Workamping With Larger Dogs

Thanks everyone. I walk my dogs on a traffic lead (24 inch). Because they are older and we believe the lab that we adopted last year is most likely over 10 years old, the vet wasn't sure and the animal control facility wanted to place her desperately - crate-trained, leash-trained and housebroken so I think they really "fudged" on her age. This is really a low energy lab which works perfectly with the low energy mixed breed. Everyone said not to get a second female but this is the second time we have done that in a lifetime and it has worked fine. I've had dogs forever and always pick up after them and we have always taken long walks but the walks have grown shorter with time. I will also offer you a plastic bag if I notice that you don't seem to have one and most people are delighted to accept, it is just the sneaky ones that make a face because I caught them! I know all too well the problems that pets can create or should I say the problems that owners with pets can be.

Unless you need $$ income, I'd recommend focusing on State Parks. Usually the workamping opportunities there are in green, spacious areas with little to zero dog restrictions and lots of space to hike w/ the paws. Typically no pay, but you'll get a campsite in return.

Almost every State Park in the country has jobs. So, look at individual opportunities in areas that interest you.

We workamp ~2-3 months a year as lighthouse hosts on the OR Coast (for OR State Parks). We get a full hookup site in a beautiful beach park (that's completely dog-friendly) and only work ~3 hours/day. Totally do-able with pets!

You shouldn't have any problem. Just ask up front to be sure pets are allowed. Some FS campgrounds are in protected watersheds where pets aren't allowed. Of course, you'll be the one setting the example for good pet behavior. So find out what the pets rules are too. I know in Forest and most State campgrounds they must be on a 6' or less leash and not allowed to bark incessantly. Many places are starting to restrict aggressive breeds but yours don't fall into that category (at least the lab).

We work for Xanterra in Yellowstone. They allow two pets per rig. Many workers have dogs...big and little.

I workamped with a 80 lb Lab and a 70lb Golden Retriever. never had a problem but I brought up the issue first. If my dog was not welcomed, then neither was I!

Now that I'm retired, I'm considering some workingcamping opportunities, and my "Baby-Girl" (all 50 lbs of her) will be my companion. I ask up front for their pet policies and have never been disappointed. Our pets are our children! "Baby-Girl" is a wonderful traveling companion, excellent RV manners and loves meeting new people.

If "Baby-Girl" is not accepted...I don't need the position! That my 2 cents and I'm sticking to it!

We take out black Lab with us work camping. Of course our time is volunteer not paid. But Max rides along with us in The Gator when we can and when we cant he stays chained up at our camp site. He does not seem to mind it and we are sure to check up on him every hour or so. And be sure to exercise him a lot during the day.