Pets

Enjoying the Park with Your Best Friends

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area has many scenic spots and open spaces for you and your dog to enjoy together. Whether you share a tranquil creekside stroll or a jog along the beach, always be aware of your surroundings and considerate of others. It takes a cooperative effort to make the park safe and comfortable for everyone.

Be a Santa Monica Mountains B.A.R.K. Ranger!

Want to help protect the park while enjoying it with your furry friend? You and your dog can become official B.A.R.K. Rangers by following the four simple B.A.R.K. principles:

• Bag your pet’s waste
• Always leash your pet
• Respect wildlife
• Know where you can go

Stop by our Visitor Center or join us at a B.A.R.K. Ranger event to take the pledge and be “sworn in” just like a Junior Ranger! It’s a fun and meaningful way to show your commitment to keeping parks safe and enjoyable for everyone.

👉 Learn more about the B.A.R.K. Ranger program

When you bring your dog to the park, please remember to:

1. Take plenty of water and food, for you and for your dog
2. Clean up after your dog
3. Never leave your pet unattended
4. Keep your dog on a leash and under control
5. Avoid taking your dog on a hike on days over 85 degrees

Why Should Your Dog Be on a Leash?

For the Safety of Your Dog

Your dog can become trapped or injured while running, digging or jumping. Your dog could get bitten by a rattlesnake or even another dog. Your dog can be exposed to ticks, poison oak or other plants that have thorns or burrs. With a leash, your pet will be less likely to encounter these dangers.

For the Safety of Wildlife

Animals may be flushed out of nesting sites or burrows by your dog. A dog’s quick dig can destroy a wild animal’s home.

For the Safety of People

Some people, particularly children, are afraid of dogs– even friendly ones.

It’s the Law

Federal, state and county laws* require dogs to be on a leash. Please be aware that leashes, even retractable ones, must be six feet or less in length.

* Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 2.015(a)(2). This regulation helps us protect and preserve the natural landscape.

 

Areas That Allow Dogs on Leash

Leashes, even retractable ones, must be 6 ft. or less in length. In order to protect natural and cultural resources, pets are required to stay on trails, roads and developed areas (campgrounds and parking lots). Dogs are not allowed in buildings (except aid dogs) and where posted.

National Park Service

Arroyo Sequit
Castro Crest
Cheeseboro/Palo Comado Canyons
Circle X Ranch
Deer Creek Canyon
Paramount Ranch
Peter Strauss Ranch
Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa
Rocky Oaks
Solstice Canyon
Zuma/Trancas Canyons

Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy

Calabasas Peak
Dixie Canyon
Escondido Canyon
Franklin Canyon
Fryman Canyon Marvin Braude Mulholland Gateway Park
Red Rock Canyon Park
San Vicente Mountain Park
Temescal Gateway Park
Wilacre Park

City of Malibu

Charmlee Natural Area
Malibu Bluffs

California State Parks

Pets are not allowed on backcountry trails of Topanga, Malibu Creek, Leo Carrillo and Point Mugu State Parks.

County Line Beach
Leo Carrillo State Park
–On beach and campground only, except between towers 1 & 3

Point Mugu State Park
–On beach and campground only in Sycamore Cove and Thornhill Broome Beach

Will Rogers State Historic Park
–Day-use areas and loop road only

L.A. City Recreation and Parks
Coldwater Canyon
Park Laurel Canyon Park
Runyon Canyon Park
Temescal Canyon Park