Pets

Mountain Lion enjoying Capulin Volcano

NPS Photo

Owners bringing their pets to Capulin Volcano National Monument need to be aware of conditions and policies that will effect their visit. Please keep in mind the following guidelines;

• Leashed pets may be walked on the 10 minute long Nature Trail adjacent to the Visitor Center; however, pets are not permitted on any other trails, in public buildings, or in undeveloped areas. Pets must be under physical control on a leash less than six feet long at all times.
• Properly restrained pets are allowed in parking areas, and in the developed areas around the Visitor Center and the Juniper Picnic Area. Pets are also welcome in the shelter area at the Volcano Rim, but not on the trails beyond.
• Leaving a pet unattended in a vehicle with environmental conditions that pose a health risk to the animal is prohibited. The interior temperature of a vehicle can quickly warm to dangerous levels. However, Capulin Volcano is generally cool enough most of the year to leave pets in a well ventilated vehicle and with a water supply.

The National Park Service has prohibited pets on trails for many years for a variety of reasons. In particular, dogs and cats chase wildlife, pollute water sources, and can become defensive and dangerous in unfamiliar surroundings. There are also environmental dangers such as: rattle snakes, scorpions, porcupines, apex predators, cactus, and sharp and hot lava rock surfaces. Pet owners have the burden to assure their pet does not damage park values for others in those areas where pets are allowed. For the courtesy of other visitors, human companions are responsible for cleaning up and depositing pet feces in trash receptacles.