Pets

We gladly welcome well-behaved pets to the park! Pets are allowed anywhere outdoors, provided they are properly restrained. Service animals are permitted inside the visitor center.

If your pet would like to become a B.A.R.K. ranger, stop by the visitor center's entrance desk and show the ranger photos or videos of your pet following all the principles of B.A.R.K. Your pet will earn a special keepsake prize!

 

Illustration courtesy of Gateway Arch Park Foundation, featuring 2021 B.A.R.K. Superintendent, Gus

B.A.R.K. Ranger Principles

B = Bag Your Poo

Keep our park a clean and healthy place to visit. Trash containers are located throughout the park. Please remember that dog feces is not a natural fertilizer. Runoff from dog feces can contaminate our park and can also spread diseases such as parvovirus, giardia, and roundworms.

A = Always Wear a Leash

Even a well-behaved dog can behave unpredictably when visiting an unfamiliar environment. Please stay on a leash no more than 6 feet long at all times. This keeps everyone safe.

R = Respect Wildlife

You are visiting the homes of other animals when walking around the park, so please be respectful. No chasing any squirrels, rabbits, opossums, or other creatures you may encounter.

K = Know Where You Can Go

Pets are allowed in all the outdoor areas of the park, but only service animals can go inside buildings. Dogs may not swim in the reflecting pools or root around in garden beds. Pets should never be left unattended anywhere in the park. Pets should also never be left unattended in vehicles, especially during summer.

 

 

Don't be feline left out! Adventurous kitties like Zeb, pictured, are also welcome outdoors at the park and at our summer B.A.R.K. Ranger events. Cats must be restrained on leashes or in strollers.

NPS Photo.

2025 B.A.R.K. Ranger Events

All events will be held outdoors and all will meet at the entrance plaza. Events will be cancelled or rescheduled in case of inclement weather.

Sunday, April 20 at 10am. Ranger Walk. Join NPS staff to learn the history of St. Louis's favorite landmark and how St. Louis became known as the Gateway to the West.

Sunday, May 18 at 10am. Meet and Greet with Jenny Dove. Jenny is a PetTech Certified Pet First Aid and CPR Instructor and currently works as the Education Coordinator at Kennelwood Pet Resorts. She will be giving expert information on how to introduce dogs to each other.

Sunday, July 20 at 10am. Puppuccino Crawl. Dogs get to enjoy a pup cup while we stroll the grounds.

Sunday, September 21 at 10am. Dog Art. Create a special piece of art with your pet. All materials will be provided.

Sunday, October 19 at 10am. Pet Costume Parade. Dress up your pets and show them off in a parade around the Arch. **Note: there will be no prizes for the parade. All dogs are good boys and girls.