Pets

Petersburg National Battlefield has miles of nature trails available for dogs and owners to take a stroll. Dogs are welcome at Petersburg National Battlefield as long as they are on a leash no longer than 6 feet. All pet excrement must be collected and removed from the park.

Pets Are Prohibited From The Following Areas:

  • Any public building.

  • Poplar Grove National Cemetery (within the brick walls).

  • Climbing ontop of earthworks or forts.

There are no exceptions to these pet regulations for carried pets (in arms, carriers, strollers, backpacks, etc.) in the areas of the park where pets are not allowed. Pet owners have the burden to ensure their pet does not damage the park values for others in those areas where pets are allowed.

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 requirements for service animals. Emotional support, therapy, and companion animals are not service animals and must abide by all pet regulations.

 
Black dog laying doing in front of cannon wheels in the grass, with a bright yellow B.A.R.K. Ranger bandana around neck.
B.A.R.K. Rangers love getting outside and visiting our public lands. Keep reading to find out how your pet can become a B.A.R.K. Ranger.
 
Black dog pawprint with the outline of a mortar cannon inside the pawprint. Text above pawprint reads BARK Ranger and text below pawprint reads Petersburg National Battlefield. Logo has a white background.
B.A.R.K. Ranger Logo

Help Your Dog Become a B.A.R.K. Ranger:

Follow the B.A.R.K. Ranger code when visiting Petersburg National Battlefield to earn a reward. Stop by any of the visitor centers to learn more!

B.A.R.K. Ranger Code:

  • Bag Your Pet's Waste
    • Keep Petersburg National Battlefield clean by disposing of all dog waste and take the poop bag off the trail.
  • Always Leash Your Pet
    • Pets must be restrained on a leash no longer than 6 feet (2 m); retractable leashes extended beyond this limit are prohibited. Leashes protect the experience for other dogs and visitors.
  • Respect Wildlife
    • Keep your dog at a respectful distance from any animals you may encounter.
  • Know Where To Go
    • All trails are open to pets in Petersburg National Battlefield. Pets should not be left unattended. Both hot and cold days pose a threat to pets in vehicles. Don't leave pets alone in a car while hiking.

Last updated: May 1, 2022

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Petersburg National Battlefield Administration Office
1539 Hickory Hill Road

Petersburg, VA 23803

Phone:

804 732-3531 x200
If you cannot reach us by phone - please e-mail questions to the address listed.

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