Pets

Effigy Mounds National Monument is a pet friendly park. Visitors may enjoy the trails with their furry friends. To preserve this cherished resource and keep the park clean and safe for all visitors, please observe the following guidelines when bringing your pet(s) into the park.

Only service animals while performing their work are allowed in the visitor center. Pets are not permitted in park buildings.

Adequate water, shade, and supervision are all important considerations for your pet, especially in the hot summer months. Pets may not be left unattended or tied up outside while at the park.

Leash Your Pet

In accordance with federal law, pets always must be kept on a six-foot leash and under physical control while visiting any area of the park. This prevents encounters between pets and wildlife, protects pets from hazards, and prevents unwanted interaction between pets and other visitors. Retractable leashes should be kept at a maximum length of six feet.

If your pet escapes its leash and becomes lost in the park, please notify park staff immediately.

Dispose of Pet Waste

Pet waste may not be left on the ground. If you are visiting with your pet, please remember to bring plastic bags or a scoop and determine how you will transport waste from the park. You may dispose of your pet's waste in any outdoor trash can.

Pet Behavior at the Park

Pets should be accustomed to proper behavior around people, other pets, and wildlife. Digging, clawing, and other destruction of natural and historical resources are strictly prohibited. Pets are also not allowed to walk or sit on the burial mounds. Unreasonable amounts of noise and harassment of wildlife are not permitted in the park.

When visiting Effigy Mounds National Monument, make sure to follow the principles of B.A.R.K.:

• Bag your pet’s waste
• Always leash your pet
• Respect wildlife
• Know where you can go

The park offers the BARK Ranger program. Take a hike on the trails and earn a BARK Ranger tag and certificate for your dog at the visitor center. To learn more about the BARK Ranger program visit the National Park Service webpage.

For more about the park's rules and regulations, see Laws and Policies or contact us.