Pets

Pets are an important part of our lives, providing companionship, love, and joy to their caretakers.

• San Antonio Missions National Historical Park has a BARK Ranger program that your pet companion can complete! See below for more info. You can also stop by the Mission San José Visitor Center or call for more information.

• Pets are welcome at each mission complex and all trails.

• Pets are not permitted inside of Federal Buildings or inside the mission churches and must wait outside with an owner.

• Pets should not be left unattended. Summer heat poses a threat to pets left in vehicles.

• Plan ahead and prepare. Take enough water for you and your dog. Water refiill stations are available at each mission. Be sure the sun has not made the pavement too hot for your pets paws.

• Service animals and Certified Guide animals are allowed in all federal buildings. For the definition of a service animal, please see the Americans with Disibilities Act (ADA) definition.

 

Park Ranger and a BARK Ranger

NPS Photo/Chantelle Ruadnt-Hansen

San Antonio Missions is a fun 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.

Help your pet follow the B.A.R.K. principles to earn the Bark Ranger status and a paw-fect surprise! Ask a park ranger and/or visit the visitor center to earn a Bark Ranger tag:

What does it mean to become a Bark Ranger?

B – Bag Your Pet’s Waste

Help keep the park clean by bagging your pet’s waste and throwing it away in the trash.

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. 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. Pets are not allowed inside mission churches or the visitor center. Never leave pets alone in a car. Beware of the summer heat.


Please note: even though we love all BARK rangers, only service animals are allowed inside the visitor centers and mission churches.