Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks. With the help of volunteers and partners, NPS safeguards these special places and share their stories with more than 275 million visitors every year.
On a road trip with your dog? National parks welcome pets—in developed areas, on many trails and campgrounds, and in some lodging facilities. The National Park Service preserves special places for visitors to enjoy—even with your furry family members. Learn the where, what, and how of traveling with your pets in national parks.
National Park Service General Pet Rule/Prohibitions:
(a) The following are prohibited:
(1) Possessing a pet in a public building, public transportation vehicle, or location designated as a swimming beach, or any structure or area closed to the possession of pets by the superintendent. This subparagraph shall not apply to guide dogs accompanying visually impaired persons or hearing ear dogs accompanying hearing-impaired persons.
(2) Failing to crate, cage, restrain on a leash which shall not exceed six feet in length, or otherwise physically confine a pet at all times.
(3) Leaving a pet unattended and tied to an object, except in designated areas or under conditions which may be established by the superintendent.
(4) Allowing a pet to make noise that is unreasonable considering location, time of day or night, impact on park users, and other relevant factors, or that frightens wildlife by barking, howling, or making other noise.
(5) Failing to comply with pet excrement disposal conditions which may be established by the superintendent.
(b) In park areas where hunting is allowed, dogs may be used in support of these activities in accordance with applicable Federal and State laws and in accordance with conditions which may be established by the superintendent.
(c) Pets or feral animals that are running-at-large and observed by an authorized person in the act of killing, injuring or molesting humans, livestock, or wildlife may be destroyed if necessary for public safety or protection of wildlife, livestock, or other park resources.
(d) Pets running-at-large may be impounded, and the owner may be charged reasonable fees for kennel or boarding costs, feed, veterinarian fees, transportation costs, and disposal. An impounded pet may be put up for adoption or otherwise disposed of after being held for 72 hours from the time the owner was notified of capture or 72 hours from the time of capture if the owner is unknown.
(e) Pets may be kept by residents of park areas consistent with the provisions of this section and in accordance with conditions which may be established by the superintendent. Violation of these conditions is prohibited.
(f) This section does not apply to dogs used by authorized Federal, State and local law enforcement officers in the performance of their official duties.
The National Park Foundation, in partnership with the National Park Service, enriches America’s national parks and programs through private support, safeguarding our heritage and inspiring generations of national park enthusiasts.
Recreation.gov is your gateway to discover America’s Outdoors and more!
Recreation.gov is your one-stop shop for trip planning, information sharing and reservations brought to you by 12 federal Participating Partners. Seven of these partner agencies including the Army Corps of Engineers, Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Archives, offer advance reservations at 2,500 federal areas for over 60,000 facilities and activities.
Pets must be:
- Leashed at all times
- Generally not allowed on beaches or in buildings
- Cannot be left unattended
- Proof of rabies may be requested upon check in
Pets might not be allowed in/on:
- Cabins
- Yurts
- Day Use Sites
- Pavilions
We are a multi-faceted agency that manages and protects 154 national forests and 20 grasslands in 43 states and Puerto Rico. The agency’s mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Dogs are welcome in most areas of all national forests. In many cases pets are allowed off leash as long as they are under your verbal control. For more information about dog rules of a national forest near you, view the All Areas page.
General rules and helpful info for pets at a National Forest
Engage Americans in promoting the health and public enjoyment of our National Forests. Our National Forests and Grasslands are at the core of America’s natural riches, and yet, today these treasures are threatened by unprecedented challenges.
The BLM was established in 1946, but its roots go back to the years after America’s independence, when the young nation began acquiring additional lands.
Dogs are welcome in most areas regulated by the Bureau of Land Management. For more information about dog rules and pet policies of an area near you, view the All Areas page
Co-founders Keith & Sevag both believe we can all do more to support our amazing parklands. They help fund needed projects specific to a public land.