Pets

Keep Pets out of the Water

Zion National Park actively monitors for the presence of harmful cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in the Virgin River. Cyanotoxins may be present at any time of year. 

Keep dogs out of the water and on a leash while in Zion. Dogs may ingest cyanobacteria or untreated water, exposing them to cyanotoxins. Check our website for current information about toxic cyanobacteria.

 

Be aware of Zion's extreme environment before bringing your pet. The summer months can be especially challenging.

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Guidelines for Pet Owners

 

Please follow the rules of B.A.R.K!

Always Wear a Leash

Pets must be restrained on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Retractable leashes that extend further than 6 feet are not allowed.

Bag Your Pet's Poop

Pet owners are responsible for removing pet waste from all areas in the park including campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots, roads, pet-friendly trails, and other developed areas.

Respect Wildlife

Pets can harass or harm wildlife by making noise or scaring wildlife away. Keep your pet's noise to a reasonable level.

Know Where You Can Go

Properly restrained pets are welcome along public roads and parking areas, in developed campgrounds and picnic areas, and on the grounds of the Zion Lodge. The only trail that allows pets is the Pa’rus Trail, which begins at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.

Pets are not permitted on any other trails, wilderness areas, on shuttle buses, or in public buildings in Zion.

 

Pets Should Not Be Left Unattended

Zion is hot! During most of the year, the interior temperature of a vehicle can quickly warm to dangerous levels. Leaving a pet unattended in a vehicle with environmental conditions that pose a health risk to the animal is prohibited.

Properly restrained pets may be left unattended in developed campgrounds only when environmental conditions are safe for the animal, and the animal is not making unreasonable noise (such as barking or whining).

Local Pet Services

Veterinarian services are available in the nearby towns of Hurricane, St. George, Kanab, and Cedar City. Boarding kennels are available in those locations as well as Rockville.

Service Animals

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. Service Animals may accompany their owner to all park locations.

More Information

36 CFR 2.15 (Code of Federal Regulations) provides more details concerning pets within National Park Service areas. Pet owners not adhering to regulations may be cited (minimum fine is $100). Read the Superintendent's Compendium section on pets for more details.

 

The B.A.R.K. Ranger program is a great way to learn about how you and your pet can enjoy the park.

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Become a B.A.R.K. Ranger

For many, pets are an important member of our families. If you are planning to bring a furry family member on your trip to Zion, make sure you are prepared and are following the B.A.R.K. Ranger code. The code helps protect you, your pet, and the park while you are here. If the activities you have planned would be prohibited or too strenuous for your pet, consider leaving them at home or with a local boarding kennel.

Demonstrate to other visitors that you know how to explore the park safely, and help protect special places like Zion! Stop in any Zion visitor center to pick up your official B.A.R.K. Ranger pledge card to become an official B.A.R.K. Ranger.