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If you’re looking for a pet-friendly destination for your next trip, few places are better than the Garden of the Gods. The entire park is completely pet friendly. Not only can they go anywhere in the park you can, but there’s even a designated off-leash area where they can get some energy out.
We’ve highlighted everything you need to know about dogs and the Garden of the Gods. That way, you can start planning your next trip as soon as possible!
Rules for Dogs at Garden of the Gods
While you can bring dogs to the Garden of the Gods, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any rules for them. For starters, dogs need to stay with you on the trails, and except for one designated off-leash area, your dog needs to always stay on a leash that’s 6 feet or shorter.
There’s an abundance of wildlife at the Garden of the Gods, lots of people, and even horseback riding tours, so you need to always maintain complete control of your dog when in the park. Like all parks, you’ll also need to clean up after your dog.
Finally, there is one off-leash area at the Garden of the Gods. This area is an off-leash field in the southeast corner of the park, but it is not a fenced-in area. Even when visiting this area, you always need to maintain voice control over your dog while in the park.
If your pup doesn’t always respond to voice commands or tends to run away, this isn’t an area you’ll want to bring them to.
Rules for You at Garden of the Gods
Your pup isn’t the only one who needs to follow some rules on your next trip to the Garden of the Gods. There are plenty of rules you need to follow too. Some of them are obvious, and others might be covering things you wouldn’t otherwise think about.
One of the obvious rules includes no carving or marking any of the rocks or natural elements. But did you know that while you’re visiting the Garden of the Gods, you must stay on the designated trail at all times? This isn’t just if you have dogs, it’s for everyone!
The Garden of the Gods has sensitive soil, and even a brief excursion off-trail can create all sorts of damage. Another rule is that you can’t take any rocks or plants you find there, no matter how small. Leave everything just how you found it so the next visitor can enjoy the Garden of the Gods as much as you did.
Tips for Traveling With Your Pet
If you’re thinking about bringing your dog to the Garden of the Gods or another location, there are a few tips and tricks you’ll want to follow to ensure your next trip goes as smoothly as possible. We’ve highlighted five such tips for you here:
1. Find a Pet-Friendly Hotel
Getting to your destination is only half the battle when you’re traveling with your pet. Pet-friendly accommodations can be scarce and expensive, so ensure you book everything you need before you hit the road.
2. Strap Your Pet in While Driving
There’s a reason you put on a seatbelt every time you get behind the wheel. It’s the same reason your dog should too. If you get into an accident, a doggy seatbelt can save your pup’s life. Not only that, but a doggy seatbelt will keep them right where they should be while you’re driving, helping to keep you out of an accident in the first place.
3. Keep Your Pup in the Back Seat
While we understand the temptation of wanting to put your dog in the passenger seat, the back seat is the safest place for them. If the airbag goes off in the front seat, it can be fatal for your dog. Not only that but if they’re in the back seat, they’re less of a distraction, so you can keep your eyes on the road.
4. Bring a Pet Travel Kit
When you hit the road with your dog, you never know what will happen. Prepare for everything by packing a pet travel bag with all the essentials. Bring a water and food bowl, some food, water, medication, a first aid kit, plastic bags, a leash, and a waste scoop.
5. Have Fun
You’re traveling to have fun, so don’t lose track of that when you’re bringing your pet along. Enjoy the trip, and it’ll be an experience both you and your dog will love.
Final Thoughts
The Garden of the Gods is the perfect pet-friendly getaway, and if that sounds like something you need, all that’s left is for you to start planning your next trip. Your dog will love it there, and so will you, especially since you get to keep them by your side for the entire trip!
Featured Image Credit: JoshuaWoroniecki, Pixabay