Pets

India enjoying a walk with owner Mike Rice.

Pets are not allowed inside the visitor center at Aztec Ruins, nor are they allowed on the archaeological trail. Service animals are the exception. All pets are welcome in the parking lot, the picnic area, and along the Old Spanish Trail.

Remember, temperatures can be high in closed vehicles, even when the outside temperature is not. Do not leave your pet for long periods of time in a locked vehicle. If you must leave a pet in a car, park in a shaded area, make sure to have the windows partway open, and above all, don't leave them unattended for long.

For the safety and comfort of other visitors, all pet waste must be bagged and put in the trash. Bags for visitor use are available in the parking lot and the picnic area.

 

Service Animals Notice

Harper's Ferry Center/NPS

Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Service animals that have been individually trained to perform specific task(s) for the benefit of an individual with a disability are allowed to go anywhere you are allowed to go in the park. The tasks performed by the animal must be directly related to the person’s disability.

Therapy, companion, or comfort animals are not service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act and may not access visitor centers, trails or other non-motorized areas. Owners of service dogs must comply with pet waste and restraint regulations, unless restraint specifically interferes with the task the dog is trained to perform.

A service animal must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless (1) these devices interfere with the service animal’s work, or (2) the individual’s disability prevents them from using these devices. In those cases, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective means.