Yellowstone is among the best national parks in the United States. You can get a ticket for cheap and enjoy everything America’s record-breaking park has to offer. But wait: what if you want to take your dog along for the ride? Are canines allowed? The answer is yes, but only if you follow the park’s somewhat harsh restrictions and limitations.
The only animals that have access to all Yellowstone facilities are licensed service dogs. However, if it’s just a pet dog, it has to be controlled 24/7 and never left unattended. And even then, they won’t let your pet near the boardwalks or thermal areas. Yes, there are quite a few regulations to keep in mind. Read on to learn more!
What Is Yellowstone National Park? Why Is It Popular?
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yellowstone is one of the most frequently visited national parks in the States. It’s a gigantic recreation area (up to 3,500 square miles) built on top of an ancient volcano. Mostly, Yellowstone is located in Wyoming, but it also extends to Idaho and Montana. There’s plenty to see there, including lush forests, rivers, canyons, and hot springs. The park has its own Grand Canyon, too.
More than that, it’s inhabited by different animals, most notably antelopes, wolves, and bears. Yellowstone is also home to 10K+ hydrothermal features. If you’ve ever wondered why this park looks so otherworldly (we’re talking about the beautiful combination of colors/hues), the bacteria that live in these features are responsible for that. First opened back in 1872, Yellowstone is still very popular.
Can You Visit With a Dog?
Thankfully, dogs are not banned from Yellowstone. But, sadly, you won’t be able to enjoy it to the fullest while having a pet on your side. First, a dog will only be allowed to stroll along with you in the developed areas. Secondly, the four-legged chap has to stay within 100 feet of the closest camping areas, parking spots, and roads. Thermal areas, in turn, are off-limits for dogs.
The same is true for the Yellowstone hiking trails, boardwalks/elevated paths, and undeveloped areas (like the backcountry). Also, make sure you have full control over the dog. That means it has to be on a leash (the max length for it is six feet), in a crate, or sitting in a car. NEVER let the dog walk/run on its own or tie it to a lamppost, tree, table leg, or anything like that. Here are some more requirements:
- Clean after the pet. Bag and dispose of its waste as soon as possible. Before you head out, double-check to make sure you have dog bags packed.
- When camping with the dog on the camping grounds, don’t leave any water bottles or food bowls behind.
- See that the pooch is comfortable. It must have access to food and water and be protected from the scorching sunlight.
- Don’t leave the dog in the vehicle for too long. It would be best to have a human in the vehicle to look after it.
These rules apply to dogs of all shapes and sizes. Carried pets don’t get any “free passes”. Only registered service dogs are allowed to be in the park and all of its facilities. But even they are required to be on a leash at all times while visiting Yellowstone.
Why Do These Restrictions Exist, Anyway?
For a person that’s never been to Yellowstone or any other gigantic national park, all these limitations might seem like a bit too much. However, they’re there for a reason, and that’s to protect your dog:
- The wildlife in Yellowstone includes bears and wolves, and there’s a high risk of the dog being injured or even killed by them. Wolves see most dog breeds as competition and will be quick to assault. As for bears, sometimes, they follow pets and attack their owners instead!
- As a domestic companion, your pet won’t be immune to a wide range of wildlife diseases. The animals in the park, in turn, will be defenseless against certain diseases that the dog carries. That’s why interactions between “home-grown” and wild animals are prohibited.
- The hot springs are another hazard. A pet that’s never seen one and lacks supervision may end up hurting itself or getting burned to death. Unfortunately, this has already happened. The water in Yellowstone’s thermal areas is hot, yet dogs have a hard time realizing that.
- Lastly, unless the dog is obedient and socialized, it will turn into a nuisance for other visitors. Now, if you’ve been training the dog since it’s been a pup, it won’t be aggressive or suspicious of other humans. But, even then, some folks will still be intimidated by it.
What About the Outside Areas?
There are quite a few kennels located in communities near Yellowstone. So, if you’ve got your dog in the car, yet don’t want to worry about it while exploring the park, do consider leaving it there. Now, pets are not allowed in hotels. However, there are many cozy cabins and loggings in the area that will gladly accept your doggo. That will cost you $25.
Give them a call first, though: chances are, they might be booked ahead. Or, why not try and enjoy the surroundings together with the pet? While they might not be as picturesque as the park itself, there’s still a lot to see there. Besides, you won’t have to pay a single penny just to drive around outside of the park.
Cats and Other Pets: Are They Banned?
While cats are much smaller and less aggressive than dogs (i.e., they won’t disturb other visitors), every single regulation that we just discussed applies to them as well. So, don’t leave them unattended, make sure they don’t run away, and protect your feline from wildlife and hot spots. Oh, and don’t forget to clean up after the cat!
- See Also: Are Dogs Allowed in Yosemite?
Do the Same Rules Apply to All Parks?
Yes, most national parks do impose strict restrictions on domestic animals. Just like Yellowstone, they don’t allow dogs, cats, or any other four-legged companions in the most crowded areas. This is true for all animals, no matter how big, small, or cute they are. To avoid hassle with the park’s staff members, check in advance to learn about your rights.
For that, go to the official website, social media groups, or send an email. To speak to a representative directly, go ahead and call them. It shouldn’t be hard to find this info on official resources. But, since all national parks, wilderness zones, and public-access areas are owned by the US government, expect the rules and limitations to be similar, if not identical.
Dog Etiquette in Public Places: Essential Guide
Before you do any socializing with your dog like going to a park, follow these simple yet important tips:
- The main rule when going to a public spot is to have your dog restrained (safely) with a premium-quality harness or collar. This way, the two of you will be able to enjoy the day instead of worrying about potential incidents. Some places do allow removing the leash, so check in advance.
- Next, make sure you’ve got your vaccine and ID tags with you, along with a license that proves you are the owner. Without it, you might run into trouble with the authorities. The ID tag should include general info on your name, current address, and phone number. We also recommend investing in a GPS tracker.
- Pack some treats and a bottle of water. True, most national parks and other establishments do have vending machines and stores. But the food and water there might not be ideal for your doggo. This is especially true if it’s on a special diet put together by a veterinarian. A blanket will come in handy as well.
- As for etiquette, arm yourself with poop bags to clean after the pet. These don’t cost much. And remember: in the government’s eyes, the dog is your property. So, any injuries, damages, and other “felonies” committed by the furry family member will be put on you.
- Lastly, kindly ask the pooch not to climb on the chairs and tables. The best spot for a pet in a public place is under the table. If you let it wander off, the dog might scare some strangers (especially kids) when it’s stressed. Or, the crowd will step on its feet or tail, and that’s very painful!
Conclusion
If you’re a big fan of nature, breathtaking views, and exotic animals, you probably have Yellowstone on your must-visit list. And what better way to explore this gigantic national park than in the company of your four-legged bud, right? Well, it’s not that easy. While dogs are not banned, the laws and limitations regarding pets are very strict.
The good news is—if you take a moment to learn your way around these regulations, you can still visit Yellowstone with your dog. Besides, the area beyond the park’s borders is just as beautiful, and it doesn’t have nearly as many restrictions. So, plan ahead, pack some tasty snacks, and hit the road!
See also:
- 2 Dog Friendly Trails in the Grand Canyon (With Pictures & Tips)
- Are Dogs Allowed in Arches National Park?
Featured Image Credit: Spring_summer, Shutterstock
