Pets

NPS photo. S. Smith

Bringing a pet to Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park may limit your activities in the park. Protect your pet and park wildlife by observing these regulations:

• Pets are NOT allowed in any building, regardless of the season.

• Pets may only accompany people in developed areas and must remain within 100 feet (30.5 meters) of roads, parking areas, and campgrounds.

• Pets must be physically controlled at all times: they must be in a car, in a crate, or on a leash no more than six feet long.

• Pets may not be left unattended or tied to an object.

• Pets may not be left in a situation where food, water, shade, ventilation, and other basic needs are inadequate.
• Pets may remain in vehicles for short periods of time, but we recommend that someone stay behind to personally ensure their well-being.

• Owners must bag and dispose of pet waste. Fecal matter should be disposed of in a trash receptacle.

Service Animals

Qualified service dogs are allowed throughout the park and in all park facilities. However, they must be leashed. National Park Service (NPS) policy defines a service animal as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual or other mental disability. The task(s) performed by the animal must be directly related to the person’s disability. Service animals are working animals, not pets. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the 2010 revision to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Dogs which are not trained to perform tasks that mitigate the effects of a disability, including dogs that are used to purely provide comfort or emotional support (therapy animals) are considered pets.

Hiking and Camping with Your Pet or Service Animals

Please be aware that having a service animal or pet in the backcountry may put you at increased risk for confrontations with bears and other wildlife.

Pets are allowed at the Dyea Campground, the Dyea Townsite, and on the Chilkoot trail. A restraining device not to exceed six feet is required, and your pet may not be left unattended. Bringing your four-legged friend as a hiking or camping companion is nothing new, but before embarking on a single day or multi-day trip, dog owners should be aware of some of the following issues that their dogs may face while on the trail.

Hiking Around Skagway

Skagway is a good starting point for several interesting day hikes. Please keep in mind that there are different regulations according to the Skagway Municipal Code. Leash control is required for all areas west of the railroad tracks and south of the 23rd Avenue bridge. However, in areas east of the tracks and north of the bridge, voice command is allowed. Let's keep our furry friends safe and happy while enjoying this beautiful town!

Additional Information

Domestic Goats and Sheep
Use or possession of domestic goats or sheep within NPS administered areas is prohibited.

Llamas, Alpacas, and other Members of the Camelidae or Bovidae Family

Use or possession of llamas, alpacas, or any other domestic animal of the Camelidae or Bovidae Family within NPS administered areas is prohibited, except as pack animals in accordance with written authorization from the superintendent.