When vacationing in nature, it is only right to think about taking your pet with you to enjoy the outdoors. Before you plan your visit to a national park, research the pet policies of the park or parks you plan to visit so you aren’t caught off guard.
What are pet-friendly national parks?
There are 63 national parks in the United States. Truly pet-friendly parks are those that allow pets in most areas of the park where people are allowed, such as: B. on paths and viewpoints. However, this is not always the case. While most national parks tolerate pets to some extent, some strictly restrict pets’ stay to certain areas such as parking lots, campgrounds, or roads. This is often for the safety of both pets and other wildlife in the park.
Rules and Regulations of Pet-Friendly National Parks
In pet-friendly national parks, the National Park Service (NPS) has a set of guiding principles called B.A.R.K.:
Bag your pet’s feces
Always keep your pet on a leash
Respect wildlife
Know where you can go
Some even offer park ranger-led programs that can help your dog become a “B.A.R.K.” Ranger.”
In addition to the core principles, NPS has a set of more detailed regulations that apply to all parks. These rules include that pets are prohibited indoors (except service animals), that they are not allowed to make noise that is inappropriate for the location (e.g. excessive howling or barking that disrupts other visitors or wildlife), and that owners do not leave pets tethered unattended allowed to let.
In addition to statewide regulations, many individual parks have specific rules and regulations, particularly regarding where pets are allowed. The strictest parks may only allow pets in developed areas like parking lots (including held pets or in carriers), but even the most pet-friendly parks are also likely to have some restrictions in place, such as banning pets on particularly challenging trails in the Old Rag -Hike in Shenandoah National Park.
NPS has an interactive map that users can click to learn about the pet policies of various national parks, as well as hundreds of other national monuments, battlefields, wildlife refuges and other historic areas.
Types of Pet-Friendly National Parks
Based on these rules, the following national parks are the most hospitable to pets:
Cuyahoga Valley National Park: Dogs, cats and other pets are allowed on the more than 100 miles of trails in this Ohio park. Just avoid the mountain bike trails.
Acadia National Park: This coastal attraction in Maine allows pets on 100 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads. Most campsites also allow pets. Here, swimming in the lakes, which are public water supply facilities, is prohibited for both pets and people.
Grand Canyon National Park: While pets are not permitted below the rim on interior canyon trails, they are permitted on trails above the rim and in certain campgrounds. There is a Grand Canyon Kennel on-site where visitors can house their dogs and cats while they go on some of the more adventurous hikes.
Petrified Forest National Park: This Arizona park allows pets on all trails and backcountry areas.
Tips for visiting pet-friendly national parks
Traveling with your pet can be enriching for both the pet and the owner and provide an opportunity to socialize. However, preparation is crucial to a successful visit to a national park.
Decide if it's worth it
Many parks have strict restrictions on pets. Therefore, it is important to think about whether it is worth bringing your pet with you. If you bring these with you, you may be limited in what activities you can participate in and where you can stay overnight.
Know the rules
In order to have fun and respect the national parks, it is important to know the specific rules of the park you want to visit. Failure to follow the rules can be harmful to wildlife, other visitors or even your pet.
Be prepared
In addition to bringing essentials like food, water, treats, and toys, it’s important to be prepared for different scenarios on your trip. You should travel with a pet first aid kit and ensure your pet receives the proper flea, tick and heartworm medication to prepare for extended periods of time outdoors. Also, consider what you will do if you want to do one of the hikes or activities that don’t allow pets. Do you have a backup plan for your pet?
To be responsible
You are responsible for your pet’s behavior. Therefore, be sure to keep it under control. Practicing basic commands and manners in public before your trip can make a big difference once your pet is in a familiar place.