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| NPS Photo | | Picking up your pet's waste is both a park regulation and a courtesy to other visitors. |
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Dispose of pet waste
All pet waste must be removed from the park. Pet waste may not be left on the ground. If you are visiting with your pet, please remember to bring plastic bags or a scoop and determine how you will transport waste from the park. The park also provides courtesy dog litter bag stations along the walkways. Once you've picked up your dog's waste with the plastic litter bag, you may dispose of it in a dog litter bag station or in any outdoor trash can.
Cleaning up after your dog is the responsible thing to do and is the law in most areas. Unpicked pet waste can transmit disease to children and other pets. Dogs smell it, roll in it, walk in it, even ingest it. And, oftentimes, children and other pets pick up serious diseases from it. Animal feces are one of the most common sources of the following diseases:
- Parvo virus, one of the deadliest diseases among dogs, particularly puppies. Entering through the mouth, the virus attacks the digestive tract and kills cells that are critical in the absorption of nutrients. Severe fluid loss through diarrhea and vomiting can lead to death. Parvo also temporarily affects a dog's immune system, and can lead to heart failure in some young dogs.
- Whipworms, blood suckers that tunnel into the wall of the intestine for their blood meals. Vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss are common symptoms, and in large numbers, these parasites can cause anemia. Difficult to diagnose, they are even harder to eliminate because they are often present in very large numbers.
- Hookworms, blood suckers which attach to the intestinal wall where they suck plugs of the intestinal tissue into their mouth structures. Anemia and intense inflammation may result. Hookworm infections can be passed to humans.
- Roundworms (ascarids), which can affect the lungs and the digestive system, with typical signs being vomiting and diarrhea. Convulsions can occur with heavy infections and the disease can spread to humans.
- Giardia, one-celled parasites that can cause diarrhea in cats and dogs. Infection with Giardia is often difficult to diagnose and treat effectively.
- Coccidia, one-celled parasites that can cause diarrhea, especially in puppies and kittens.
Practice good behavior
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is a popular destination. Visiting pets should be accustomed to crowds and capable of good behavior in the presence of other pets and wildlife. Unreasonable amounts of noise and harassment of wildlife are not permitted in the park. Digging, clawing, and other destruction of natural and historical resources are also strictly prohibited.
Report loose pets
If your pet escapes its leash and becomes lost in the park, please notify park staff immediately. Never abandon a pet, wanted or unwanted, in the park.
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