Dogs are allowed on trails and in the backcountry, but they must be properly controlled at all times on leash. Please note that dogs must be on a leash while in the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark area and on the immediate grounds around the contact stations, including the Headquarters Visitor Center at Copper Center and the Boreal Forest Trail, the Chitina Ranger Station and the Slana Ranger Station. Pets are not permitted into public buildings in the park, except for service guide dogs accompanying visually impaired or hearing impaired persons.
Pet Owners: Know that trapping is popular and legal in Alaska from Fall through Spring (seasons vary by location and species). Unleashed pets can get caught in traps or snares. Maintaining physical control of your pet is advised since it is your responsibility to prevent harm to your pet.
Trappers: Be mindful of other trail users when making sets. Avoid setting traps or snares along popular recreational trails. Follow the trapper's 'Code of Ethics' found in the Alaska Trapping Regulations book.
Learn more about pet safety regarding traps and snares at the Alaska Dept of Fish and Game website or download the brochure on how to remove pets from traps or snares.
§36 CFR 2.15 Pet Regulations:
Dogs are allowed on trails within the park and in the backcountry.
Pets must be physically restrained at all times, on a leash which does not exceed six feet in length. It is the owner's responsibility to maintain control over their dogs and keep them on a leash. Keep in mind that a dog running loose might bring an unwanted surprise, in the form of a bear or even a moose, back to the master.
Pets are not permitted in public buildings, such as visitor centers or ranger stations, except for guide dogs accompanying visually impaired persons or hearing-impaired persons.
It is prohibited to leave a pet unattended and tied to an object, except in designated areas or under conditions which may be established by the superintendent.
Pet owners must control their pet and not allow it to make noise that is unreasonable considering location, time of day or night, impact on park users, or that frightens wildlife by barking or howling.
Pet owners must clean up after their pet and dispose waste properly in a trash container.
In park areas where hunting is allowed, dogs may be used in support of these activities in accordance with applicable Federal and State laws.
Pets running-at-large may be impounded, and the owner may be charged reasonable fees for kennel or boarding costs, feed, veterinarian fees, transportation costs, and disposal. An impounded pet may be put up for adoption or otherwise disposed of after being held for 72 hours from the time the owner was notified of capture or 72 hours from the time of capture if the owner is unknown.
Pets may be kept by residents of park areas consistent with the provisions of this section and in accordance with conditions which may be established by the superintendent. Land owners are not required to keep their dogs on a leash if they are on their private property.
Be a B.A.R.K. Ranger
National parks are exciting places for pets to visit with their family while on vacation. Sometimes these new places can be so exciting as to be overstimulating. Join these events to learn how to have a positive experience with your pet in unfamiliar environments. Learn the B.A.R.K. principles so you and your pet can have a safe and fun visit anytime you go to a national park. This program is part of the Healthy People Healthy Parks Initiative. B.A.R.K. stands for:
Bag your pet’s waste
Always leash your pet
Respect wildlife
Know where you can go
Last updated: May 6, 2024
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Contact Info
Mailing Address:
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
PO Box 439
Mile 106.8 Richardson Highway
Copper Center,
AK
99573