state forests
and trails allow pets, there are a few exceptions, such as state buildings.
However, there are lodging opportunities, campgrounds, beaches, trails and even
events that are pet-friendly.
Pet
Rules
First and foremost, any pet owner should be familiar with
pet-friendly rules in state parks:
- Pets
must be on a 6-foot leash and under your immediate control at all times.
- Always
clean up after your pet.
- Keep
pets from interacting with wildlife.
- Keep
pets from disturbing visitors.
- With
the exceptions of locations included in the pet-friendly lodging pilot program,
pets are not allowed in state buildings, which includes cabins, yurts, offices,
teepees and lodges.
Pet
Friendly Lodging
In November 2017, a pilot program was launched to designate
pet-friendly lodging at several state parks in Michigan. Up to two pets (cats
and dogs only) are allowed in overnight lodging accommodations at the following
locations:
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These cabins and lodges can be booked up to 12 months in advance by calling 800-447-2757 or visiting www.midnrreservations.com.
The additional fee for your pet is $10 per night for each pet if you are staying in a cabin or $15 per night for each pet if you are staying in a lodge. The above pet-friendly rules still apply.
Dogs should not be left in campers or tied up unattended to prevent barking from negatively affecting the park experience of other visitors.
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Pet
Friendly Locations
State Parks and State
Forest Campgrounds: In general, pets are permitted in state
parks, park
campgrounds and state rustic (forest) campgrounds as long as they are on a
leash not exceeding 6 feet in length at all times. Please become familiar with
all the rules regarding pets and pay attention to signage.
Trails: Pets are welcome on state-designated
trails and pathways located in state parks and state
forests; however, there are some instances where pets are not allowed. Always
check trailhead signage to make sure pets are allowed.
Boat Launches: The majority of boat
launches allow pets, with the exception of certain boating access sites, during
certain times of the year.
Harbors: Pets are allowed in state harbors.
Some harbors have a designated pet area, so please learn the rules at each
harbor.
Pet-friendly shoreline: Pets are allowed in non-designated bathing beach areas
within state parks. Pets are not permitted on designated swimming beach areas. Please
note that pets must be kept on a 6-foot leash even if they are in the water.
The following parks offer sections of pet-friendly
shorelines. Be sure to check with park staff to use pet-designated areas only.
In the Upper Peninsula, visit Baraga State Park,
McLain State Park,
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and Twin Lakes State Park.
For the Lower Peninsula, there’s the Brighton Recreation Area, Burt Lake State Park, Dodge No. 4 State Park, Grand Mere State Park, Harrisville State Park, Holland State Park, Holly Recreation Area, Mears State Park, Otsego Lake State Park, Port Crescent State Park, Sleepy Hollow State Park, South Higgins Lake State Park, Tawas Point State Park, Warren Dunes State Park and
Young State Park.
Pet Friendly Events
From parades and off-road vehicle rides to trick-or-treating,
many parks allow pets to join in on the fun of special events
– there are even pet-specific events.
Check with the park holding an event to see if your pet can participate, and find events at www.michigan.gov/dnrcalendar.
A prime example of a pet-friendly event is the Outdoor Adventure Center’s Dog
Days of Summer in Detroit.
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“Come to the Outdoor Adventure
Center for a day of outdoor fun with your furry best friend,” said Linda
Walter, the center’s director. “We'll have dog-friendly activities set up,
including a guided walk along the Dequindre Cut, ‘doggie pools,’ and lots of
tennis balls and Frisbees.”
Canine to Five will offer
complimentary nail trimmings, and Detroit Dog Rescue will be on hand with
information to help you find your next best friend. Friendly dogs with current
vaccinations and licenses are welcome. Plus, visit the Outdoor Adventure Center Facebook
page to enter a dog-owner
photo contest.
Planning
for Travel with Your Pet
Typically, travelers always plan what they need to do for their
own travel. With a few extra steps, everyone can make sure their pets have a
great trip too.
To begin, research pet-friendly locations to find places to
stay along your travel route that allow pets. If your pets are not accustomed to
traveling, get them ready for the trip by taking them for short rides,
increasing the distance or duration to help them get used to the car, truck or recreation
vehicle.
