Service Animals

While pets are allowed in parks, only specific dogs qualify as service animals

VIP Terry McKenna

Guidelines

The National Park Service has specific service animal definitions and guidelines. These guidelines ensure visitor and wildlife safety and resource protection.

Service animals must be kept on a six-foot "hard" (non-retractable) leash at all times. They are allowed in all park facilities and on all park trails unless the areas are closed by order of the superintendent.

Emotional support, therapy, and companion animals are not service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); they have not been trained to provide a task directly related to a disability. Emotional support animals are considered to be a pet. Regardless of type, they are subject to pet guidelines.