Pets

Rules and Regulations

Pets are welcome in most areas, but please remember these regulations:

• Only service animals, trained to perform a task directly related to a person’s disability, are allowed inside the visitor center and Ray House. Leashed dogs are welcome on park grounds including the tour road and all hiking trails.

• Dogs must be leashed at all times (6ft or shorter).

• Pet waste must be picked up and disposed of in a trash receptacle or packed out.

Bark Ranger Program

The activity pamphlet can be obtained from the front desk in the visitor center. It can be completed with or without your dog present. Upon completion, return to the visitor center to receive your bark ranger tag.

Follow the B.A.R.K. Ranger Principles

By following the principles below, you can ensure that your pet, your family, and fellow visitors will have a positive and memorable experience while visiting Wilson's Creek.

• Bag your pets waste. Help keep your national park clean by collecting and disposing of all dog waste. Public garbage cans are located throughout the park, including at the visitor center.
• Always keep your pet on a leash. For the safety and comfort of all the park’s visitors, dogs must be restrained on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Keeping dogs on leashes will also protect them from ticks, snakes and other wildlife, and other dogs.
• Respect wildlife. The park is also home to snakes, birds, rabbits, deer, and other wildlife. Pets can harass or harm wildlife by making noise or scaring wildlife away. Please keep your dog at a respectful distance from any animals you may encounter.
• Know where you can go. Pets are not allowed inside park facilities, including the visitor center and Ray House. Enjoy the tour road or one of many trails with your furry friend!