If you have kids and a hamster, we’ve all been there—they absolutely need you to bring along the hamster on your next camping trip and they won’t seem to take no for an answer.
If this sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place. While there are plenty of reasons you shouldn’t bring your hamster on your next camping trip, if you absolutely have to, this guide will highlight everything you need to know.
The 5 Tips for Camping With a Hamster
1. Leave Them at Home
The best piece of advice someone can give you if you’re thinking about bringing a hamster on a camping trip is not to do it in the first place! Not only are there tons of unique challenges you need to consider before bringing them, but your hamster isn’t going to enjoy their time camping.
A new environment brings a lot of stress for a hamster, and it’s very unlikely that they’ll enjoy the trip. Not only that but one wrong move and you can lose your hamster forever. If it’s a possibility to have someone stop in and check on and care for your hamster while you’re away, it’s really for the best.
2. Consider the Temperature
If you are going to bring your hamster on a camping trip, you really need to consider the temperature. This is especially true if you’re not sleeping in a temperature-controlled environment. Hamsters can’t regulate their body temperature as well as us, so it can be fatal if it gets too cold at night or hot during the day.
3. Keep Them Secure!
Hamsters are notorious escape artists, and if they get out in the wild, there’s practically no chance of getting them back. Not only are they in unfamiliar territory with tons of open space, but they don’t know how to survive in the wild.
For starters, there are tons of natural predators. Birds, snakes, and more would all love to chow down on a hamster. They’re also not the best foragers since you’ve always provided for them. Do whatever it takes to keep your hamster secured if you’re taking them camping.
4. Don’t Leave Them in the Car
We’ve already highlighted how hamsters can’t regulate their body temperatures very well, and even short stints in a car can lead to extreme temperature changes. It doesn’t take long for a hamster in a car to overheat. Whenever you leave the car, you need to take your hamster out, too, just like you would with a dog.
5. Bring Everything They Need
While you might be able to find a local pet store on your next camping trip, it’s not always easy. It’s much better if you bring along everything they need, and that’s likely everything you have. It’s a pretty extensive list, and we’ll highlight everything you need for you below.
What Your Hamster Needs
If you’re taking your hamster on your next camping trip, you need to do whatever you can to make it feel like home. This means you must bring along their habitat, all the bedding they need, and even toys.
Below, we’ve highlighted everything you need to bring with your hamster on your next camping trip. And while you might think you don’t need one or two items, like a cleaning solution, you never know what will happen and need to have everything to take care of it on the spot.
Alternatives to Taking Your Hamster Camping
We really don’t recommend taking your hamster camping, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some other great ideas for you and your hamster while on your trip. We’ve highlighted three of our favorites for you to consider below.
Camping Décor
While we don’t recommend taking your hamster to an actual campsite, there’s no reason you can’t set up some camping-style décor in their habitat! There’s a ton to pick from including “bonfire” decorations, tents, and even classic barbecue décor!
When it comes to decorating your hamster’s habitat there’s no shortage of options for you to consider!
Hotels
If you’re traveling and you need to bring your hamster with you, we recommend looking into some pet-friendly hotels. These hotels offer a temperature-controlled environment free of predators. It’s a lot easier for your hamster to adapt to, and it’s easier for you to take care of them.
Special Meals
This is another idea that means you don’t need to take your hamster out of the home. Your hamster likely won’t enjoy a camping trip, but what they will enjoy is some more of their favorite treats or something extra special that they usually don’t get.
Ensure it’s safe for your hamster before feeding it to them and don’t overdo it, but there’s nothing wrong with giving them something a little bit different to enjoy.
Conclusion
If you’re going to bring your hamster on your next camping trip, ensure you have everything you need for them, and don’t take any chances. A campground can be an extremely dangerous place for a hamster, and they’re relying on you to keep them safe.
Of course, if you change your mind you can always leave them at home and have someone stop by and check on them. That’s the best option, anyway!
Featured Image Credit: Lisa Stelzel, Shutterstock
