Pets

Big Thicket National Preserve is Pet-Friendly!

 

Enjoy some quality time with your four-legged friends on a trail.

NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga

Pets are welcome on all trails in the preserve. We ask that you follow a few rules when bringing your pet:

• Pets must be on-leash at all times (6-foot maximum leash length)
• Pick up and dispose of your pet's poop.
• Pets are not allowed inside the visitor center or at public programs.
• Do not leave your pet unattended outside or inside a vehicle.
• Hunting with dogs is not allowed.
  Exception: Retrievers may be used to retrieve waterfowl.

Service Animals

NPS policy defines a service animal as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. The tasks performed by the animal must be directly related to the person’s disability. Service animals are allowed anywhere that people are allowed.

 

B.A.R.K. Ranger Bandit on duty

NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga

Become a Big Thicket B.A.R.K. Ranger

Bag your pet's waste.
Always wear a leash.
Respect wildlife.
Know where you can go.

Earn a B.A.R.K. Ranger Certificate

Being a B.A.R.K. ranger is easy! Here's how:

1. Hike a trail. Leashed pets are welcome on all trails in Big Thicket National Preserve.
2. Bag your pet's poop. Pick up your pet's poop and throw it away in a trash can at the trailhead.
3. Show a park ranger your gear. Go to the visitor center and show us your leash, empty poop bags, and any other gear you brought for your pet, and a ranger will present your pet with their official B.A.R.K. ranger certificate.

 

Safety

Is your pet prepared to hike with you in the Big Thicket? Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Extreme summer heat and humidity can cause dehydration and heat exhaustion in you and your pet. Bring water, snacks, and take breaks!
• Venomous snakes and poisonous plants live here. Use a leash and stay on the trail to keep your pet safe.
• Ticks may be present, especially on less-developed trails. Conduct tick checks often.

Visiting National Parks With Your Pet

Want to bring your four-legged friends with you on your national park trip? Learn more about pets in the national parks »

 

Hiker and her dogs on Village Creek Bridge

NPS Photo / Max Harper