Service Animals

"Not all service animals are dogs", said the service pony.

NPS/Photo

Service animals are allowed in all facilities and on all trails unless an area has been closed by the superintendent to protect park resources.

Definition of Service Animal

NPS policy regarding service animals mirrors guidelines established by the Department of Justice. A service animal is defined as any animal that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.

Animals that are not trained to perform tasks that mitigate the effects of a disability, including animals that are used purely to provide comfort or emotional support ("therapy animals"), are considered pets. Pets are subject to the park's pet regulations and are not allowed on trails or boardwalks.

Things to Know

Where domestic animals and wildlife overlap there is a possibility of exchanging diseases between the two groups. Domestic dogs can introduce disease into wildlife habitats and the park's canids (coyotes and foxes) are vulnerable to domestic diseases such as canine distemper, parvo virus, rabies, mange,etc. Likewise it is possible for domestic dogs to acquire these diseases from wild animals.

To further prevent the spread of disease:

• Service animals must always be leashed or harnessed on a 6 foot lead, under control, and attended at all times.
• Food and food containers must never be left unattended and must be kept out of reach of wildlife.
• Service animal fecal matter must be picked up and disposed of properly. Fecal matter should be disposed of in a trash receptacle, toilet, pit toilet.