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If you are an avid hiker or enjoy exploring natural wonders, you may have considered bringing your best friend along for a trip to Sequoia National Park in California. Known for its Sequoia groves, famed General Sherman tree (the biggest tree on Earth by volume at a whopping 1487 cubic meters), and prolific wildlife, it's a popular destination.
If you love adventure, you might have wondered whether dogs are allowed in Sequoia National Park, here is everything that you need to know.
While dogs are generally welcome in Sequoia National Park, there are specific rules to follow. Dogs must be on a leash at all times, and they are only allowed in developed areas, campgrounds, picnic areas, and paved roads. They are not permitted on trails, wilderness areas, or in the backcountry. Ensure a pleasant visit by respecting these regulations and enjoying the park responsibly with your furry friend.
According to Sequoia National Park, no pet dogs are allowed inside the park trails so that everyone can "see and appreciate wildlife." They also want to protect their unique and budding ecosystem. As such, pet animals are not permitted on trails within the park.
Pet animals and emotional support animals are, however, allowed in campgrounds and picnic areas within the park, provided they are leashed. Leashes must be no more than 6-feet in length. Moreover, dogs must not be left unattended in hot cars or left alone and tethered.
If you plan on hiking with your furry friend, however, do not despair. There are several surrounding parks in the nearby national forest lands that are pet-friendly, and pet dogs and emotional support animals are allowed to join their handlers on these trails as long as they are leashed.
Yes, as per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs are permitted to enter any public area where the public is allowed.
According to the ADA, service dogs are defined as:
"Dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities."
As such, service dogs must be required because of a qualifying disability and be trained to perform a function relating to it.
Service dogs can help owners with psychiatric, physical, sensory, and intellectual disabilities.
Psychiatric service dogs (PSD) are also recognized by the ADA. They help owners to manage a range of psychiatric health conditions by performing a disability-related task. For example, they may wake an owner from a nightmare if they are living with PTSD, remind an owner with bipolar to take their medication, or offer tactile stimulation when their handler has a panic attack.
If you want to explore PSD training programs, explore our online, self-paced course with a professional trainer.
Service dogs are allowed in all areas of the park where humans are permitted as per the ADA.
Pet dogs and emotional support dogs are only allowed in the campgrounds, on paved roads, and in picnic areas when leashed, so long as the leash isn't longer than 6-meters. While they aren't allowed on the trails in the park – so as to protect wildlife and the ecosystem – they are allowed on certain trails in the surrounding forest area.
Top tip: If you want to see the trees with your pup inside the park, have some lunch at the Crescent Meadow picnic spot or enjoy a beautiful drive along General's Highway.
There are some popular, pet-friendly trails near the park.
These trails, located just outside of the park, are a great pet-friendly option.
Yes, as long as they are leashed, they are allowed to accompany owners within the campgrounds.
A service dog can help their handler with a disability navigate the park with greater ease and make it a safer and more enjoyable experience. Sadly, the trails inside the park aren't open to pet dogs. However, many doggy parents enjoy bringing their pup along for a drive or a picnic. They might also opt to go hiking in the surrounding forest trails outside the park.
An official emotional support animal letter is a great asset for anyone with an ESA. Emotional support animals provide huge comfort and companionship to their owners and help them to manage a number of mental health conditions and improve daily functioning.
An ESA letter is written by a licensed mental health therapist in the person's state and is recognized under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). This federal law ensures that housing providers do not unfairly discriminate against those with ESAs and guarantees that they make 'reasonable accommodations' so as not to exclude them. With an ESA letter, landlords cannot charge pet rentals as ESAs are seen as medical aid rather than a pet.
If you want to get an official ESA letter, chat with the team at Pettable. Answer a quick survey, and we will connect you with a licensed practitioner in your state and arrange a consultation. If successful, you will get your official letter within 24-48 hours and can then present this to your landlord.
Kristi Carignan is a seasoned freelance writer with over 20 years of experience crafting copy for global agencies and brands. When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time with her furry companions, Sugar the PomChi and Rudy the Shiba Inu, and indulging in hobbies like crafting and home renovation.
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