Pets

Don't leave your pets in the car! Temperatures in Arizona spike in the car.

NPS Photo / Case Griffing

Bring Your Pets on the Trail

Pets are welcome on trails and where vehicles are allowed. However, owners are responsible for their pets and pets must be leashed at all times. The leash may not be longer than six feet and all owners are required to clean up after their pets. Remember to stay on the marked trail at all times!

Never leave your pets in your vehicle. Even with the windows rolled down, temperatures inside a locked car can climb to over 140°F (60°C) during the summer! The parking lots at Montezuma Castle and Montezuma Well do not have shade. Be sure to carry plenty of water for you and your pet. Water bottle refill stations are available at the visitor center at Montezuma Castle and the picnic area and Montezuma Well.

Use the "seven second rule" to check the ground to see if it's too hot for your pet. Place the back of your hand against the pavement for seven seconds. If you can't hold your hand there for a full seven seconds, the ground is too hot for your pet to walk on. Dog boots are highly recommended in the summer.

Keep an eye on your pet at all times. The desert is home to many animals including snakes, scorpions, spiders, and wasps. Some wildlife may bite or sting if they feel threatened. Sacred datura, a native plant that is common during the warm season, is toxic to humans and pets if handled or consumed.

 

Maisy the BARK Ranger

Photo by Randall and Lisa Jones Shymkus

Be a B.A.R.K. Ranger

Do you think your dog has what it takes to become an official Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments BARK Ranger? Stop by the visitor center to get certified. Certification allows you to purchase an exclusive BARK Ranger badge from one of the bookstores managed by the Western National Parks Association.

Bag your poop: Pet owners must clean up after their pets. Trash cans are available at parking lots and outside visitor centers.

Always wear a leash: Pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet at all times.

Respect wildlife: Please give all wildlife plenty of space. All wildlife is protected from harm or harassment by law.

Know where you can go: Pets are welcome on trails, in parking lots, and at picnic areas, but not inside visitor centers (except during check-in). Service dogs (those who are individually trained to perform a task for a person with a disability) are permitted to travel wherever people can go.

 

Rules and Restrictions

The Superintendent has authorized pet owners, who are in compliance with all other listed regulations, to have a pet on paved roads which are open to the public, established trails, picnic areas, parking lots, in the Horse Pasture at Montezuma Well, and at Tavasci Marsh.

• Pets are prohibited in visitor centers, contact stations, and restrooms. An exception to this regulation is granted for service dogs accompanying persons with disabilities, regardless of the disability requiring the use of a service dog.
  • A service dog is defined as a dog which has been individually trained to perform a task for a person with a disability. Emotional support pets are not service animals.
• Pets must be attended to and with their owners at all times. Do lot leave them in vehicles or leashed to a structure. Pets may not be left tied and/or unattended at any location within the parks.
• Failing to crate, cage, restrain on a leash which shall not exceed six feet in length, or otherwise physically confine a pet at all times, could lead to penalties.
• Pet excrement must be disposed of in accordance with the following conditions:
  • All pet excrement must be removed by the owner/keeper from all trails, roads, picnic areas, and parking areas, and shall be deposited in provided refuse containers or removed from the area.

All national parks sites have unique pet policies. Please check the parks you are planning on visiting ahead of time.

 

Pets in Parks

Learn about exploring the national parks with your pets.

Learn more