Visiting a National Park? Your Dog Can Become a Certified 'BARK Ranger' While You Explore

Gabrielle LaFrank
Oscar Vargas Mora/Shutterstock

I know I'm not the only one who did a double take when the calendar suddenly said 'August,' but there's no reason to worry. Even if we're already well into the second half of the year, there's still plenty of summertime left to enjoy with our furry friends. Whether it's lounging on the beach, running through the sprinklers, or whipping up a refreshing treat in the kitchen, there's no shortage of ways to make these dog days of summer as special as possible.

Many dog owners love taking short trips with their pups, and America's National Parks are the perfect places to go. Most of them (but not all!) welcome four-legged visitors on a leash, but did you know there's a special program just for dogs at these parks? It's true--your furry friend can become a BARK Ranger whether you're visiting for an hour or a week!

This is my dog, Jack, and he's the first official BARK Ranger in our family. My fiance and I brought him with us on an anniversary getaway to Yosemite National Park several months ago, and we learned about the BARK Ranger program just in time! We looked it up once we found the official canine merchandise (including dog bandanas) in the visitor's center, and we learned just how easy it is to get him this official-sounding title.

How to Become a BARK Ranger

If anything, this is a program for dog parents just as much as dogs! Although each National Park curates their own steps for becoming a BARK Ranger, it's a safe bet that you'll need to learn the BARK Ranger Code before a park ranger will promote your pup:

  • Bag your pet’s waste

  • Always leash your pet

  • Respect wildlife

  • Know where you can go

Sounds simple, right? A little research and preparation can go a long way in ensuring your dog has a smooth trip, so make sure to pack all essentials, like portable water bowls and bags, to pick up after your pet. Be sure to get a map when you enter the park, and let the park ranger at the entrance know that you have a dog so they can tell you which spaces are and aren't pet-friendly.

Related: Take A Sneak Peek Into The Job Of 'National Bark Ranger' With Gracie The Border Collie

The final two steps for becoming a BARK Ranger are the most fun: exploring the park and getting certified! It'll be time to practice your BARK Ranger knowledge when you visit your favorite viewpoints and hiking trails but don't forget to take pictures! Before you go, check in with a park ranger to have your dog's BARK Ranger certification signed off. Then it's time to show off your new knowledge to all your friends!

BARK Rangers are ambassadors for National Parks and all of nature, so don't take this privilege lightly. But do remember to have tons of fun while exploring nature with your furry BFF!

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