Yellowstone National Park - Regulations Regarding Pets (U.S. National Park Service)

Traveling with Pets in Yellowstone

Duration 3 minutes, 51 seconds
Park Ranger George Heinz covers some of the rules and provides advice related to traveling with pets in Yellowstone.

Credit / Author: Yellowstone Web Video Team
Date Created: 2010-02-04

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Here in Yellowstone, we realize that many people will be traveling with pets. There are a few things you need to consider if that is the case with your family. Pets are allowed here, but there are strict guidelines you will need to follow.

Pets are allowed in public areas, parking lots and within 100 feet of any road. They must be on a leash that is not longer than 6 feet in length at all times. Visitors are not allowed to tie their pet to trees or other objects and leave them unattended. Pet kennels cannot be left outside of vehicles.

If you do leave a pet in a vehicle, make sure you have proper ventilation. If possible, park in a shady spot or plan that part of you visit for early in the day. Although the climate in Yellowstone is cooler than most of the country, vehicles heat-up fast here.

While leashed pets are allowed to accompany their owners to the viewing benches around Old Faithful Geyser, they are not allowed on any other boardwalks or trails. Pets are prohibited from all of Yellowstone’s backcountry, including trails.

We realize that at first glance these rules seem harsh, but they’re for your safety and the safety of your pet. Animals seen harassing wildlife are subject to impoundment and possibly being destroyed or the owner fined.

Yellowstone is the land of bears and wolves and many other things that can prey on domestic animals. Bears and wolves particularly don’t like dogs. While it is possible that your dog may outrun a bear, it is unlikely you could. Bears have been known to follow domestic dogs back to their owners. Wolves see domestic dogs as competition.

Thermal areas, which are located all across Yellowstone, pose a huge threat to your animals. Much of the thermal water in the park is at or nearly at the boiling point. Dogs have a difficult time distinguishing between cool water and hot water. There have been many occasions where dogs have been injured or killed by jumping into hot water here. There have even been instances where owners have lost their lives trying to save a pet.

Be aware that diseases can be spread from domestic animals to Yellowstone’s wild animals and vice versa. Mange, Parvo and Distemper are found in wild animals and can be transmitted to your pet. You must clean-up after your pet. It is required that you carry proof on vaccinations from a veterinarian. Park Rangers may ask to see those documents.

If you can’t leave an animal home, but you would like visit Yellowstone without the worry associated with having a pet in the park, consider one of the local kennels. You will find a list of places that will watch over your beloved animals on our website (www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/kennels.htm). These services are located in communities outside of the park so plan ahead.

If you are going to stay overnight in Yellowstone with your pet, you have some options. Pets are allowed in campgrounds and the same rules mentioned earlier apply while camping. Be aware that food and water bowls cannot be left outside. Checkout our website for more information on safe camping in bear country (www.nps.gov/yell) before you visit.

Pets are not allowed in hotel rooms in the park, but dogs and cats are allowed in some cabins. Check with Xanterra Parks and Resorts for more on availability, fees and regulations (www.travelyellowstone.com).
We realize that pets are part of the family and we want you and your family to enjoy the world Yellowstone has to offer, but we also want to protect your family and the park. This is truly an amazing place and if you plan ahead and use caution a trip to Yellowstone is something you won’t forget.

1. Pets are prohibited in the backcountry and on trails and boardwalks for the following reasons:

Yellowstone National Park is a designated natural area where wildlife are free to roam undisturbed. Park visitors should be able to enjoy native wildlife in their natural environment without the disruption of other people's pets.
Pets occasionally escape from their owners. Domestic animals generally lack the ability to survive in the wild.
Yellowstone is bear country, and domestic animals (especially dogs) and bears are traditionally antagonists. A loose dog can lead a bear directly back to you.
There is a strong possibility that your pet could become prey for a bear, coyote, owl, or other predator.
There is a possibility of exchange of diseases between domestic animals and wildlife.
Thermal areas pose particular hazards to pets. Boiling water in pools and thermal channels can cause severe or fatal burns if your pet decides to take a drink or go for a swim.

2. Pets may accompany you in the front country areas of the park.
This includes any areas within 100 feet of roads, parking areas, and campgrounds. Pets must be kept under physical control at all times - caged, crated, or on a leash not to exceed six feet in length.

3. It is prohibited to leave a pet unattended and tied to an object.
If necessary, pets may remain in your vehicle while you are viewing attractions near roads and parking areas. However, we care about your pet's well being. Be sure to provide sufficient ventilation for its comfort and survival.

Pets running at large may be impounded and the owner charged for the care and feeding of the animal. By law, any domestic animal observed by authorities to be molesting or killing wildlife may be destroyed if necessary for public safety or the protection of wildlife.

4. Pets should leave no traces other than footprints.
The owner is responsible for clean-up and disposal of all pet feces. Please be thoughtful of other visitors as well as your pet.

Xanterra Parks & Resorts, the park lodging concessioner, allows pets in some cabin facilities. Their telephone number for reservations and information is (307) 344-7901.

There are no kennel facilities within Yellowstone National Park but there are kennels outside Yellowstone in the Greater Yellowstone Area. Please visit our kennels page to locate a kennel.

Traveling with Pets in Yellowstone

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