Do you bring your dog to Nat'l Parks?

[Dan Vang]

Planning on hitting several NP this summer. From MN to ND to WY then SD and back home over two weeks time.

Theodore Roosevelt NP
Yellowstone NP
Grand Teton NP
Devils Tower NM
Custer State Park in South Dakota
Mt Rushmore
Badlands NP

I understand dogs are allowed but must be leashed. My problem is what to do with him when we go to see sights/attractions that don't allow dogs. It will be about mid-july so perhaps too hot to leave him in the vehicle. I'd love to bring the little guy, but don't want to if he can't go anywhere besides hang out in the car or campground alone (not fun for him). I am resigned to have to leave him behind with the in-laws.

I know many of you travel with your pets, but in this case would you leave him behind?

[Gina D.]

depends on the hook up situation. If I can run the air conditioning, I am fine with leaving them in the trailer for an hour or two. I have to have the windows closed due to one that barks.

Otherwise, I adjust, choosing to leave them at the sitter, or not doing the sight seeing thing.

Having one that does not play well with others, I am resigned to hanging out with him at the rig, or away from others if he comes, but those that have been to rallies with me know for the most part, he just doesn't get to come, or he is bansihed to being in the trailer while I am socializing.

On long trips, I try to maximize my driving time during the day, so they are not as exposed in the overnite stay campground, otherwise, I asses the situation and decide what to do when I get there. Often times, it means giving up some people fun. Thats part of dog ownership.

[Dan Vang]

I'd love to bring my beagle on this trip, but I fear he will spend a lot of time alone while we are gone, since the intent is to do sight seeing. Guess he will have to stay behind. I hate it when I can't bring him with me, he is like a member of family.

Once I tried to bring him into a Culver's restaurant when he was still 10 weeks old. Boy did the old lady employee stopped me fast! I knew better, but let the best get to me! She was so mean, I never will step foot in another Culver's (don't like the butterburgers anyways).

[Gina D.]

if you have a Beagle, I know your pain. I have 3 now, from 17 weeks old, to 16 years old. If your pup is typical Beagle, it is best not to take him if your side trips and non dog times are frequent. Your nieghbors will cheer you.

BUT, if you plan ahead, you can find doggie day care for him in the area you wish to see. I do this for the Oregon Gathering. I take the herd with me for the coming and going trip, but drop them off at the kennel during the actual event. Sort of a best of both worlds thing.

[Vi Turner]

Planning on hitting several NP this summer. From MN to ND to WY then SD and back home over two weeks time.

Theodore Roosevelt NP
Yellowstone NP
Grand Teton NP
Devils Tower NM
Custer State Park in South Dakota
Mt Rushmore
Badlands NP

Don't know what kind of dog you have but we travel with a 13# Shih Tzu. We traveled clear across country last summer,,,Boarded the cat and took the dog. We went sight-seeing along the way, and at a national park, even in the gift shop, we carried the dog. The clerks looked but did not comment. I had read some place that you can carry a pet and there is no problem. We did not leave him in the trailer because it was so hot! Earlier in the year we left him for 1-2 hours in the Trill with no problems. (fortunately, he is not a 'Yap-dog). Vi

[Pamela H]

Mt. Rushmore says no to dogs, except for in their dog walk areas, (which I believe are outside of the inner sanctum of the park.)

[Vi Turner]

Planning on hitting several NP this summer. From MN to ND to WY then SD and back home over two weeks time.

Theodore Roosevelt NP
Yellowstone NP
Grand Teton NP
Devils Tower NM
Custer State Park in South Dakota
Mt Rushmore
Badlands NP

Try: National Park Services Dog Policy. Lots of information there. Luck, Vi

[Donna D.]

humm a tough one. Pets are members of the family. I suppose you need to ask yourself, do you want to take the pup on this trip for him.. or for you? I doubt your dog will know or even care he may be visiting some of the finest NPs in the country. He'd be just as happy playing in a dog area in some city park. Will taking the dog prevent you from seeing or going to some areas and when will be the next time you may be able to visit? If this is your one chance to really sightsee is having the dog along going to stop YOUR enjoyment? While your dog may be very well behaved, and you have to leave him inside the trailer, is there even a remote chance you'll come back to your trailer and find chewed up cushions, rugs and curtains? Lots of things to consider and I'm sure you're going to make the right one for both you and the pup, whatever that may be.

Best of luck in your decision.

[brian m.]

You have to weigh the positives of traveling with your dog versus the negatives of having to leave them behind, have someone care for them, the stress due to separation, the costs of boarding them, etc. This past summer our dog (along with us) saw Crater Lake NP, Yellowstone NP, Grand Teton NP, and Rocky Mountain NP. Granted some of it was spent snoozing in the Casita, (the dog that is), but somehow someway it all worked out.

[Leehman]

We take our pet with us when camping. Jane is always ready for a good hike.
Asking permission to bring a dog into a store is a good policy. I have been surprised how many will allow dogs.
Most eating establishments that have outside service, seating will except Jane the dog.

[james kent]

We too have a JR that likes to camp with us. She has a leash long enough for her to sniff the bushes around the edge of the campsite and a kennel to sleep in and protect her from unwanted dangers. When sightseeing we will take turns with her while the other "does the thing". If she's not accepted then we will forgo the event in her favour.
After all it's her trip too.

[Roger C H]

There is good reason to keep your dog on a leash inside parks, or indeed any wilderness area: There are bears there, for one thing. Picture this scenario: Dog finds bear. Dog chases bear. Bear doesn't chase like squirrels at home. Bear chases dog. Dog runs back to owner. Now owner is dealing with a scared dog and an angry bear. Not a pretty sight.

[Leehman]

[quote]We too have a JR that likes to camp with us. She has a leash long enough for her to sniff the bushes around the edge of the campsite and a kennel to sleep in and protect her from unwanted dangers. When sightseeing we will take turns with her while the other "does the thing". If she's not accepted then we will forgo the event in her favour.
After all it's her trip too.

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James,
J R. are the most loyal dogs. Jane is great with kids, she is a great ice breaker. When traveling leash is used at all times. I removed the leash from the Savannah photo in photoshop......

[Dan Vang]

Thanks for all the replies.

I understand the NP policy. If we were just camping I would take him in a heartbeat. But being we want to sightsee some areas where dogs aren't allowed, then dogs aren't so welcome there. I guess for this trip we will leave him behind....though it feels like leaving a member of the family behind....