B.A.R.K. Ranger Program

Newly sworn in Bark Ranger

NPS/ M. de Manincor

National parks are exciting places for pets to visit with their family while on vacation. Sometimes these new places can be so exciting as to be overstimulating. Learn how to have a positive experience with your pet in unfamiliar environments. The B.A.R.K. principles make it so you and your pet can have a safe and fun visit anytime you go to a national park.

B.A.R.K. stands for:

• Bag your pet’s waste
• Always leash your pet
• Respect wildlife
• Know where you can go

Stop by the visitor center for your optional activity sheet. When you're done, locate a ranger to take the pledge! Official B.A.R.K. Ranger badges are available for purchase in the park store.

Bark Ranger programs are uniquely designed by each park for visitors and their pets to have that park experience. Some parks have a walk with a ranger program. Some have a pledge you take with your pet. Others are on the honor system that will simply follow B.A.R.K. principles above when you visit. Click to learn more about the B.A.R.K. Ranger Program on the national level.

 

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When bringing your pets, remember to be a responsible pet owner. Click for rules and regulations.

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Information on volunteer opportunities offered at Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine.

Plan Your Visit

What time does the park open? Are there fees? What can I do there? Find answers to all of these questions and more!