Pets

Photograph of dog in front of Fort Vancouver
The exterior grounds of Fort Vancouver are a wonderful place to bring your pets! Prior to your visit, please note that pets are not allowed in any of the park's public facilities, including reconstructed Fort Vancouver.
Walking Trails Pets are allowed on leash 6' or less
Reconstructed Fort Vancouver (Inside fort stockade walls) Pets are not allowed
Pearson Air Museum Pets are not allowed
Visitor Center Pets are not allowed
McLoughlin House and Barclay House Pets are not allowed


When you visit the national park with your dog, remember to BARK!

  • Bag your pet’s poop. Help keep your national park clean by collecting and disposing of all dog waste. Public garbage cans are located throughout the park, including at the reconstructed fort, Visitor Center, and Pearson Air Museum.
  • Always keep your pet on a leash. For the safety and comfort of all the park’s visitors, dogs must be restrained on a leash no longer than 6 feet. We know that sometimes Fido likes to run free, but keeping dogs on leashes will also protect them from joggers, bicyclists, and other dogs. For a list of Clark County dog parks, including off-leash dog parks, click here.
  • Respect wildlife. Though we are an urban park, Fort Vancouver can be home to migrating birds, rabbits, and other wildlife. Pets can harass or harm wildlife by making noise or scaring wildlife away. Please keep your dog at a respectful distance from any animals you may encounter.
  • Know where you can go. Pets are not allowed inside park facilities, including the reconstructed Fort Vancouver, the Visitor Center, and Pearson Air Museum. However, the national park is home to many great, paved trails that dogs (and their humans) love! For a map of trails at the park, click here. Pets are also welcome on the Great Meadow, which is a wonderful spot for a picnic or a family gathering!

Additionally, pets should not be left unattended. Summer heat poses a threat to pets left in vehicles.

Certified guide animals are an exception to these rules and may accompany their owner to all park locations.

 
A photo of a woman holding a small breed dog.
Bring Your Dog to Fort Vancouver NHS

Learn more about bringing your dog to Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.

A photo of two black dogs touching noses.
Pets in Parks

Learn more about bringing pets to America's national parks!

A black labrador guide dog sits at a person's feet.
Service Animals

Service animals are welcome at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Learn more about bringing service animals to national parks here.

Last updated: August 31, 2023

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800 Hatheway Road, Bldg 722
Vancouver, WA 98661

Phone:

360 816-6230

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