If you’re considering a visit to the Grand Canyon, you may be wondering if you can bring your pup with you – after all, many dogs love hiking alongside their owner, and some of the best, most breathtaking hiking trails in the world are located at this natural wonder. However, the Grand Canyon is a national park, and it has specific rules about where dogs are allowed to accompany you.
Our article gives you an overview of whether or not your pet will be allowed at the Grand Canyon.
Dog Policies at Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon National Park has a strict set of rules for dogs that are visiting the park. These rules are in place to protect the dogs, individuals who choose to hike more difficult trails, and any local wildlife or animals found around the area.
When visiting the Grand Canyon National Park with your dog, you may have them in the South Rim area only; dogs are not allowed below the rim on the inner canyon trails, on park shuttle buses, or within park lodging that isn’t explicitly pet-friendly.
This means that you can take your dog into areas located above the rim, in certain campgrounds connected to the Grand Canyon, and in designated pet-friendly areas. Keep in mind that your dog must be leashed at all times, and your leash must not be longer than six feet. You must always clean up after your pet, and you are not permitted to leave your dog tied up or unattended at any time; never leave your dog enclosed in an unattended vehicle, especially during hot weather.
It is important to note that these are the pet policies for Grand Canyon National Park. Neighboring state parks and tribal lands may have differing pet and dog policies, and it is important to be informed of these two if you think that you will leave the Grand Canyon and enter onto one of these neighboring lands at any part of your visit.
Can I Board My Dog Near the Grand Canyon?
If you want to visit the Grand Canyon National Park and hike the inner canyon trails, you will need to leave your dog somewhere safe where they can spend the day while you enjoy yours.
There is a boarding facility at the Grand Canyon National Park that accepts both dogs and cats with proper proof of vaccination. You can access day or overnight boarding at this facility, and recommendations are recommended to ensure your pet has a spot during your visit to the Grand Canyon.
Can I Bring My Service Dog Into the Grand Canyon?
While dogs aren’t allowed below the South Rim onto the inner canyon trails, there is an exception for service dogs. Service dogs are necessary for many individuals, and owners of service dogs typically need them by their side at all times for guidance, medical alerts, and other important disability-related tasks.
Grand Canyon National Park does allow service dogs to accompany their owners anywhere in the canyon, but your service dog will need to strictly adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act’s definition of service dogs. This means that the only service animal permitted anywhere in the Grand Canyon is a dog that has been trained to perform tasks specifically related to their owner’s disability.
Your service dog will also be permitted to accompany you into lodging around the Grand Canyon, even lodging that isn’t specifically pet-friendly, and onto park shuttles or other areas where dogs are not permitted.
It’s important to note that emotional support dogs or other comfort animals do not count as service dogs, and they will not be permitted anywhere in the Grand Canyon. These animals will count as pets under the Grand Canyon’s rules, and you must adhere to the general rules for dogs in the park.
Do I Need to Inform Park Rangers About My Service Dog?
While you don’t necessarily need to inform park rangers or other staff about your service dog, it is highly recommended that you visit the Backcountry Information Center with your service dog before entering any of the trails of the Grand Canyon.
At the Backcountry Information Center, staff can give you advice on mitigating risk while hiking with your service dog and provide you with details on any specific risks you might face, such as predators like coyotes around the trails or mules that are being utilized by others on the trail.
Additionally, you will need to make sure that your service dog is properly equipped to accompany you and that they have heat protection, water, snacks, and other safety items as needed.
Do I Need to Identify My Service Dog in the Grand Canyon?
There is no regulation or rule that you need to identify your service dog in the Grand Canyon, though many people choose to use a marked vest, leash, or harness for their service dog.
This can help other people interact with your service dog in the proper fashion and allow others to know that your dog is a service dog when you enter Inner Canyon trails, potentially preventing an issue where you will need to explain that your dog is a service dog.
How Can I Protect My Dog From Extreme Temperatures?
The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most notable national parks, and it has trails that range from easy to more extreme. The park can have extreme temperatures, especially during the summer months, and it is important to ensure that your pet or service dog is protected from these extreme temperatures and prepared to accompany you wherever you go in the park.
Tips for ensuring your dog stays healthy and happy while you visit the Grand Canyon include:
- Utilize heat protection and shoes for your dog to ensure they stay safe from extreme ground temperatures
- Monitoring your dog’s health and stress levels, ensuring that you take extra breaks when needed
- Packing extra water and snacks for your dog
- Never leaving your dog unattended, and never leaving your dog in a vehicle during hot weather
If you have questions or concerns about helping your dog stay safe from extreme temperatures or the other risks that may be present in the park, speak with your veterinarian and with park staff. Your veterinarian may be able to approve your dog’s visit to the park, while park staff can help provide advice for individuals with pet dogs or service dogs who are visiting the Grand Canyon.
Bringing Your Dog to a Natural World Wonder
Visiting the Grand Canyon is at the top of many people’s bucket list, and your visit to the park may be improved by the presence of your beloved pet dog or you may need your service dog to accompany you throughout the Grand Canyon National Park.
When visiting the Grand Canyon with your dog, make sure that you have taken steps to ensure their safety and that you follow all park rules. If you are venturing further into the Grand Canyon with your service dog, always make sure that they are under your control and that you follow any additional rules or safety precautions to make your trip a safe and fun one.