Visiting with Pets: Rules & Guidelines

Bringing your furry friend to Gateway Arch can be a rewarding way to enjoy the park's open spaces, but it's important to follow a few key guidelines to ensure the safety of your pet, other visitors, and the park itself. Pets are welcome on all outdoor grounds of the park, including the riverfront trail, green spaces, and picnic areas, but they must be leashed at all times with a leash no longer than six feet. This helps prevent unwanted encounters with wildlife, other dogs, or busy crowds. Always clean up after your pet-waste bags aren't provided, so bring your own and dispose of waste in trash bins throughout the park. Especially in warmer months, be sure your pet stays hydrated and takes breaks in shaded areas to avoid heat stress. While outdoor areas are pet-friendly, animals are not allowed inside the Gateway Arch Visitor Center, Museum, or on the tram to the top, with the exception of service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you're traveling with others, consider taking turns entering indoor spaces so someone can stay with your pet. Leaving animals unattended in vehicles is not allowed, and in hot weather, it can be life-threatening. Want to make your visit extra special? Ask a ranger about the B.A.R.K. Ranger Program-a fun, educational initiative that encourages responsible pet ownership in national parks and awards well-behaved pups with a collectible dog tag.