News Release

Teaching every pet new tricks at Zion National Park

One dog sits in front of a red sandstone stonewall with the NPS Arrowhead on it.
Dog on leash sits at the River Entrance of Zion National Park in Springdale, Utah.

NPS / Abi Farish

Subscribe RSS Icon | What is RSS
News Release Date: April 22, 2022

Contact: Jonathan Shafer, 435-772-0145

SPRINGDALE, Utah – Whether you have two legs or four, Zion National Park is a great destination, and the National Park Service is here to help you protect and enjoy it! That’s why we want you to B.A.R.K. in the park! 

B.A.R.K. stands for: 

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

This year, for the first time ever, you can take the B.A.R.K. Ranger Oath at the Zion Canyon or Kolob Canyons Visitor Centers and receive a B.A.R.K. Ranger Sticker.  By preparing to take the oath and pledging to keep the B.A.R.K. Ranger Code, you and your pet will learn where to go and how to protect Zion National Park.    

Where to go and what to do 

You can bring your pet anywhere you can drive your car (but not on park shuttles), into campgrounds, and to take a walk on the Pa’rus Trail. When your pet is in the park, use a six-foot or shorter leash to protect them from hazards like cactus or harmful algae and limit disturbance of native desert plants and wildlife. Picking up pet waste is especially important in dry areas because the waste can affect native plants and animals, spread invasive plants, and will not break down on its own.   

No one likes that kind of hot dog 

Especially in the summer, heat can stress pets at Zion. To keep you and your pet happy and healthy you should: 

  • Never leave a pet in a car with closed or narrowly cracked windows. 
  • Be mindful of paws on potentially hot pavement. 
  • Bring plenty of water for you and for your pet.
     

Learn more and engage with others about pets in Zion National Park  Share images of your furry friends being good B.A.R.K. Rangers and connect with other pets and people with #BARKRanger and #Zion on social media

Updated April 26, 2023 to clarify that pets may not ride park shuttles.



Last updated: April 26, 2023

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Zion National Park
1 Zion Park Blvd.

Springdale, UT 84767

Phone:

435-772-3256
If you have questions, please email zion_park_information@nps.gov. Listen to recorded information by calling anytime 24 hours a day. Rangers answer phone calls from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. MT, but a ranger may not answer if they are already speaking with someone else.

Contact Us