Pets

Brownie the Bark Ranger patrols the Prairie Vista Trail. As a Bark Ranger, she ensures that all pets are cleaned up after and leashed.

NPS Photo / Callie Tominsky

Pets are welcome at Wind Cave National Park within the following limits:

• At all times pets must be restrained on a leash no longer than six feet in length. Leashes protect dogs from becoming lost and from potential encounters with wildlife as well as protecting park wildlife and plants.
• Pets should not be left unattended. Summer sunshine poses a threat to pets left in vehicles. On a sunny day, even in temperatures as low as 60°F, temperatures inside a vehicle can reach dangerous levels. On an 85°F day the temperature inside a car, even with the windows cracked, can reach over 100°F (38°C) within 10 minutes.
• Pet owners are responsible for removing pet waste from campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots, roads, and other developed areas.
• Pets are not permitted in the back-country areas of the park. This includes areas near park roadways and most of the trails – see below for exceptions.

Where CAN I go with my pet?

• Grassy areas near the visitor center.
• The Elk Mountain Campground.
• Both the Prairie Vista Trail and Elk Mountain Campground Trail.

Where CAN'T I go with my pet?

• Ranger-led programs and cave tours.
• Public buildings including the visitor center.
• The backcountry or any trails except those listed above.

Pet Boarding in Hot Springs and Custer:

• Fall River Veterinary Clinic: [phone]; Must have proof of vaccinations.
• Southern Hills Animal Clinic: [phone]

More Information

For more information about pet rules and regulations at Wind Cave, read the 36 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) 2.15 in the Superintendent's Compendium.