Pets

Be a B.A.R.K. Ranger!

B.A.R.K. Principles

Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park is a great place to bring your pet. The National Park Service encourages pet owners to follow the four B.A.R.K. principles during their visit. These principles help protect you, your pet, and the park. B.A.R.K. stands for:

B – Bag Your Pet’s Waste

Help keep the park clean by bagging your pet’s waste and throwing it away in the trash. Pet waste can spread diseases to other animals.

A – Always Leash Your Pet

Pets must be restrained on a leash no more than six feet long. Unleashed pets can harm wildlife and other visitors. Leashed pets cannot be left unattended. Make sure your leashed pet is well behaved around other visitors.

R – Respect Wildlife

Make sure that your pet keeps clear of wildlife and stays on designated trails. Always stay 25 yards from wildlife that you may encounter. Ensure that all pet food is secured to avoid attracting wildlife.

K – Know Where You Can Go

Plan ahead and know where you can take your pet. Do not leave your pet unattended in the park or left alone in a vehicle. Read more about rules for pets at Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania Military Park below.

Become a B.A.R.K. Ranger

Do you want your pet to become an official B.A.R.K. Ranger? Here’s what you need to do:

1. Learn the four B.A.R.K. principles.

2. Take the B.A.R.K. Ranger pledge.

3. Receive an official B.A.R.K. Ranger certificate.

Stop by any of our visitor centers to take the pledge. Official B.A.R.K. Ranger badges are available for purchase in park bookstores.

Activities

Check out our calendar to learn about upcoming B.A.R.K. Ranger activities in the park.