Yellowstone with pets

[wtmtnhiker]

To those of you who have visited Yellowstone with pets I would like to know the pitfalls and how the trip went. I understand the park rules but just wondering how you handled having the dog along. I have a Golden Retriever and want to take him and we'll be making many other stops. I'd rather skip Yellowstone than leave him behind. Thanks.

[bikendan]

wtmtnhiker wrote:
To those of you who have visited Yellowstone with pets I would like to know the pitfalls and how the trip went. I understand the park rules but just wondering how you handled having the dog along. I have a Golden Retriever and want to take him and we'll be making many other stops. I'd rather skip Yellowstone than leave him behind. Thanks.

We had a Golden when we visited Yellowstone. Also the DW's grandmas dog. We took them with us sometimes and left them in the RV sometimes, like when visiting the thermal areas.
Of course you can't take them on the trails.
So it's up to your comfort level. The dogs simply slept while we were gone. They got plenty of exercise at the campground before we left them worn out.

[Thermoguy]

We took 2 dogs to Glacier a couple years ago. Both have kennels in the RV and stay in it while we were gone. When we got back, we took them on walks around the campground and keep them on a long leash tied to the trailer. They bark when they are out on the leash, but not when confined to the trailer. We would do the same if we went to Yellowstone. Went to Brice Canyon this winter, left the one dog we had with us back in the condo. Dogs are not allowed in national parks, only in the parking lot, typically.

[IDman]

Neither you, the dog, or your neighbors will enjoy having him on this trip. He will be hot, lonely, barky, etc. You will be rushed, frustrated, concerned about him, etc. Your neighbors will not like his barking when alone, they will be concerned about his welfare in the truck or RV, etc.

Best to leave him at home or board him in a town near YNP.

[wapiticountry]

Gooma wrote:
If the dog is well behaved and kept on a short leash, OK. How does he behave in a crowded situation? I think you, the dog and other visitors would be better off without the dog being a tourist. Some kids, and adults too, are afraid of dogs and some people are allergic. Do everyone a favor and leave the dog in the RV or at least in the vehicle while at busy areas in the park.

Dogs are absolutely not allowed on trails or boardwalks within Yellowstone regardless of how well behaved or how short the leash is. They need to stay in the car or the RV while touring the park. At elevation the solar radiation can be very high and even if the air temperatures are comfortable the interior of a car can heat up to dangerous levels. The good news is, for most people Yellowstone is viewed from the car and very short walking paths and boardwalks. If the dog is comfortable sitting alone quietly in the car for short periods of time (30 minutes or less) you will be able to see what 99% if park visitors see.

[wtmtnhiker]

Yes I can leave the dog in the RV he is a good boy that way and doesn't bark. I don't really like leaving him alone for more than 4 or 5 hours but we'll only be there 5 days. Thanks to all for the replies. I get it that some people are afraid of, allergic to and/or don't like dogs. I'm ok with that and keep him tight by my side if walking around others.

[Gooma]

If the dog is well behaved and kept on a short leash, OK. How does he behave in a crowded situation? I think you, the dog and other visitors would be better off without the dog being a tourist. Some kids, and adults too, are afraid of dogs and some people are allergic. Do everyone a favor and leave the dog in the RV or at least in the vehicle while at busy areas in the park.

[bgum]

We left ours in the RV. Dogs sleep much of the day. He sacrificed so we could see the park. When we didn't plan on being away from the TV very long we left him in the truck cab as it was cool. Much the same as when we are running errands locally.

[dodge_guy]

Why not leave him in the RV?

[Lantley]

I take it you want to take the dog throughout the park vs. just leaving dog in the RV while you check out things without the dog.

[wtmtnhiker]

Crowe wrote:
Is there any chance you'd be comfortable dropping him off at a doggie day care so you can travel in the park without hindrance? If you post in the pet forum someone may be able to recommend a place.

Yes that would be ok but I am staying at Fishing Bridge RV Park mainly because I don't want to have to enter and exit the park everyday.

[Crowe]

Is there any chance you'd be comfortable dropping him off at a doggie day care so you can travel in the park without hindrance? If you post in the pet forum someone may be able to recommend a place.