·:[ National Park Reservations Blog ]:·
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Some people just like to take their pets on trips that last more than a few days.  You should seriously consider not bringing pets on your national park vacation but if you must there are some basic things to keep in mind. 

 

While pet regulations may vary somewhat from park to park, the standard policy in most national parks is that pets must be leashed or physically restrained at all times and pet leashes may be no longer than six feet in length. In addition, pets may not be left unattended, tied or physically confined.

 

The NPS offers several explanations as to why the presence of pets is regulated in the parks. Dogs, the most common traveling companion, are natural predators that may harass or even kill native wildlife which is protected within a park’s boundaries. Domestic dogs and cats also pose several threats to natural resources. They retain a primitive instinct to mark their territories with scent and can spread diseases to other wildlife. Many national parks include narrow trails, and since pets are sometimes hard to control, even on a leash, they may trample or dig up fragile vegetation.

 

If you do choose to bring you pet make sure that you have a kennel to keep you pet secured in, a leash and harness to control pets and that your pets have all their shots updated and you have a record from their vet.

 

To make reservations at pet friendly lodging in any national park log on to www.nationalparkresvations.com.  Here you will find pages in each national park that contain hotels that allow pets!

 

Happy Travels!