Pets

Good puppers on leashs explore the park with their owners.

NPS

Enjoying Hopewell Furnace with Your Pet

Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site has historic buildings, and farm animals that pose unique experiences for you and your pet. Though pets are welcome on the park grounds, they are not allowd in public buildings, inlcudign the visitor center. Follow B.A.R.K Ranger principles to make sure you have a good time visitng with your pet.

B = Bag Your Poop

• Help keep Hopewell Furnace clean by collecting and disposing of all dog waste. Dog bags and public garbage containers are located throughout the park.

• Dog feces is not a natural fertilizer. Dogs can carry disease such as parvovirus, giardia and roundworms into the park's wildlife populations. Water sources may also be polluted by dog feces.

A = Always Wear a Leash

• Pets must be restrained on a leash no longer than 6 feet (2 m); retractable leashes extended beyond this limit are prohibited.

• Not everyone is a dog person no matter how friendly and well behaved your dog may be. The farm animals can become stressed if a dog is too close to their pasture.

R = Respect Wildlife

• Please keep your dog at a respectful distance from any wildlife you may encounter. Wildlife can carry diseases and parasites that can be harmful to your furry companion.

K = Know Where To Go

• Pets are allowed to walk with you through the village. Do not leave your pets unattended in the car or in the village.

• Do not leave dogs unattended or tied to buildings or fences

Horses

Pets can come in all shapes and sizes. Whether they are a dog, cat, or horse, we do ask that everyone follows the same rules. Horses are allowed on the horseshoe trail. The trail goes through the village and riders are allowed to be mounted as they go through. Horses are not allowed to leave the horseshoe trail and cannot be tied to any buildings in Hopewell. Horse trailers must park in the upper parking lot of the visitor center.

Pet Safety

Ticks
Ticks are common in Hopewell Furnace, mostly active from late spring to early fall. Check yourself and your dog thoroughly after a visit to the park to prevent any ticks from latching on to you or your dog. To limit your exposure to ticks:

• Walk in the middle of trails away from tall vegetation
• Wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot
• Wear pants tucked into socks
• Spray your shoes and clothing with repellent.

Heat
Pennsylvania summers can reach upwards of 90⁰ F with high humidity, but your car will get much hotter. Please do not leave your pets unattended in a hot vehicle.

Most of our village’s paths are gravel and can get hot. Follow the five-second rule: place the back of your hand on the pavement: if you cannot hold it for five seconds, it's too hot to walk your pet.

 

Service Animals

Dogs classified as service animals are individually trained to perform a specific task that assists a person with a disability. Service dogs are legally permitted anywhere that visitors can go. Learn more about NPS requirements for service animals. Emotional support, therapy, and companion animals are not considered service animals and must abide by all pet regulations.