Pets

Woman walking dog on trail

Photo by Artist-in-Residence Stan Ford © 2016

 

Leashed pets are allowed on all trails except the South Pasture Loop Trail. However, pets are not permitted inside public buildings with the exception of service animals on a leash. Leashes cannot exceed 6 feet in length for both pets and service animals. Please ask a ranger at the visitor center desk for more details about pets in the park.

If you are out walking your pets on the trail, please remember to clean up after them and dispose of their waste in the proper containers.

Rattlesnakes can be present along the trail, especially during the summer months. Please remember to be respectful of wildlife and their space and remember to stay on the trail.

Heat can be deadly for pets. Car temperatures rise quickly in the sun, even on cool days. If you leave a pet in a car, crack the windows as much as possible and leave water to drink. Please do not leave pets in the car at all, even with the windows cracked, when temperatures are above 68 degrees.

Why must pets be on a leash inside the boundaries of Pecos National Historical Park?

• For pet's safety (vehicles in the parking lot, other animals).
• For the safety of others (many visitors are uneasy around loose pets; please respect the rights of others who may have a fear of your pet--even a friendly one).
• For the protection of wildlife (unleashed pets chase birds and other wildlife; also, it's unsafe for pets to go off trail due to danger from rattlesnakes).

Remember, there is very little shade on the main loop trail and pets are not allowed in buildings, so please bring plenty of water!