Dogs in Everglades National Park Dog: Pet Rules Explained

Are you planning a trip to Florida and wondering if Everglades National Park is dog-friendly? You’re probably excited to bring your dog along on your adventures, so let’s talk about your options in the Everglades.

Everglades National Park is not a dog-friendly national park if you want to hike the trails. However, if you plan on only seeing the park from the roadside viewpoints or on a private boat, you’ll be able to bring your dog along for the ride.

My name is Ash, and I’m a former park ranger. Everglades National Park is an amazing place to go if you want to see wildlife, especially alligators, and I love visiting any chance I get!

Let’s talk about what you can do if you take your dog to Everglades National Park!

Where Can I Go With My Dog in the Everglades?

Dogs are allowed in the following areas:

Campgrounds

Everglades National Park has two frontcountry campgrounds, and both of these campgrounds allow dogs. If you want to camp with your dog, please be aware that:

• Pets are required to be on a 6-foot leash at all times
• Dogs cannot make excessive noise
• You must pick up after your dog
• Your dog can’t be left unattended or tied to an object while you’re out exploring the park

Learn more about your camping options here.

Paved Roads and Parking Lots

Your dog can be with you as you drive through the park on any paved roads and in any of the parking lots in the Everglades, but they are not permitted to leave the pavement. If you need to get out of the car and stretch your legs in the parking lot, your dog may join you.

Please don’t leave your pet in the car while you hike. Car temperatures can quickly become dangerously hot in the Everglades.

Picnic Areas

Your dog can join you for a picnic in any of the park’s developed picnic areas. This includes the designated picnic areas at Long Pine Key, Nine Mile Pond, and Flamingo.

Private Boats

Boating is incredibly popular at the Everglades, as most of the park is only accessible by boat. If you’re bringing a private boat to see the park, you can bring your dog with you for the ride!

Maintained Areas Near Visitor Centers

Your dog can walk the grounds around park facilities like visitor centers and ranger stations. They can’t be taken in the buildings, but there are some nice scenic areas just outside that you can explore together.

Always clean up after your dog so that these areas continue to be dog-friendly!

Dogs are not allowed in the following areas:

Trails

Dogs are not permitted on any trails in Everglades National Park.

You cannot carry your dog in your arms, push him in a stroller, carry a kennel, put her in a backpack, etc. to get around these rules. The rule is simply that no dogs are allowed on the trails in the Everglades.

If you’re looking to do some hiking in the Everglades, you’ll need to leave your dog with a local kennel or dog-sitting service because they can’t be left alone as you explore.

You can, however, hike some trails that allow dogs if you’re staying near Miami, like the Rickenbacker Causeway Trail or the Crandon Beach Walk. Both of these trails take you through scenic views of Florida’s diverse ecosystem and are considered easy hikes for you to enjoy with your dog!

Public Buildings

Dogs are not allowed in the park’s public buildings, such as visitor centers, museums, restaurants, or gift shops.

Shark Valley Tram Trail

If you’re hoping to visit Shark Valley during your time at the Everglades, be aware that your dog is not permitted on the Tram Trail. The Tram Trail is the main thing to do in Shark Valley — this is where you’ll want to be if you’re hoping to see all of the alligators!

If you bring your dog to Shark Valley, you will be extremely limited in what you can do. You will only be able to stay in the parking lot or walk the sidewalks near the visitor center. You will not be able to venture into the main sightseeing area of Shark Valley.

Unpaved Roads

Any unpaved road in the park is closed to dogs.

Everywhere Else

If an area isn’t listed in the “Where Dogs Are Allowed” section above, then you should assume that your dog is not permitted.

Why Can’t I Take My Dog Hiking in the Everglades?

The most important reason that a national park is established is to preserve and protect the most beautiful places in America. An important part of fulfilling this charge is by keeping the native wildlife safe and healthy and avoiding altering their natural habitat and behaviors.

Everglades National Park is famous for its birdwatching, making this a less-than-ideal place to bring a dog. Dogs often chase or scare the birds that call this park home, which can alter their behaviors and cause them to become stressed or aggressive. Dogs also leave behind “predator scents” that can change the behavior of the local wildlife.

The Everglades, in particular, is a perilous place for dogs because of the wildlife-associated risks. If you take your dog somewhere they aren’t allowed, you could put your pet, yourself, and other animals in jeopardy. Alligators aren’t very fond of dogs!

This park sometimes shuts down certain areas to dogs (and humans) if they pose a particular safety threat, so please respect the pet regulations.

Where Can I Find the Best Kennel Near the Everglades?

There are a couple of good pet kennels in Naples near the Gulf Coast Visitor Center. The Pampered Pet Resorts and Naples Preppy Pet are both around a 45-minute drive from this side of Everglades National Park and offer affordable overnight boarding services every day of the week.

If you’re visiting the main part of the Everglades near the city of Homestead, you’ll find the Homestead Animal Hospital nearby. This facility offers boarding services from experienced staff who are passionate about loving your pets while you’re away!

If you don’t mind going a little further out, you’ll find plenty of options in the Miami area, which is about an hour from Shark Valley or the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center. Consider the Dog Dude Ranch, which boasts over 2 acres of natural grass fields for your dogs to roam under supervision by their experienced staff, or Somi Pet Resort, which pampers your pet with private pools and condos!

What Are Some Dog-Friendly Hotels In/Near the Everglades?

Pets are not permitted in the hotel rooms, eco-tents, or houseboats in the park, so you’ll need to stay outside of the Everglades if you want to stay in a hotel and bring your dog with you.

As a reminder, campgrounds in the Everglades are dog-friendly if you’re hoping to stay within the park.

Stay at the TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Homestead for a comfortable stay in a modern hotel room that is under a half-hour drive away from the Everglades! This pet-friendly hotel charges a $100 fee for each pet-friendly room and offers several amenities like complimentary breakfast and a heated pool.

If you’re staying near the Gulf Coast Entrance to the park, consider staying at the River Wilderness Waterfront Cabins. They charge $15 per night per pet with a max fee of $60.

AirBnB and VRBO also have many other options in the communities near the park.

What Happens If I Take My Dog Somewhere He’s Not Allowed in the Everglades?

You will receive a citation for no less than $75, but it could be more depending on the infraction.

Taking a pet or service animal somewhere they aren’t allowed can cause danger to your dog, yourself, and local wildlife, even prompting closures in some instances.

Park rangers and park volunteers patrol the hiking trails, roads, and viewpoints in Everglades National Park regularly.

What If I Bring My Service Dog to the Everglades?

Service dogs that are recognized by the ADA are allowed to accompany their owners throughout the entire park. A service dog must be specifically trained to perform tasks related to the owner’s disability.

However, there are some instances when even service dogs will not be permitted in certain places in the Everglades. If the area is deemed unsafe due to the presence of wildlife, rangers will close down an area to all dogs, whether or not they are official service dogs. This is for you and your dog’s safety!

Emotional support, therapy, or comfort animals do not qualify as service animals in Everglades National Park and will be required to follow all pet regulations.

Thanks for being here! I absolutely can’t wait for you to have big adventures with your dog in Everglades National Park!

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