Service animals are allowed in Olympic National Park
If needed, read a definition of service animal. For information on animals that do not qualify as service animals, please see our information on pets in the park.
Service animals are an exception to these rules about pets in the park and may accompany their owner to all park locations. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
If you have a pet that is not a service animal, please visit the pets page of the website.
As you explore the park, please follow the rules of BARK!
Bag your pet's poop
Service animal owners are responsible for removing animal waste from all areas in the park including campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots, roads, trails, and other developed areas. Every visitor center throughout the park has trash cans for disposing of animal waste; however, there are no plastic bags provided, so please remember to bring your own.
Always wear a leash
Service animals must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet in length at all times.
Respect wildlife
Wildlife can be encountered anywhere in the park - even near developed and busy areas, like the visitor center. Elk and bears are of obvious concern, but other animals like deer could cause issues for service animals unused to encountering wildlife. Birds of prey may also be a concern for particularly small service animals.
Know where you can go
Do not bring dogs onto tidal rocks as the sharp stone, along with barnacles and mussels, can cut their paws and lead to infection.
Animals should not be left unattended. Summer heat poses a threat to pets left in vehicles.
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Water
Potable water is available at the Olympic National Park Visitor Center, Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center and nearby picnic areas, the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, and some campgrounds -, Heart O' the Hills, Hoh, Kalaloch, and Mora. Potable water is available at the following campgrounds during the summer season only - Fairholme, Log Cabin, Ozette, Sol Duc, and Staircase. While there are innumerable natural water sources (lakes, ponds, creeks, rivers, etc) throughout the park, be aware that water-born microorganisms that can cause illness like giardia lambia or cryptosporidium could be present.
Terrain
Park trails are generally surfaced with compacted gravel or a mix of native soils and rocks - more detailed descriptions can be found on our mobility and physical accessibility page.
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Become a Bark Ranger
Well-behaved dogs are invited to bring their human companions and become official Olympic National Park Bark Rangers! Learn the rules of B.A.R.K., where and how to enjoy Olympic National Park with your pet, and earn your Bark Ranger Badge! To participate in the Bark Ranger Program, please visit the Kalaloch Ranger Station.
