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You're watching Visiting Yellowstone
Here in Yellowstone, we realize that
many people will be traveling with pets.
There are a few things you need to
consider if that is the case with
your family. Pets are allowed here,
but there are strict guidelines
you will need to follow.
Pets are allowed in public areas,
parking lots and within 100 feet
of any road. They must be on a leash
that is not longer than 6 feet
in length at all times.
Visitors are not allowed to tie their
pet to trees or other objects and
leave them unattended.
Pet kennels cannot be left outside
of vehicles. If you do leave a pet
in a vehicle, make sure you have
proper ventilation. If possible,
park in a shady spot or plan
that part of you visit for early
in the day. Although the climate
in Yellowstone is cooler than
most of the country, vehicles
heat-up fast here.
While leashed pets are allowed
to accompany their owners to the
viewing benches around Old Faithful
Geyser, they are not allowed
on any other boardwalks or trails.
Pets are prohibited from all of
Yellowstone’s backcountry, including trails.
We realize that at first glance these
rules seem harsh, but they’re for
your safety and the safety of your pet.
Animals seen harassing wildlife are
subject to impoundment and possibly
being destroyed or the owner fined.
Yellowstone is the land of bears
and wolves and many other things
that can prey on domestic animals.
Bears and wolves particularly don’t
like dogs. While it is possible that
your dog may outrun a bear,
it is unlikely you could.
Bears have been known to follow
domestic dogs back to their owners.
Wolves see domestic dogs as competition.
Thermal areas, which are located all
across Yellowstone, pose a huge threat
to your animals. Much of the thermal
water in the park is at or nearly
at the boiling point.
Dogs have a difficult time distinguishing
between cool water and hot water.
There have been many occasions where
dogs have been injured or killed by
jumping into hot water here.
There have even been instances
where owners have lost their
lives trying to save a pet.
Be aware that diseases can be spread
from domestic animals to Yellowstone’s
wild animals and vice versa.
Mange, Parvo and Distemper are found
in wild animals and can be
transmitted to your pet.
You must clean-up after your pet.
It is required that you carry proof
on vaccinations from a veterinarian.
Park Rangers may ask to see those
documents. If you can’t leave an
animal home, but you would like
visit Yellowstone without the worry
associated with having a pet in the
park, consider one of the local kennels.
You will find a list of places that
will watch over your beloved animals
on our website. These services are
located in communities outside of
the park so plan ahead. If you are
going to stay overnight in Yellowstone
with your pet, you have some options.
Pets are allowed in campgrounds and
the same rules mentioned earlier
apply while camping. Be aware that
food and water bowls cannot be
left outside. Checkout our website
for more information on safe camping
in bear country before you visit.
Pets are not allowed in hotel rooms
in the park, but dogs and cats are
allowed in some cabins. Check with
Xanterra Parks and Resorts for more
on availability, fees and regulations.
We realize that pets are part of
the family and we want you and your
family to enjoy the world Yellowstone
has to offer, but we also want to
protect your family and the park.
This is truly an amazing place and
if you plan ahead and use caution
a trip to Yellowstone
is something you won’t forget.