“Take Only Sniffs, Leave Only Pawprints”

Our furry adventure pals sadly cannot join in all our adventures, but for the ones they can, we can work together to become impressive outdoor stewards. Engaging in the below considerations while adventuring with your pet not only allows our impact on fragile ecosystems to be minimal but can also ensure that our favorite recreation areas remain “pet friendly” for future generations! 

Here are 6 ways to reduce your pet’s “ecological pawprint” on your next adventure:

Make Your Plan and Be Prepared

Trip planning is the first and most vital step to any adventure. As fun as it can be to wing it, when you are traveling with your pet, planning ahead becomes even more important. You want to ensure that you know the rules and regulations of the area you are hoping to travel to or within, and you especially want to be certain that your dog or cat is allowed to join you. Other planning elements to consider:

• What will the weather and terrain be like, and will you and your pet be comfortable traveling in those conditions?
• What type of gear will make the trip more comfortable? (Ask any Muddy about our 10 Essentials list for ideas or click here to shop them now)

Stick to Durable Surfaces

Though it may sound fun to roam off leash and romp through a field of wildflowers, we suggest sticking to durable surfaces (well-worn trails, established campsites, rocky areas, etc.) to protect fragile ecosystems and vegetation. Keeping dogs on lead can help keep them on these surfaces, but some can be recalled before they travel off them.

The Dirty Job

Pack out whatever you have brought with you and that includes your dog or cat’s poop! There are a lot of great options that make carrying used poop bags easier.

“Take Only Sniffs, Leave Only Pawprints”

Some dogs sure do love finding new sticks on every adventure, but a good outdoor steward would bring their favorite toy along instead to ensure that no matter where you visit, you are able to leave it better than you found it.

Give Wildlife Their Space

Dogs and cats have a naturally high amount of curiosity and instinctual prey drives. Which makes it important for owners to be mindful of wildlife and help to keep their pets safe and in control when there is a possibility of any encounter.

Sharing Spaces

We not only share the outdoors with the wild creatures who call it home, but we share these spaces with other humans and pets. Being mindful of how you and your dog or cat’s actions could affect others is not only incredibly gracious, but it can enhance the experience for all!

We hope that these considerations help provide some insight into how to enjoy the outdoors with your dog or cat in the most sustainable and least impactful way!  

These considerations have been inspired by the Leave No Trace Seven Principles.