Grand Teton National Park offers a wide range of activities in the stunning wilderness of the Teton Range, from fishing to boating, biking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Grand Teton is home to a wide variety of wildlife including the largest mammal in North America, the bison.
Dogs and other pets are allowed in Grand Teton National Park, but owners are required to following specific rules and guidelines to keep their pets and the wildlife safe. Owners are responsible for clean-up and disposal of all pet waste and pets are not allowed in the backcountry, on park trails, in public buildings, or on swimming beaches. They must always be kept under physical control at all times, whether that means they’re caged, crated, or restrained on a leash that does not exceed six feet in length.
When people ignore these rules, dogs and other pets can wander, get lost, or encounter wildlife, potentially putting themselves or the wild animal in danger. Such was the case when this unrestrained husky approached a bison in Grand Teton, causing a stir but fortunately appearing to get away without either animal wounding up injured.
The husky was just being a husky and the bison was just being a bison. The only individual at fault in this case is the person who failed to leash their dog. Bison are unpredictable and can charge at any moment, and there’s a good chance they’ll view dogs as a threat. Keep your dogs leashed and away from wildlife at all times in National Parks. In Grand Teton National Park, your pet must stay within 30 feet of the roadway at all times. If you can’t follow those rules, leave your pet at home. Read more on pet safety in Grand Teton National Park below.
Grand Teton National Park Pet Guidelines:
Regulations
- You are responsible for clean-up and disposal of all pet waste.
- Pets must be kept under physical control at all times – caged, crated, or restrained on a leash not to exceed six feet in length.
- Pets are prohibited in the backcountry and on park trails.
- Pets are prohibited from public buildings and swimming beaches.
- Pets are prohibited from riding in boats on park waters, except for Jackson Lake.
- Pets must stay within 30 feet of any roadway.
- Pets must not be left unattended and/or tied to an object.
- Pets are prohibited from making unreasonable noise or frightening wildlife.
- Pets running-at-large may be impounded and their owner charged for the care and feeding.
- Dog sledding and ski-jorring is prohibited.
- Pets are not allowed on the park’s multi-use pathway.
- Service animals used for the sole purpose of aiding a person with a disability are permitted, but should be clearly marked as a working animal. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Places to go with your pet
Pets may accompany you in developed campgrounds, turnouts, and picnic areas. Pets may be walked along any roads that cars are permitted on, but must yield to traffic. Pets are allowed in the surrounding Bridger-Teton National Forest trails and backcountry, unless otherwise posted.
In Winter
Every year, from November 1 through April 30, the park closes portions of the Teton Park Road to traffic, allowing for public recreation. You may walk your pet in the designated pet walking lane. Do not allow your pet to destroy the groomed cross-country ski track. Pick up after your pet and dispose of pet waste in garbage cans. Pets may not be farther than 30 feet from the roadway.
Kennels and Pet Sitters
If you are planning on exploring areas of the park that are closed to pets, we recommend that you contact a local pet care provider. Commercial kennels and pet sitters are available in surrounding communities. Please check local listings. Reservations are strongly advised and may be required.
Service Animals
Service Animals are allowed in the park subject to regulations of the ADA.