Qualified service animals trained to assist people with disabilities are allowed throughout the park and in all park facilities. Service animals must be leashed.
For the definition of a service animal please visit the Department of Justice ADA webpage.
When it is not obvious what service an animal provides, only limited inquiries are allowed. Staff may ask two questions: (1) Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? and (2) What work or task has the dog been trained to perform? Staff cannot ask about the person's disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
For information about animals that do not qualify as service animals, please
Pets page.
Your service animal may accompany you anywhere. We request that you fill out a
Service Animal acknowledgement form at one of the visitor centers when you arrive. Please keep these special considerations in mind:
- Water: Potable water is available in all developed areas including front country campgrounds. While there are innumerable natural water sources throughout the park, be aware that water-borne diseases like giardia can be present.
- Terrain: The surface of park trails is generally compacted soil and rocks. Slopes vary from level to 20 percent grade. Be prepared for uneven, rough surfaces. More details can be found on our Physical/Mobility Accessibility page.
- Waste: All visitor centers and some viewpoints in the park have trashcans for disposing of animal waste. However, there are no plastic bags provided, so please remember to bring your own.
- Wildlife: Wildlife may be present anywhere, at any time, even in congested areas. Wolves, bears and moose are of obvious concern, but smaller animals like foxes, coyotes, and squirrels can cause issues with service animals. Animals such as deer and moose can react to your service dog in the same manner as they would a wolf by charging and trying to attack.
- Backcountry: Grand Teton National Park does not recommend the use of service animals in the backcountry. Having a service animal in the backcountry puts you and the animal at increased risk for wildlife confrontations. Your safety and the safety of your animal are not guaranteed. Furthermore, where domestic animals and wildlife overlap there is a possibility of exchanging diseases between the two groups.
