B.A.R.K. Ranger Program

Newly sworn in Bark Ranger

NPS

Pilot event is April 27, 2024

More Dates coming soon!

National parks are exciting places for pets to visit with their family while on vacation. Sometimes these new places can be so exciting as to be overstimulating. Join these events to learn how to have a positive experience with your pet in unfamiliar environments. Learn the B.A.R.K. principles so you and your pet can have a safe and fun visit anytime you go to a national park. This program is part of the Healthy People Healthy Parks Initiative. B.A.R.K. stands for:

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

 

Bark Ranger Fort McHenry Badge

NPS

How do you become a Bark Ranger?

Come to our visitor center to learn more about how you and your four-legged friend can become a B.A.R.K. Ranger! Remember, dogs can not enter the visitor center, ensure you have someone with the dog while you come inside.

1. Get Bark Ranger activity card at Visitor Center
2. Complete activities on back of activity card
3. Bring completed card to Visitor Center
4. Dog will be sworn in as an official Bark Ranger and given a Bark Ranger dog tag

 

2 Rangers pose with a newly sworn in Bark Ranger and their pet parent.

NPS/Tim Ervin

Bark Ranger programs are uniquely designed by each park for visitors and their pets to have that park experience. Some parks have a walk with a ranger program. Some have a pledge you take with your pet. Others are on the honor system that will simply follow B.A.R.K. principles above when you visit. Click to learn more about the B.A.R.K. Ranger Program on the national level.

 

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  Learn About

  Bringing your Pets

  When bringing your pets, remember to be a responsible pet owner. Click for rules and regulations.

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  Fort McHenry Volunteer

  Information on volunteer opportunities offered at Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine.