pets
More Than Half of Campers Bring Their Dogs (And Some Bring Cats)
“We often run The Dyrt remotely from our camper van and Brandy, aka The Dyrt Dog, is with us for every mile,” says Sarah Smith, founder of The Dyrt.
Last Updated on June 9, 2024 by Daily News Staff
PORTLAND, Ore. /PRNewswire/ — The Dyrt, the No. 1 app for camping availability, photos and reviews, has found that more than half of campers camped with dogs in 2023. The Dyrt’s 2024 Camping Report presented by The All-New Toyota Tacoma revealed that 53.7% of campers brought their pooches to the campsite last year.
While dogs are by far the most popular pet to camp with, 5.8% of respondents said they went camping with cats. Other campers reported bringing along chickens, box turtles, guinea pigs and parrots.
“We often run The Dyrt remotely from our camper van and Brandy, aka The Dyrt Dog, is with us for every mile,” says Sarah Smith, founder of The Dyrt. “Sometimes it seems like she has to pack more gear than us, but it’s so amazing to have her with us 24/7 as we work and enjoy campgrounds across the country.”
Property owners and campground managers worked to accommodate dogs as well as campers in 2023. Dog parks were the third-most popular amenity to be added to campgrounds, behind only Wi-Fi and pickleball courts. And non-human companions are especially prevalent in the RV camping community, as RV campers were 20.8% more likely to camp with pets.
“I love taking my dog Lola with me camping because to me it reminds me of the quintessential Americana where an individual is hiking on a trail or sleeping under the stars with their beloved friend,” says The Dyrt camper Steven M. of Utah. “When Lola sees me packing up the camper and truck, she starts her little zoomies happy dance. The bond we share while out in nature or in the middle of nowhere is priceless. Also, camping and dogs go together like pancakes and syrup!”
Bringing dogs and cats on camping trips was most prevalent in Washington, where campers were 8% more likely to camp with dogs and 24% more likely to camp with cats.
Each year The Dyrt presents the Top 9 for K-9s list of best places to camp with dogs, largely based on reviews and amenities tailored to the tailed. The 2024 list will be released in July. There are more than 12 million reviews of 70,000 campgrounds on The Dyrt, and some of them include dog- and pet-specific information that is extremely helpful for planning camping trips when being accompanied by four-legged friends.
About The Dyrt
The Dyrt is the only comprehensive camping app with over 12 million user-generated reviews, photos and tips for RV sites, cabins, glamping and tent camping locations, including all public, private and free camping areas in the United States. The Dyrt is how campers find and book camping of any type anywhere in the U.S. With The Dyrt PRO, campers get reservations at sold-out campgrounds, advanced maps, discounts on camping and more. The Dyrt is the most downloaded camping app in both the iOS and Android app stores. The Dyrt helps millions of campers find “camping near me” — download The Dyrt app today.
Photo Credit: The Dyrt camper Brandy C. at Fall Creek Falls State Park in Tennessee
SOURCE The Dyrt
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The Farmer’s Dog is expanding its reach through a new retail collaboration with Walmart, a move that will make its personalized, human-grade dog meal plans available to more pet owners across the United States. According to a corrected press release issued March 24, the company’s service will become available through Walmart.com beginning in April, marking The Farmer’s Dog’s first launch into retail.
The New York-based company says the partnership is designed to increase access to minimally processed dog food at a national scale. By working with Walmart, The Farmer’s Dog aims to connect with millions of dog families who may be looking for alternatives to more heavily processed pet food options. The company has positioned itself as a leader in human-grade pet nutrition, emphasizing meals made to support long-term canine health.
Jonathan Regev, CEO and co-founder of The Farmer’s Dog, said the company was founded on the belief that real food can make a meaningful difference in dogs’ lives. He described the Walmart collaboration as an opportunity to meet pet owners where they already shop and to help more dogs eat better and live healthier lives. Walmart also framed the partnership as part of its broader effort to offer customers products and services for every member of the household, including pets.
Since its founding, The Farmer’s Dog says it has served more than 1 billion meals and helped shift consumer attention toward fresher, less processed nutrition for dogs. The company also pointed to published metabolomics research that it says demonstrates health improvements associated with its meals. With the Walmart launch set for April, dog owners nationwide will soon have another way to access The Farmer’s Dog’s personalized meal plans online.
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Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
Pup-Peroni is giving dog owners a new reason to show off their pets. The brand has teamed up with Walmart to launch the nationwide #BestPup_Contest, a promotion that will give one winning dog the chance to appear on limited-edition Pup-Peroni packaging sold exclusively at Walmart stores and online.
