Is Yellowstone Pet Friendly?

agesilaus wrote:
No national park, to my knowledge, is pet 'friendly'. They all follow the above rules.

Not true. Many National Parks allow pets on the trails and everywhere except in the buildings. Even found several visitor centers with water bowls and treats. Fort Caroline National Memorial in Jacksonville, FL is one example!

The Park Service manages more than just the "National Parks". Fort Caroline is part of an Ecological and Historic Preserve. There are different rules for preserves, historic sites, etc., than there are for national parks.

Do yourself a favor, don't take dogs into Yellowstone. If left at camp, they will be alone for most of the day. If brought in a vehicle to explore, they won't be allowed on the trails and will hinder your ability to see the attractions - even the easy roadside ones.

We camp in Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks often and leave our dogs at home. It makes for a more pleasant experience. Like when we leave our teenagers at home!

I understand it's better to leave the dog behind, and for you it's pretty easy to do that. Put the dog in a kennel for a week, and make a quick run to Yellowstone.

Unfortunately, for me, it is not that easy. I can't leave my dog in a kennel for a month and 182. That's how long we will be away from home on our trip this year, which includes a week in Yellowstone.

We must leave our dog in the trailer. I also understand it limits the amount of time we can stay away during the day.

Army11Bravo wrote:
Do yourself a favor, don't take dogs into Yellowstone. If left at camp, they will be alone for most of the day. If brought in a vehicle to explore, they won't be allowed on the trails and will hinder your ability to see the attractions - even the easy roadside ones.

We camp in Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks often and leave our dogs at home. It makes for a more pleasant experience. Like when we leave our teenagers at home!

A lot of campgrounds outside Yellowstone won't let you leave your dog unattended in your RV either. Ever stay next to one that barked all day when the owner's were away?

In addition, I've seen eagles near Yellowstone carry off small pets that were left outside.

Check for a dog sitter in West Yellowstone.

I'll say it....your dogs can be a pain in the rear to others. I really don't want to be growled at when approaching you and your dog on a narrow trail. I don't want your dog yapping all day when your away from camp. I don't want to step in the excrement you leave behind. I don't dislake dogs. Owners are something else.

Wow, it sounds like Yellowstone is a lot different than the Grand Canyon is but with good reasons. Then again I have been told that the GC is one of the most friendly pet parks in the system.
Our little mutt would not enjoy being cooped up in the motorhome all day long and it's a long trip for us there too.
Perhaps we will just cancel that trip.

Surely you have a relative or neighbor or a teen in the neighborhood that could feed, walk and give some play time to your dog. Many folks hire babysitters and leave their children. Missing Yellowstone because of a dog?

2gypsies wrote:
Surely you have a relative or neighbor or a teen in the neighborhood that could feed, walk and give some play time to your dog. Many folks hire babysitters and leave their children. Missing Yellowstone because of a dog?

I don't think it's "missing Yellowstone because of a dog", I think it's a matter of figuring out your own trip plans that fit your own needs/wants. If the OP is taking a long trip out west and Yellowstone is just one part (and the only part not friendly for the dog), then choosing to see something else may be a better move for them all.

I enjoy going places with my dogs. They're getting older and I may not have that many more years with them. So, I'd rather do things with them while we can, instead of leaving them behind. I'll see those other places once they're gone.