Pets

A dog with protective eye wear sits in the backseat of a convertible.
Special rules apply to our four-footed friends.

NPS

Pets are members of our families, but there are some things you should be aware of before bringing your pet to the park.

  • Pets are allowed in developed areas such as: in your cars while driving park roads, frontcountry campgrounds, picnic areas, along roads when you are stopped, in parking areas, and in boats on lakes where motorized watercraft are permitted.
  • Pets are not permitted on trails, along lake shores outside of developed locations, in the backcountry, or in any building.
  • Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet (1.8 m), under physical restraint, or caged at all times, including while in open-bed pickup trucks.
  • Pets are not to be left tied to an object when unattended.
  • Pet owners must pick up after their pets and dispose of waste in a trash receptacle. Owners must not allow a pet to make noise that is unreasonable. When the bike path between Apgar and West Glacier is free of snow dogs are allowed on leash.
  • When roads are closed to vehicle traffic, they are considered a backcountry trail and dogs are not allowed.

What can you do with your pet when you are hiking?

Do not leave your pet in a closed vehicle. If the air temperature outside is 80 degrees F, it will only take two minutes for the temperature inside your vehicle to reach over 94 degrees. Within an hour it can reach over 120 degrees F. Glacier National Park frequently sees days well in excess of 90 degrees, increasing those internal car temperatures dramatically.

Think about boarding your dog in a kennel for a day or two. A Google search turns up several options for boarding your pet, when you search on Flathead Valley Kennels.

Last updated: January 24, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 128
West Glacier, MT 59936

Phone:

406-888-7800

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