Pet walking

Please familiarize yourself with and follow the policies listed below. 

Know Before You Go

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is a wild and largely undeveloped wetland environment, and bringing a pet comes with some unique safety considerations. Alligators, venomous snakes, biting insects, hazardous plants, and sensitive wildlife habitats are found throughout the refuge. The refuge's dark, tannin-stained water can make it difficult to see what lies beneath the surface, including potentially dangerous wildlife.

For the safety of your pet and the protection of native wildlife, keep your pet on a maximum of 10 feet leash and close to you at all times. Walk in the center of designated trails, avoid areas with tall or dense vegetation, and keep your pet away from the water's edge. Pets should never be allowed to swim in, wade into, or drink from refuge waters. Alligators may view pets as potential prey, and even an alligator that appears uninterested can pose a serious threat if a pet gets too close. An encounter could result in serious injury or death to your pet and potentially put you at risk if you attempt to intervene.

Pets can also unintentionally disturb wildlife, damage sensitive vegetation, or disrupt animals using the refuge for food, shelter, and nesting. Keeping your pet close, respecting designated pet areas, and preventing interactions with wildlife helps protect both your pet and the natural resources that make Okefenokee so special.

Please pick up after your pet and dispose of pets waste in a proper trash receptacle.

Animals that are not permitted on the refuge include: unconfined domestic animals, Injurious Wildlife, animals listed by the state or federal government as nonnative, conditional, or prohibited species.

Pets are permitted in the following areas:

• In your personal vehicle. Do not leave pets unattended. 
• Swamp Island Drive (in your personal vehicle)
• Designated land-based trails including Canal Diggers Trail, Cane Pole Trail, Chesser Island Homestead Trail, Deerstand Trail, and Upland Discovery Trail. 

Pets are not permitted in the following areas:

• Inside buildings
• Chesser Island Boardwalk
• Ridleys Island Boardwalk
• Private boats
• Concessionaire boats
• Water trails
• Camping platforms

View additional regulations on our Rules and Policies page.

Service Animals 

Rules and regulations do not impose restrictions on service animals. Please visit ADA.gov for more information about service animals.

B.A.R.K. Ranger Program

Refuge staff are looking for friendly canines and their human companions to learn about proper dog walking etiquette and dog safety on the refuge! To become a B.A.R.K. Ranger, come to the visitor center, say the B.A.R.K. Ranger pledge, and you’ll receive an official B.A.R.K. Ranger certificate and something special for your furry friend!

B - Bag your waste

A - Always wear a leash

R - Respect wildlife and other visitors

K - Know where to go

Remember

National wildlife refuges are places where wildlife come first. Please help protect wildlife and their homes by respecting refuge rules and regulations. If a high number of reports of negative pet-wildlife or pet-people interactions are reported, the refuge may restrict or eliminate pet visits.

• Keep pets leashed: Never allow pets to roam freely, even in seemingly quiet or remote areas.
• Respect wildlife: Do not allow pets to chase, bark at, approach, or otherwise disturb wildlife.
• Avoid the water: Keep pets out of all refuge waters, including canals, ponds, and swamp edges.
• Watch for hazards: Be mindful of snakes, insects, plants, and uneven or obscured terrain.
• Know before you go: Check refuge pet policies to understand which trails and facilities allow pets.