Dogs in National Forests

Dogs are always welcome on the Los Padres National Forest. Please keep them under control at all times to respect the resource and other visitors. We recommend you keep your dog on a leash. Never leave them unattended. Dogs allowed to roam freely can frighten or injure wildlife, disturb other forest visitors, and create impacts to the natural resources. A dog that is excessively barking, aggressive, or chasing animals is not under control.

For a successful trip with your dog, please follow these rules:

Hiking & Camping with Dogs

In Campgrounds:

• Keep dogs on a leash 6’ or shorter.

• Pick up and trash your dog’s waste.

• Keep your dog in your tent or vehicle at night.

In Recreation Areas:

• Keep dogs on a leash 6’ or shorter. 

• Pick up and trash your dog’s waste.

In Visitor Centers:

• Refrain from bringing dogs inside.

On Wilderness Trails:

• Leash your dog around packers, horses, and stock animals.

• Bury dog waste 100’ from water or trail.

• Keep your dog in your tent at night.

• Dogs must always be under strict leash or voice control.

Maintain control of your dog at all times. Ensure your dog is a good steward of the land and respects other visitors. We appreciate you following the guidelines above so all visitors to Los Padres National Forest have a safe and enjoyable trip.

If you have further questions about bringing your dog to the Los Padres National Forest, please call one of our ranger stations at the numbers listed below:

Forest Headquarters (Supervisor's Office)

(805) 968-6640

Mt. Pinos Ranger District

(661) 245-3731 ext. 0

Ojai Ranger District

(805) 646-4348 or (805) 448-6487

Santa Barbara Ranger District

(805) 967-3481

Santa Lucia Ranger District

(805) 623-0328

Monterey Ranger District

(831) 385-5434 ext. 0