Pets

Hot Springs National Park Is Pet Friendly

A red dog sits with her mouth open in front of a scenic vista. — All of the trails in Hot Springs National Park are Dog friendly.
NPS photo

Pets are an important part of our lives, providing companionship, love, and joy to their caretakers.

Hot Springs National Park has a BARK Ranger program that your canine companion can complete! See below for more info. You can also stop by the Fordyce Visitor Center or call for more information.
Dogs are welcome on all 26 miles of the Hot Springs National Park trails. There are Pet Waste Stations located on both ends of Bathhouse Row and in the campground.
Pets are not permitted inside of Federal Buildings but must wait outside the visitor center and other park buildings. Pets are allowed in the Superior Bathhouse Restaurant and Brewery.
Pets should not be left unattended. Summer heat poses a threat to pets left in vehicles.
Plan ahead and prepare. Check out our safety page before you go. Take enough water for you and your dog. Be sure the sun has not made the pavement too hot for your pets paws.
Service animals and Certified Guide animals are allowed in all federal buildings. For the definition of a service animal, please see the Americans with Disibilities Act (ADA) definition.

Man and woman walking dog on a leash on the sidewalk — Enjoy a walk with your dog on Bathhouse Row or any of the parks trails.
NPS Image

Follow the B.A.R.K. Ranger Principles

By following the principles below, you can ensure that your pet, your family, and fellow guests will have a positive and memorable experience while visiting Hot Springs National Park.

Bag your pets waste. Help keep your national park clean by collecting and disposing of all dog waste. Public garbage cans are located throughout the park, including at the visitor center.
Always keep your pet on a leash. For the safety and comfort of all the park’s visitors, dogs must be restrained on a leash no longer than 6 feet. We know that sometimes Fido likes to run free, but keeping dogs on leashes will also protect them from ticks, snakes and other wildlife, and other dogs.
Respect wildlife. The park is also home to snakes, birds, rabbits, deer, and other wildlife. Pets can harass or harm wildlife by making noise or scaring wildlife away. Please keep your dog at a respectful distance from any animals you may encounter.
Know where you can go. Pets are not allowed inside park facilities, including the visitor center. However, the national park is home to 26 miles of trails that dogs (and their humans) love!