Be a B.A.R.K. Ranger at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP

B.A.R.K. Rangers enjoys talking walks at Fairview on the Chancellorsville Battlefield.

NPS Photo

B.A.R.K. Principles

Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park is a great place to bring your pet. The National Park Service encourages pet owners to follow the four B.A.R.K. principles during their visit. These principles help protect you, your pet, and the park. B.A.R.K. stands for:

B – Bag Your Pet’s Waste

Help keep the park clean by bagging your pet’s waste and throwing it away in the trash. Pet waste can spread diseases to other animals.

A – Always Leash Your Pet

Pets must be restrained on a leash no more than six feet long. Unleashed pets can harm wildlife and other visitors. Leashed pets cannot be left unattended. Make sure your leashed pet is well behaved around other visitors.

R – Respect Wildlife

Make sure that your pet keeps clear of wildlife and stays on designated trails. Always stay 25 yards from wildlife that you may encounter. Ensure that all pet food is secured to avoid attracting wildlife.

K – Know Where You Can Go

Plan ahead and know where you can take your pet. Do not leave your pet unattended in the park or left alone in a vehicle. Read more about rules for pets at Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania Military Park below.

Become a B.A.R.K. Ranger

Do you want your pet to become an official B.A.R.K. Ranger? Here’s what you need to do:

1. Learn the four B.A.R.K. principles.

2. Take the B.A.R.K. Ranger pledge.

3. Receive an official B.A.R.K. Ranger certificate.

Stop by any of our visitor centers to take the pledge. Official B.A.R.K. Ranger badges are available for purchase in park bookstores.

Activities

Check out our calendar to learn about upcoming B.A.R.K. Ranger activities in the park.

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Visiting the Battlefields with Pets

Pets are welcome on all park grounds with the exception of the Fredericksburg National Cemetery. The park has a number of hiking trails, which provide a great opportunity to exercise with your pet! Our driving tours are also pet-friendly, and animals are welcome on outdoor park programs as well. When visiting with a pet, make sure to plan ahead! 

Rules for Pets

• Pets must be securely leashed at all times when walking the grounds, with no exceptions. In addition to the safety of other pets and human visitors, many locations within the park are near busy public roads.
• Please keep in mind that your pet will likely come into contact with other visitors (both human and canine) when out in the park, so it is important to have an awareness of your pet’s social behavior.
• Pets are not permitted in the Fredericksburg National Cemetery or any park buildings including the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center, the Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center, or in any of the park’s historic structures.

Safety Tips

• Bring plenty of water, particularly in the warm summer season, and be aware of your pet’s physical limitations.
• Plan to have someone stay with your animal at all times. A pet should never be left in a car alone.
• Before your visit, ensure that your pet can safely attend all activities.
• If a paved surface is too hot to touch, then it is too hot for your pet’s paws. To test if a surface is safe for your pet, place the back of your hand on the pavement. If you cannot hold your hand there for five seconds, then it is too hot for your pet.
• Know where your pet can get water while visiting the park. Carry extra water for your pet while outdoors.
• Keep your pet attended and leashed to reduce the chance of injury. Ensure that your pet is vaccinated, as wildlife can spread diseases such as rabies.
• Be mindful of public roads and vehicle traffic when walking your pet in the park.

Service Animals

Service animals are legally permitted at any location within the park, without exception. Learn more about accessibility within the park.