Service Animals

 

Service Animals are allowed in Mammoth Cave National Park. More information is available regarding a definition of what qualifies as a service animal or general information on having pets in the park.

 
Service dog relaxing between a person's feet.

NPS Photo

All dogs, including service animals, are allowed throughout the park hiking trail system. Only service animals are able to accompany you into the visitor center and on cave tours. Companion dogs that are used only to provide comfort, or emotional support animals, are not allowed in these areas.

 

Considerations when taking a Service Animal into a cave environment:

Buses

Certain cave tours require a bus ride to and from the visitor center. During busy days these buses reach full capacity. Service animals may need to sit between your feet or beneath the seat for the 8-minute average bus ride.

 
Seven flights of metal stairs ascending to the cave ceiling.

NPS Photo/Deb Spillman

Terrain

Cave tour routes are a mixture of paved and compacted dirt trails. Some tours require extensive stairs, some stairs have grated metal platforms. Be cognizant of your service animal’s ability to navigate this terrain type. More information on cave tour descriptions is available.

Low Lighting

Cave tours are dimly lit and occasionally tour guides will perform a temporary ‘blackout’ during the tour experience. Be cognizant of how your service animal may react in the cave environment.

Waste

The majority of cave tour routes do no have trash cans available; you are responsible for packing out any waste.

Leashes

Service animals should be on a leash no longer than 6 feet in length when this does not interfere with the service they are providing.

 

Last updated: October 23, 2020

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 7
Mammoth Cave, KY 42259-0007

Phone:

270 758-2180

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