SMC 18.12.080 Animals running at large prohibited A. Except as expressly allowed in subsection B hereof [subsection B describes designated offleash areas], it is unlawful for any person to allow or permit any dog or other pet to run at large in any park, or to permit any dog or other pet with or without a leash, except Seeing Eye or Hearing Ear dogs or dogsused by public law enforcement agencies and under control of a law enforcement officer, to enter any public beach, swimming or wading area, pond, fountain, stream, organized athletics area, or designated children's play area. The Superintendent may ban dogsand other pets, or a specific dog or other pet, from areas of any park where he or she determines the same may be a nuisance. Last checked - 4/00 - Source Also see our News section for off-limit area Seattle Times article listing fines.

WAC 352-32-060 Pets. (1) All pets or domestic animals must be kept on leash no greater than eight feet in length, or otherwise physically restrained, and under control at all times while in a state park area. (2) Pets and domestic animals may not be allowed to dig or otherwise disturb or damage the natural or cultural features of any state park area. (3) In any state park area, pets or domestic animals, except for guide dogs, are not permitted on any designated swimming beach; within a natural area preserve; during the skiing season on any designated alpine ski site or cross country ski trail in which the track has been prepared, set, or groomed; or in any public building unless so posted. (4) In any state park area, pets or domestic animals, except for guide dogs, may be prohibited for the protection of wildlife, sensitive natural systems, special cultural areas, or for other purposes, if approved by the director or designee and so posted. (5) No person shall allow his /her pet or domestic animal to bite or in any way molest or annoy other park visitors. No person shall permit his /her pet or domestic animal to bark or otherwise disturb the peace and tranquillity of the park. (6) Any person bringing a pet or domestic animal into a state park area shall dispose of animal feces in a plastic or paper sack. The sack shall then be deposited in a solid waste container. (7) Except as provided in WAC 352-32-310, any violation of this section is an infraction under chapter 7.84 RCW. (8) This section shall not apply to the recreational use of horses, llamas, sled dogs, or similar animals as authorized by WAC 352-32-070. Last checked - 4/00 - Source

What is the deal with national parks? National Parks are controlled by the National Park Service. In general, most national parks and monuments have tight pet restrictions and some basically don't allow pets at all. As stated by the National Park Service, "In general, pets are permitted but must be restrained either on a leash not exceeding 6 feet in length, caged or crated at all times. Park Superintendents and Managers have the discretion to further restrict areas open to pets (i.e., trails, buildings, campgrounds may be off limits)....Some park webpages have lists of nearby kennels where you can leave your pet during your stay in the park. You can access information on the parks you plan to visit by going to the "Visit Your National Parks" website at http://www.nps.gov/parks.html. It is always best to check with the park(s) you are planning to visit for specific information and restrictions for pets." Last checked - 8/00 - Source

What is the deal with national forests? National Forests are managed by the USDA Forest Service. Regulations for national forests come from the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR Title 36, Part 261). In short, pets must be on leash or otherwise physically restrained at all times. However, the practicalities of the national forests are that they tend to be much more pet friendly than the national parks. Here, though, are the actual rules: Sec. 2.15 Pets. (a) The following are prohibited: (1) Possessing a pet in a public building, public transportation vehicle, or location designated as a swimming beach, or any structure or area closed to the possession of pets by the superintendent. This subparagraph shall not apply to guide dogs accompanying visually impaired persons or hearing ear dogs accompanying hearing-impaired persons. (2) Failing to crate, cage, restrain on a leash which shall not exceed six feet in length, or otherwise physically confine a pet at all times. (3) Leaving a pet unattended and tied to an object, except in designated areas or under conditions which may be established by the superintendent. (4) Allowing a pet to make noise that is unreasonable considering location, time of day or night, impact on park users, and other relevant factors, or that frightens wildlife by barking, howling, or making other noise. (5) Failing to comply with pet excrement disposal conditions which may be established by the superintendent. (b) In park areas where hunting is allowed, dogs may be used in support of these activities in accordance with applicable Federal and State laws and in accordance with conditions which may be established by the superintendent. (c) Pets or feral animals that are running-at-large and observed by an authorized person in the act of killing, injuring or molesting humans, livestock, or wildlife may be destroyed if necessary for public safety or protection of wildlife, livestock, or other park resources. (d) Pets running-at-large may be impounded, and the owner may be charged reasonable fees for kennel or boarding costs, feed, veterinarian fees, transportation costs, and disposal. An impounded pet may be put up for adoption or otherwise disposed of after being held for 72 hours from the time the owner was notified of capture or 72 hours from the time of capture if the owner is unknown. Last checked - 8/00 - Source