Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Pets (U.S. National Park Service)

PET REGULATIONS HAVE CHANGED
PLEASE SEE BELOW

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore welcomes you and your pets to enjoy the park together. Like most outdoor activities within a National Park area, there are some rules and regulations that apply to having a pet with you. These have been established for the safety and enjoyment of both visitors and pets alike. Violation of these rules and regulations could result in receiving a federal Violation Notice (ticket) which includes a fine and a possible appearance in federal court.

Trained assistance dogs accompanying impaired persons are permitted throughout the Lakeshore. Pets are generally permitted within the Lakeshore except in certain limited areas designated as "no-pet" areas. These areas can be identified by a "No Pets" sign and by referencing the map. A small percentage of the park has been closed to pets for the protection of wildlife and to ensure the enjoyment of all park visitors.

Click here to download a copy of the Pet Owner's Guide (pdf file, 329 kb)

Pets are allowed on the following Beach Areas

Between the trail from Platte River Campground to Lake Michigan and the trail from the Peterson Beach parking lot.
From the Esch Road beach access north to the Lakeshore boundary south of Empire.
From the Lakeshore boundary north of Empire to just south of the North Bar Lake stream outlet.
From the Maritime Museum in Glen Haven to the Lakeshore boundary west of Glen Arbor.
From the Lakeshore boundary north of The Homestead Resort around Pyramid Point to the County Road 669 beach access.
And from the County Road 651 beach access to the northern boundary of the National Lakeshore.

No Pet Areas

The dune section of the Dune Climb.
White Pine and Valley View backcountry campsites.
All Group campsites.
Little Glen Lake Picnic Area.
North and South Manitou Island (all pets, including hunting dogs). Trained aid dogs accompanying the blind or hearing impaired are permitted.
Any other areas where "NO PETS" signs are posted after a determination by the Superintendent that a specific conflict exists requiring such a closure.

Pets are prohibited at the following designated cross-country ski trails during the periods of December 1 through March 31:

Trail #	Trail Name
1	Old Indian
2	Platte Plains Trail System (including Bass Lake, Otter Creek, and Lasso Loop Trails)
4	Windy Moraine
5	Shauger Hill
10	Alligator Hill
11	Bay View
13	Good Harbor Bay

Rule and Regulations

Pets must be controlled on a 6-foot or less leash at all times.
Pets cannot be left unattended or tied to an object.
Pet owners may not allow a pet to make noise that is unreasonable.
Pet excrement is the owner's responsibility and must be disposed of in trash receptacles.
Pets cannot be allowed to disturb or harass wildlife.
Hunting dogs are not considered pets when used in conjunction with authorized hunting activities during the mainland firearms seasons set by the State of Michigan. Training of hunting dogs in the park is prohibited.

Pet Safety Suggestions

Always remember that your pet needs water as much as you do, especially when active for for long periods of time.
Be conscious of the possible temperature extremes which your pet may be exposed to here in Northern Michigan such as extremely hot sand in summer and the frigid cold water during winter.
Don't assume that your pet is physically able to negotiate the same terrain that you can.
Do not leave your pet unattended in your vehicle.
In the same way you may carry needed medicine or first aid supplies for yourself, don't forget the possible needs of your pet.
It is important for both the safety of your pet and the park's wildlife that you do not allow the two to interact.
During hunting season, it is recommended that park visitors wear blaze orange for their safety. It is equally important that your pet wears blaze orange as well.