B.A.R.K. in the park: Zion NP now allows pets in designated areas

ST. GEORGE — Dogs will be allowed into Zion National Park through a new program that encourages visitors to protect the park and their pets. 

“The essence of the B.A.R.K. program is to encourage folks to come out here and visit a park safely,” Ben Gibson, B.A.R.K. Ranger program manager said. “And to give visitors the tools they need to interact with the park in a way that helps to preserve and protect it for these and future generations.”

Pets may be in areas one can drive into, such as campgrounds and the Pa’rus Trail. Pets are required to have no longer than a six-foot leash. A leash protects pets from hazards like cactus or harmful algae. The goal is to limit the disturbance of native desert plants and wildlife, he said.

Gibson said cleaning up pet waste is extremely important in Zion National Park because it can affect wildlife, native plants and waste will not break down on its own.

B.A.R.K. stands for:

· Bag your pet’s waste

· Always leash your pet

· Respect wildlife 

· Know where you can go 

For the first time, the B.A.R.K. Ranger Oath can be taken at the Zion Canyon or Kolob Canyons Visitor Centers, with participants receiving a B.A.R.K. Ranger Sticker. Visitors can sign a pledge card or purchase the official B.A.R.K. Ranger badge at any Zion Forever park store, Gibson said.

The areas where pets are welcome include sidewalks, public roads and parking areas, and picnic and campground areas. Pets may also be on the grounds of Zion Lodge.

Dog on a leash sits at the River Entrance of Zion National Park, Springdale, Utah, unspecified date | Photo provided by National Park Service/Abi Farish, St. George News

Pets are not allowed in the following areas: shuttles, other park trails, wilderness areas, public buildings and areas with signed notifications.

Gibson advised pet owners to monitor pets in spring and summer so they don’t get too hot. Heat can stress pets within the park. To keep you and your pet happy and healthy you should:

· Never leave a pet in a car with closed or narrowly cracked windows.

· Be mindful of paws on potentially hot pavement.

· Bring plenty of water for you and your pet.

· Learn more and engage with others about pets in Zion National Park.

Visitors are encouraged to honor their visit with their pets by visiting the park’s bookstore. Michelle Temiquel, Zion Forever Project office coordinator, said the store has many different products that will help preserve those memories. 

“For example, we have a bandana that talks about our B.A.R.K. Ranger program, and we have a patch that says that they’re official park rangers,” Temiquel said. “And we also have a name tag that says they are a park ranger at Zion National Park.”  

The program is a part of Zion National Park’s observance of National Park Week and Earth Day and is designed to empower visitors to protect the park and pets.

To protect desert bighorn sheep from disease, domesticated sheep and goats are not allowed in the park, Jonathan Shafer, Zion National Park Public Affairs Specialist, said.

Zion National Park’s visitation has skyrocketed from about 2.8 million visits in 2011 to more than 5 million visits in 2021, according to the park’s website.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.

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