Pets

We gladly welcome well-behaved pets to the park! Pets are allowed anywhere outdoors, provided they are properly restrained. Service animals are permitted inside the visitor center.

If your pet would like to become a B.A.R.K. ranger, stop by the visitor center's entrance desk and show the ranger photos or videos of your pet following all the principles of B.A.R.K. Your pet will earn a special keepsake prize!

 

Illustration courtesy of Gateway Arch Park Foundation, featuring 2021 B.A.R.K. Superintendent, Gus

B.A.R.K. Ranger Principles

B = Bag Your Poo

Keep our park a clean and healthy place to visit. Trash containers are located throughout the park. Please remember that dog feces is not a natural fertilizer. Runoff from dog feces can contaminate our park and can also spread diseases such as parvovirus, giardia, and roundworms.

A = Always Wear a Leash

Even a well-behaved dog can behave unpredictably when visiting an unfamiliar environment. Please stay on a leash no more than 6 feet long at all times. This keeps everyone safe.

R = Respect Wildlife

You are visiting the homes of other animals when walking around the park, so please be respectful. No chasing any squirrels, rabbits, opossums, or other creatures you may encounter.

K = Know Where You Can Go

Pets are allowed in all the outdoor areas of the park, but only service animals can go inside buildings. Dogs may not swim in the reflecting pools or root around in garden beds. Pets should never be left unattended anywhere in the park. Pets should also never be left unattended in vehicles, especially during summer.

 

Molly and Leila, our 2022 B.A.R.K. Superintendents, model some of their favorite photo spots in the park.

Photos used with permission from @lifewithmollyandleila on Instagram

 

Don't be feline left out! Adventurous kitties like Zeb, pictured, are also welcome outdoors at the park and at our summer B.A.R.K. Ranger events. Cats must be restrained on leashes or in strollers.

NPS Photo.

2024 B.A.R.K. Ranger Events

All events will be held outdoors and all will meet at the entrance plaza. Events will be cancelled or rescheduled in case of inclement weather.

Sunday, May 19^th at 1pm. Meet & Greet with Jenny Dove, the Education Coordinator of Kennelwood Pet Resorts. Get to know your fellow B.A.R.K. rangers and their humans, and chat with Jenny about your pet's behavior as you walk the grounds.

Sunday, June 16^th at 10am. Landscape Walk. Join NPS staff to learn the history of Dan Kiley's iconic design, which has been widely celebrated as a triumph of mid-century modern landscape architecture and has been deemed a National Historic Landmark. We will also learn about changes to the landscape since its installation, especially in the North Gateway area.

Sunday, July 21^st at 10am. Puppuccino Crawl. Dogs get to enjoy a pup cup while we stroll the grounds.

Sunday, August 18^th at 10am. Dog Art. Create a special piece of art with your pet. All materials will be provided.

Sunday, September 15^th at 10am. Dog First Aid and Health chat with Jenny Dove. Jenny is a PetTech Certified Pet First Aid and CPR Instructor and currently works as the Education Coordinator at Kennelwood Pet Resorts. Attend with or without your pet.

Saturday, September 28^th at 10am. Picnic in the Park. Celebrate National Public Lands Day by bringing some snacks and enjoying a picnic in the park. Remember dogs must remain leashed.

Sunday, October 20^th at 1pm. Pet Costume Parade. Dress up your pets and show them off in a parade around the Arch.