Pets

Activities with pets are limited in Yellowstone: they are not allowed on trails or boardwalks, in the backcountry, or in thermal areas.

NPS/Neal Herbert

 

Bringing a pet to Yellowstone may limit your activities in the park. Protect your pet and park wildlife by observing these regulations:

• Pets may only accompany people in developed areas and must remain within 100 feet (30.5 meters) of roads, parking areas, and campgrounds.
• Pets must be physically controlled at all times: they must be in a car, in a crate, or on a leash no more than six feet long.
• Pets are not allowed on boardwalks, hiking trails, in the backcountry, or in thermal areas.
• Pets may not be left unattended or tied to an object.
• Pets may not be left in a situation where food, water, shade, ventilation, and other basic needs are inadequate. Pets may remain in vehicles for short periods of time, but we recommend that someone stay behind to personally ensure their well being.
• Owners must bag and dispose of pet waste.

There are NO EXCEPTIONS to the regulations for carried pets (in arms, carriers, strollers, backpacks, and so forth) in restricted parts of the park.

These policies exist to protect pets from being killed by predators like bears and coyotes, to protect them from being burned or killed in hot springs, to prevent the exchange of diseases between domestic animals and park wildlife, and to allow others to enjoy the park without the disruption of pets.

Boarding

There are no kennels in Yellowstone but this service is available in surrounding communities.

Service Animals

Qualified service animals assisting people with disabilities are allowed throughout the park and in all park facilities. However, they must be leashed.