Posted Apr 13, 2011 | Updated Apr 24, 2017

We are so thankful that we can bring our dogs to Virginia State Parks, and we want every dog to safely enjoy Virginia State Parks as much as we do. But we need to be considerate of other Park'rs so they too can enjoy their day at the park.

This is guaranteed to bring up a heated discussion on our Facebook page, it always does. But with the summer season right around the corner, it is a good reminder for everyone. Your comments and feedback are always welcomed on our Facebook page.

Dogs love to explore with their 2-legged family members (Occoneechee State Park)

Who better to take a walk with than the family pooch? (Natural Bridge State Park)

Enjoying the warm sunshine on a fall walk around the lakeshore (Lake Anna State Park)

PETIQUETTE

Some simple guidelines to help with your park visit:

1. Keep your dog on a 6' leash or shorter
2. Always clean up after your dog
3. Call ahead to confirm pets are allowed and if there are any restrictions if attending a park program
4. Keep your dog quiet and calm (if your dog is known to be an excessive barker, please oh please do not lodge them in the park overnight)
5. Use a flea and tick treatment prior to coming to the park
6. Bring plenty water for your pooch when out hiking, or spending the day in the park
7. All vaccinations must be current (rabies tag and registration worn by your dog)

There is nothing more off-putting than finding remnants of other pets near cabins and campsites. Shall the Parks begin charging if they find these little left-overs lying around outside the cabins or camping areas? For the sake of everyone, please clean up after your pet. 

Leashed and controlled dogs are allowed to see the wild ponies (Grayson Highlands State Park)

First Day Hikes are great pet friendly events for your pooch (Smith Mountain Lake State Park)

Virginia State Parks are for responsible pet owners, we applaud you (Occoneechee State Park)

PETS IN PARKS

• Pets are allowed to stay in cabins with their families for a nightly fee.
• Pets are allowed to stay free in campgrounds with their families, no additional charge
• While pets are allowed at False Cape State Park, they are not permitted access through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
• Pets are typically not allowed on any programmed events like sunset kayak tours (ask the specific park)

If a pet is left unattended, becomes a nuisance, is in violation of the leash law, disturbs others by barking during quiet hours, or damages a park facility, the owner's stay may be terminated without refund.

The owner will be billed for any damage to park facilities caused by pets. We wouldn't want any of this to happen.

While your dog is allowed on your campsite and cabin (if fees are paid), it is not allowed in park offices, visitor centers, restrooms and bathhouses, or any other facility.

Service dogs, as described in the Code of Virginia and the Americans with Disabilities Act, are not covered by these rules. Fees are not charged and they are welcome where pets are not.

PETS ON BEACHES

This is often confusing to pet owners. At Virginia State Parks, in all cases except Kiptopeke, designated swimming beaches are those where we have lifeguards in the summer season. At Kiptopeke, the designated swimming beach is not guarded but there is also a portion of the beach that is not designated as a swimming beach that dogs are allowed on (sometimes referred to as the south beach).

Virginia State Parks loves dogs

Many of us have dogs too

"Obey, and give us a fun day in the park" (Westmoreland State Park)

Learn more about pets in parks here.

*Petiquette points taken from "Go Guide" Official State Park Map and Guide.

It's Time to

Think Outside,

Your Dog Already Does

 

Editor's Note: This article is being replayed from 2011 as it is a great reminder for all of us pet owners when we head out to enjoy the day or overnight stay at our favorite Virginia State Park.

We would be pleased if you also followed our Waggin' Trails series here, or if you have a special memory with photos of a "bark" visit for Junie B to share, email her mum here.

Posted Apr 13, 2011 | Updated Apr 24, 2017