Become a B.A.R.K. Ranger

Dogs love visiting Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site and we love seeing them! Dogs and their owners are welcome on all park trails and grounds, however, only service animals are allowed inside the buildings while they are helping their humans. Everyone else must explore and enjoy the park outdoors. Be sure to review the park rules for pets before your visit!

The B.A.R.K. Ranger program is designed for our special canine visitors and their human friends. They are the absolute best at following the rules of the park and the B.A.R.K. Ranger Code.

 

Rules of B.A.R.K.

B = Bag Your Poop

• Help keep the park clean by collecting and disposing of all dog waste. Be sure to carry the poop bag off the trail. Do not throw them into the woods or hang from trees. Public garbage cans are located throughout the park.
• Dog feces is not a natural fertilizer. Dogs can carry disease such as parvovirus, giardia and roundworms into the park's wildlife populations. Water sources may also be polluted by dog feces.

A = Always Wear a Leash

• Pets must be restrained on a leash no longer than 6 feet (2 m); retractable leashes extended beyond this limit are prohibited.
• Leashes protect dogs from becoming lost and from interactions with other dogs and/or possibly dangerous wildlife.
• Not everyone is a dog person no matter how friendly and well behaved your dog may be. Dog friendly areas are a privilege which could be lost if leash regulations are not followed.
• Many people, especially children, are frightened by dogs, even small ones. Uncontrolled dogs can present a danger to other visitors. Leashes also protect the experience of other visitors who may be afraid, allergic, or who do not want a dog approaching them.
• Unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells can disturb even the calmest, friendliest, and best-trained dog, causing them to behave unpredictably or bark excessively.

R = Respect Wildlife

• Dogs can chase and threaten wildlife, scaring birds and other animals away from nesting, feeding, and resting sites.
• The scent left behind by a dog can signal the presence of a predator, disrupting or altering the behavior of park wildlife. Small animals may hide in their burrow the entire day after smelling a dog and may not venture out to feed.

• Please keep your dog at a respectful distance from any animals you may encounter.

K = Know Where To Go

• Pets should not be left unattended. Summer sunshine poses a threat to pets in vehicles. Don't leave pets alone in a car while enjoying the park.
• The park's buildings and Visitor Center are closed to all pets. Service animals are allowed.

Have your human stop in the Visitor Center or come to one of our BARK Ranger events to learn how you can become an official B.A.R.K. Ranger!