Glamping with Pets: What You Need to Know & What Return to Roots Offers
Planning a getaway is exciting, but for many animal lovers, the excitement is often mixed with a touch of anxiety: "What about the dog?" Leaving a furry family member behind can be tough, and finding accommodations that welcome them can be a challenge. The great news is that the best adventures are the ones shared, and a glamping trip is a perfect opportunity to make memories with your four-legged companion.
At Return to Roots, we understand that pets are part of the family. That’s why we’ve created a welcoming environment for you and your well-behaved animal friends. But a successful trip with a pet requires a bit of extra preparation. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from our pet policy and a dedicated packing list to on-site etiquette and nearby pet-friendly activities.
Get ready to plan a seamless and joyful glamping experience for every member of your family—paws included.
Our Pet Policy at Return to Roots
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all our guests, both human and animal, we have established a clear and simple pet policy. We happily welcome well-behaved, house-trained pets in our designated pet-friendly accommodations.
Here are the key details:
Pet Fee: A nominal, one-time pet fee of $50 per stay is applied. This helps cover the additional deep cleaning required to prepare the accommodation for our next guests and their furry friends, ensuring it remains fresh and allergen-free.
Number of Pets: We allow a maximum of two pets per accommodation. This ensures comfort and safety within the space.
Leash Rule: For the safety and comfort of your pet and all other guests, pets must be kept on a leash at all times when outside your private accommodation. Our property is home to local wildlife, and a leash prevents any unexpected or dangerous encounters.
Supervision: Pets should never be left unattended in your tent or yurt. A new environment can be stressful for an animal, and leaving them alone can lead to anxiety, barking, or property damage. Please plan your activities so your pet can be with you.
By adhering to these guidelines, you help us maintain a peaceful and pet-friendly environment for everyone to enjoy.
The Ultimate Pet Packing Checklist
Just like you, your pet needs a few key items to stay comfortable, safe, and happy during their glamping adventure. While we provide the stunning scenery, you’ll want to pack these essentials.
For Comfort and Rest:
Familiar Bed or Blanket: A piece of home can significantly reduce anxiety in a new place. Their own bed provides a sense of security and a designated spot to rest.
Food and Water Bowls: While you can use your own, collapsible silicone bowls are a great space-saving option for travel.
Sufficient Food: Bring more of your pet’s regular food than you think you’ll need. The excitement and extra activity can increase their appetite. Avoid switching brands to prevent an upset stomach.
Plenty of Treats: Essential for rewarding good behavior and for training moments.
For Safety and Health:
Sturdy Leash and Collar with ID Tags: Ensure their collar has up-to-date contact information. A six-foot leash is standard and recommended.
Tie-Out Stake or Cable: A tie-out allows your furry friend to relax safely outside your accommodation with you without needing to be held while you enjoy the glamping experience. It gives them a bit of freedom to explore while remaining secure.
Pet First-Aid Kit: Include items like antiseptic wipes, gauze, self-adhering bandages, tweezers for ticks, and any pet-specific medications.
Proof of Vaccinations: It’s always a good idea to have a digital or paper copy of your pet’s vaccination records, especially for rabies.
Waste Bags: This is non-negotiable. Always pick up after your pet immediately. We provide some bags for your pup, but it's best to bring your own supply for your glamping trip.
For Fun and Cleanliness:
Favorite Toys: A few familiar toys like a chew toy or a fetch ball can keep your pup entertained and happy during your stay at the glamping sites.
Old Towels: A must-have for wiping muddy paws after a hike or drying off a damp coat.
Grooming Brush: Helpful for removing burrs, foxtails, or ticks after a walk through the woods.
On-Site Pet Etiquette and Safety
A little mindfulness goes a long way in ensuring a positive experience for everyone. Here are some key etiquette and safety tips for your stay at Return to Roots.
Always Pick Up After Your Pet: No exceptions. This is the number one rule of being a responsible pet owner, especially when visiting campsites or national parks. It keeps our property clean and beautiful for all guests.
Control Barking: While some barking is normal, excessive or constant barking can disturb other guests who are here for peace and quiet. If your dog tends to be vocal, work on keeping them calm and engaged.
Respect Wildlife: You are visitors in the home of deer, birds, squirrels, and other creatures. Keep your pet from chasing or harassing wildlife. This is for their safety as much as the animals'.
Perform Daily Tick Checks on your pup, especially after visiting national parks or campsites. After any walk, carefully check your pet (and yourself) for ticks. Pay close attention to their ears, neck, and between their toes.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Always be conscious of other guests who may be fearful of dogs, even friendly ones. Keep your leashed pet close when others are approaching.
Pet-Friendly Amenities We Offer
To make your stay at our glamping sites even more convenient, we are happy to provide a few amenities designed for our four-legged guests:
Dog Welcome Kit: Upon arrival, your pet will be greeted with a small welcome kit that includes a special treat and a roll of waste bags.
Outdoor Tie-Out Stakes for your furry friend can enhance their experience at our glamping sites. Each pet-friendly accommodation is equipped with a sturdy tie-out stake, so you don't have to worry about packing your own.
Paw-Washing Station: A designated paw-washing station with a hose and towels is available near the main common area. It’s perfect for rinsing off muddy paws before settling in for the evening.
Exploring Pet-Friendly Trails and Parks Nearby
The area around Butler and Return to Roots offers some fantastic opportunities for you and your leashed pet to explore the great outdoors together.
Wah'Kon-Tah Prairie Conservation Area: Located a short drive away, this vast tallgrass prairie offers miles of flat, open trails. It's a wonderful place for a long walk where you and your pet can enjoy expansive views and fresh air. Keep them leashed, as it’s a sensitive habitat for ground-nesting birds.
Local Roads and Property Trails: The quiet, rural roads surrounding our property are perfect for a morning jog or a leisurely walk with your dog. You can also explore the marked trails right here at Return to Roots.
Harry S. Truman State Park: About an hour's drive away, this large state park offers numerous hiking trails that are pet-friendly. The park loops around Truman Lake, providing beautiful water views and varied terrain for a more challenging hike.
A Getaway for the Whole Family
A vacation is about making memories, and for many of us, those memories just wouldn't be complete without our furry companions by our side. With a bit of planning and a mindful approach, glamping with your pet at Return to Roots can be a fun, stress-free, and deeply rewarding experience.
We look forward to welcoming you and your loyal friend for an unforgettable adventure in nature.