The campaign ties into Pup-Peroni’s broader “Treat the Best to the Best” messaging and turns social sharing into a high-visibility brand moment. Rather than offering a standard giveaway alone, the contest invites pet parents to compete for something more memorable: a spot on real retail packaging.
How the Contest Works
To enter, dog owners must post a photo or video on Instagram or TikTok from a public account and include a one-sentence caption explaining why their dog is the best. Entries must also include the hashtag #BestPup_Contest and tag @PupPeroni and @Walmart.
According to the announcement, entries are being accepted through May 27, 2026. The contest is open to legal residents of the 48 contiguous United States and Washington, D.C., age 18 or older. No purchase is necessary.
What the Winners Receive
The grand prize winner will receive a $5,000 Walmart gift card and have their dog featured on limited-edition Pup-Peroni Original Beef Recipe packaging beginning in August at select Walmart locations and online. Five runners-up will each receive a $1,000 Walmart gift card, a year’s supply of Pup-Peroni treats, and custom medals.
The promotion stands out because it blends user-generated content, retail exclusivity, and pet-owner enthusiasm into one campaign. For a brand built around the bond between dogs and their owners, it is a smart way to turn everyday social behavior into a branded experience that feels personal and shareable.
Product and Brand Details
Pup-Peroni says its Original Beef Recipe treats are made with real beef as the first ingredient and slow-cooked for 2.5 hours for a tender texture and rich flavor. The product is available at grocery stores and major retailers, including Walmart.
Since 1984, Pup-Peroni has positioned itself as a craveable dog treat brand focused on bringing dogs and owners closer together. This latest Walmart-exclusive contest extends that identity with a campaign designed to celebrate dogs while driving attention both online and in-store.
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Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
Raw Pet Food Recall Raises Health Concerns Nationwide—Here’s What Pet Owners Need to Know
A pet food recall tied to dangerous bacteria is raising concerns beyond the Northeast, highlighting growing risks associated with raw pet diets. The recall involves products from Raaw Energy, LLC, a New Jersey-based company, after testing revealed contamination with multiple harmful pathogens.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), affected products tested positive for Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli, and Campylobacter jejuni—all of which can cause serious illness in both pets and humans.
Why This Recall Matters Nationwide
Although the recalled products were primarily distributed across Northeastern states, this story has broader implications for pet owners across the United States, including here in Arizona.
Raw pet food diets have grown in popularity in recent years, often marketed as a more natural alternative to traditional kibble. However, veterinary experts and federal agencies have consistently warned that raw diets carry a higher risk of bacterial contamination.
This recall reinforces those concerns, especially as it involves multiple products and several types of harmful bacteria—suggesting potential issues with handling or production safety.
Health Risks for Pets and Humans
One of the most important takeaways from this recall is that it is not just about pet safety—it’s also a human health issue.
- Salmonella and E. coli can cause severe gastrointestinal illness
- Listeria can be especially dangerous for pregnant individuals, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems
- Campylobacter infections can lead to fever, cramping, and diarrhea
Humans can become infected by handling contaminated pet food, touching contaminated surfaces, or failing to properly wash hands after feeding pets.
Pets May Not Show Immediate Symptoms
Another concern is that pets infected with these bacteria may not show obvious symptoms right away. Even healthy-looking animals can carry and spread bacteria in the home, increasing the risk for owners and family members.
When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
Products Included in the Recall
The recall affects multiple raw pet food products, including chicken, beef, turkey, and salmon blends sold in 2-pound and 5-pound tubes with 2025 date codes.
The wide range of affected products suggests this is not an isolated batch issue, but a broader safety concern.
What Pet Owners Should Do Now
If you feed your pet raw food or have purchased products from Raaw Energy, take the following steps immediately:
- Check packaging and date codes carefully
- Do not feed any recalled products
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling pet food
- Sanitize pet bowls, utensils, and surfaces
- Contact your veterinarian if your pet shows symptoms
An Ongoing Investigation
The FDA has not yet assigned an official classification to this recall, meaning the overall risk level is still under evaluation. Additional updates or expanded recalls could follow as more information becomes available.
For now, experts say this serves as a reminder that while raw pet food diets may appeal to some owners, they come with real and sometimes overlooked risks.
The Bottom Line
This recall is more than a regional issue—it’s part of a growing national conversation about pet food safety. For pet owners, the priority is simple: stay informed, handle pet food safely, and act quickly when recalls are announced.
