Activities with pets are very limited at Mesa Verde National Park. Pets are not allowed on trails, in archeological sites, or in buildings (service dogs, excepted). Pets may be walked along paved roads, in parking lots, and at the campground. However, pets must be leashed at all times when outside a vehicle. Leaving pets unattended or tied to any object within the park is prohibited, including the exterior of motor vehicles parked within park boundaries.

Be Aware!
Please remember that your pet is as susceptible to the heat as you are. Keep your pet hydrated and cool. Pets may be left unattended within motor vehicles with proper ventilation and water, only in weather that is not hazardous to the immediate welfare of the animal. With daytime temperatures at Mesa Verde ranging from 80° to over 90° from late-spring to early-fall, the inside of a car can get hot very quickly, endangering your pet. On warm days, the temperature in a car can rise to 120° in a matter of minutes, even with the windows opened slightly. There are few shady locations to park your car, so even on cooler days, temperatures within the car can still rise to dangerous levels.

If you choose to board your pet, a number of kennels are available in the local communities. Contact one of the following organizations to locate a boarding facility:

Colorado Welcome Center
Cortez, CO
970-565-3414

Mancos Visitor Center
Mancos, CO
970-533-7434 or 800-873-3310
Open spring, summer, and fall

Dolores Visitor Center
Dolores, CO
970-882-4018 or 800-807-4712
Open spring, summer, and fall

Durango Area Tourism Office
Durango, CO
800-525-8855