What could be better than visiting a favorite place with your favorite friend? Some national parks welcome pets, and some even allow them on trails. But every park is different, so always check with the park before you go to find out where your pet can hike. The Park Service keeps a map of parks that allow pets.
Image from the National Park Service's "I Didn't Know That!" page on hiking with pets.
Before you hit the trail
- Check your dog is ready. Is your pet healthy, fit enough for the hike, and well-mannered on a trail? A long, busy trail full of new smells can overwhelm a dog.
- Pack for two. Bring extra water and light snacks for your pet — they'll enjoy a mid-hike treat as much as you do.
- Watch for overheating. Heavy panting, drooling or vomiting mean it's time for a break.
- Remember that your pet's safety is your responsibility. Keep your dog leashed and away from wildlife.
For more, see the Park Service's tips on hiking with pets and the Leave No Trace principles.
Walking a dog on Cache Valley Road. Credit: National Park Service / Veronica Verdin.
The B.A.R.K. principles
Learn these, visit a participating park, take the pledge, and your dog can earn a B.A.R.K. Ranger badge.
| Principle | Why | |
|---|---|---|
| B | Bag your pet's waste | No one wants a trail littered with dog poop — and pet waste can carry harmful bacteria into fresh water and pass diseases to wildlife. Pick it up and dispose of it |
| A | Always use a leash | Even a well-behaved dog gets excited in a park. A 6-foot leash keeps you, your pet and other hikers safe |
| R | Respect wildlife | Pets can startle or provoke wild animals, leading to injuries, and can catch diseases from wildlife or give diseases to them |
| K | Know where you can go | Dogs are welcome on many trails, but some areas are off-limits — check with the park |
The "Hiking with Pets" card to download and share. Image from the National Park Service's "I Didn't Know That!" page on hiking with pets.
Pass it on
Nobody can be an expert in everything, which is why sharing what you know matters. If you meet a fellow pet owner whose "petiquette" needs work, pass on the tips — it's fine to say, "I didn't know that!"
Sources
Based on "I Didn't Know That!: Hiking with Pets," National Park Service; a work of the United States government in the public domain.
Licence: CC0 1.0 (public domain) · Adapted from www.nps.gov
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