Camping with a dog...

[skylizard]

I would love to go tent camping at Fort Wilderness this coming January or February. When we camp we always bring our dog and he loves to sleep in the trunk of our GMC Envoy. I read online that pets aren't permitted to stay in cars in FLorida, so I'm a little worried about being able to camp at Fort Wilderness. How strict are they about the no dogs in cars rule? Does anyone leave their pets in their cars during the colder months (windows cracked open of course)?

 

[WDWisTheBest]

I would love to go tent camping at Fort Wilderness this coming January or February. When we camp we always bring our dog and he loves to sleep in the trunk of our GMC Envoy. I read online that pets aren't permitted to stay in cars in FLorida, so I'm a little worried about being able to camp at Fort Wilderness. How strict are they about the no dogs in cars rule? Does anyone leave their pets in their cars during the colder months (windows cracked open of course)?

Have you thought about boarding your pet?

 

[skylizard]

Have you thought about boarding your pet?

We'd rather not since he loves camping with us. And at $30+ a day for boarding, we'd be better off staying at on off-site hotel that allows dogs. We are thinking of maybe doing the daycare at the onsite Disney kennel, but would he be allowed to sleep in our car at night?

 

[BradyBz12]

The "rule" is that dogs are not allowed in tents or camping vehicles without AC.

But being here now the one thing I can say is that enforcement of the "rules" is sketchy at best and nonexistent at worst.

I've seen one site with a TT on it where the dogs were crated *outside* the camper all day (and 2 dogs in one crate at that). A major no-no, and yet there were here for the better part of the week, and those dogs were in that crate every day and barked at EVERYTHING that passed by.

At the very least you would need to book a non-tent site on a pet loop. There aren't any tent/pet loops. My guess (and that's all it is) is that it would not be a problem for your dog to be at the site with you at night and sleeping in your car if that's his preference.

However be prepared for Disney to decide that on THAT particular day they're going to enforce the rules - in which case you'll be required to board him.

As for dogs in the car during the day - I wouldn't even think about it here in FL, even in the dead of winter. We're here now on 11/24 and it's going to be in the 80s today!

 

[becky1960]

I think the big problem would be if someone would complain if you are not around. Disney does seem to act on complaints. We used to board our dogs but now with the high prices I think our camper will work just fine..

 

[Rhonda]

In Florida, there are really no "colder" months. Even in the winter months, during the day, it's usually at least in the 70s, which makes it very hot in a car with the sun beating on it - even with the windows open.

You could probably get away with him sleeping with you at night (as long as you're in a pet loop), but during the day you will need to bring him to the kennel.

It is illegal to leave a pet in a car during the day in Florida, even if it is cool out. I would hate for you to come back from the parks, to find your car broken into by the police, and the dog gone. And, you would have a fine to pay on top of it.

Also, keep in mind, that to be in a pet loop, you will need to reserve at least a Full Hookup site, which will be more expensive than a tent site.

 

[Born 2 Fish]

REALLY bad idea.
And I may catch some flak for this but I am one of those people who believe that animals are no way to be left alone inna car for more than a few minutes at a time.
I have been known to sit and wait to make sure that animals aren't left very long alone inna car.
Sorry if this offends anyone, but I have also seen animals left alone, die in cars.

 

[MandMLUVMMandDVC]

Sorry, but as Rhonda pointed out, it is illegal in Florida to leave a pet inside a car, even for a few minutes. In fact, the laws are tougher about pets in cars than they are about children being left in cars. You'll have to get that full hook-up site & then leave him in the kennel when you go to the parks.

 

[BRDof3]

REALLY bad idea.
And I may catch some flak for this but I am one of those people who believe that animals are no way to be left alone inna car for more than a few minutes at a time.
I have been known to sit and wait to make sure that animals aren't left very long alone inna car.
Sorry if this offends anyone, but I have also seen animals left alone, die in cars.

Ditto Frank.

If I saw a camping neighbor leaving their dog in the car while they went to the parks all day I'd have the Disney po-po all over that. That is beyond foolish as far as I'm concerned. Take care of the dog- properly- or stay home.