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Yellowstone National Park is a designated natural area where wildlife is free to roam undisturbed. Park visitors should be able to enjoy native wildlife in their natural environment without the disruption of other people's pets. For this reason, pet are prohibited in the backcountry and on trails and boardwalks.
Some additional reasons why pets are prohibited in the backcountry and on trails and boardwalks:
* Pets occasionally escape from their owners. Domestic animals generally lack the ability to survive in the wild.
* Yellowstone is bear country, and domestic animals (especially dogs) and bears are traditionally antagonists. A loose dog can lead a bear directly back to you.
* There is a strong possibility that your pet could become prey for a bear, coyote, owl or other predator.
* There is a possibility of exchange of diseases between domestic animals and wildlife.
* Thermal areas pose particular hazards to pets. Boiling water in pools and thermal channels can cause severe or fatal burns if your pet decides to take a drink or go for a swim.
Pets may accompany you in the front country areas of the park. This includes any area within 100 feet / 30.48 meters of roads, parking areas and campgrounds [36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 7.13 (h)]. Pets must be kept under physical control at all times - caged, crated or on a leash not to exceed six feet in length [36 CFR 2.15 (d)].
If necessary, pets may remain in your vehicle while you are viewing attractions near roads and parking areas. However, we care about your pet's well being. Be sure to provide sufficient ventilation for its comfort and survival. It is prohibited to leave a pet unattended and tied to an object [36 CFR 2.15 (a)3].
Pets running at large may be impounded and the owner charged for the care and feeding of the animal. By law, any domestic animal observed by authorities to be molesting or killing wildlife may be destroyed if necessary for public safety or the protection of wildlife [36 CFR 2.15 (d)].
There is no kennel facility within Yellowstone National Park.
Xanterra, the park lodging concessioner, allows pets in some cabin facilities. Please contact them for more information and reservations - 307-344-7311.
Remember: Pets leave traces other than footprints. The owner is responsible for clean up and disposal of all pet feces [36 CFR 2.15 (a)(5)]. Please be thoughtful of other visitors as well as your pet.
Information was provided by the NPS.
Pet boarding is offered in the local gateway cities of Gardiner, Cody, Jackson and West Yellowstone.