Talk with your veterinarian about vaccinations, medications
and microchips.
“Certain vaccinations might be recommended, such a Bordetella
if you are using a kennel service, vaccines for vector-borne illnesses from
insects or preventative medications for fleas and ticks,” Turek said. “Microchips
can help identify and get your pet home to you if you become separated. For
this same reason, make sure your pet has a collar and an identification tag.”
Research veterinarians, kennels and boarding facilities in
your travel areas. In case of a medical emergency, severe weather, vehicle
issues or any other unforeseen problems, you will know who may be able to
assist you and your pet ahead of time.
Get copies of medical and vaccination records from your
veterinarian. Make reservations at the pet-friendly locations along your
scheduled trip route.
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What
to Bring
Here are some helpful tips on items to always have when you
travel with your pet:
- A
current copy of your pet’s medical and vaccination records.
- If
your pet takes medication, bring the medication and a copy of the prescription.
- Have a
spare collar with ID tag and leash.
- Travel
crate, car barrier or pet seat belt/harness to ensure safe vehicle transport.
- Extra
food and water.
- A pet
first aid kit with styptic powder, antibiotic ointment and tweezers (for thorn,
burr and tick removal).
- Pet
bed or blankets for cool weather.
- Towels.
- Pet
waste bags.
- Phone
number of your veterinarian, or one in the area you are travelling to, in case
of an emergency.
- Toys
and treats.
With a little extra planning and research, taking the
family dog, cat, bird or even hamster or lizard to a Michigan state park this
season can be easy and fun, while ensuring the whole family is present for
those lifelong memorable moments.
Dunstan said dogs are the pets most commonly taken to Van
Riper State Park, but other animals enjoy the park too.
“I’ve seen cats out on leashes, just like dogs,” she said.
“Last year, someone even had a pot-bellied pig.”
She said kids staying at the park enjoy visiting with her
dogs.
Dunstan hopes state parks will one day have a pet play area
where animals can be off their leashes. For now, she’s happy to bring her dogs
to the park to help her enjoy her role as a campground host, meeting lots of
people from all over.
With so many locations to choose from, and so many types of
activities, you are sure to find a spot that everyone in your family can agree
on for some summertime fun.
Whether lounging by a campfire, running along a beach, taking
a long hike on a secluded trail or a kayaking at sunset, your family pets will
love that you brought them with you on your adventures.
For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/parkpets.
Check out
previous Showcasing the DNR stories in our archive at www.michigan.gov/dnrstories. To subscribe to
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/Note to editors: Contact: John Pepin, series editor, 906-226-1352. Accompanying
photos are available below for download and media use. Suggested captions
follow. Credit: Michigan Department of Natural Resources, unless otherwise noted.
Brimley:
A camper and his best friend enjoy a sunny afternoon at Brimley State Park in
Chippewa County.
Buddy: A visitor brought a buddy to South Higgins Lake State Park in Roscommon County.
Campground:
A family enjoys a camping outing with their dog at Hog Island State Rustic
(Forest) Campground in Mackinac County.
Dispenser:
A dog litter bag dispenser is shown at F.J. McLain State Park in Houghton
County.
Gogebic:
A couple walks their dog at Lake Gogebic State Park in Gogebic County.
Leash: A park
visitor puts a leash on his dog, getting ready to go for a walk, at the Union
Bay Campground at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Ontonagon
County.
McLain:
Two dogs enjoy a walk with their owner in the late spring at F.J. McLain State
Park in Houghton County.
Pet:
Bringing a pet to a Michigan state park can enhance the experience for the
whole family. A family enjoys their dog at Muskallonge State Park in Luce
County.
Talent:
This dog is getting ready to perform in a talent show during the Dog Days of
Summer at Baraga State Park in Baraga County.
Van
Riper: Out for a walk along the shores of Lake Michigamme at Van Riper State
Park in Marquette County.
Walker: A
man out on an evening stroll with his dog at Fort Wilkins Historic State Park
in Keweenaw County./
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