DOG FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATIONS

We understand that with today's traveling expenses the difference in taking a vacation or staying home could be taking your dog, boarding your dog, or finding someone to take care of this member of your family. We hope the following information will help your family better enjoy Alabama State Parks. Dogs assisting the disabled are welcome in all facilities at no additional charge (with proper disability assistance information).

Alabama State Parks recently implemented a series of improvements aimed at providing visitors with more enjoyable experiences. The expanded dog-friendly accommodations are in response to public interest in more pet-friendly options. To ensure your visit with us is fun for the whole family please check with the park you plan to visit for park specific information on dogs. In addition to dogs being allowed in all campgrounds, the following parks have additional dog friendly cabins:

• Chewacla State Park - Cabins
• Cheaha State Park - Cabins, Chalets and Lodge Hotel
• DeSoto State Park - Cabins, Chalets and Lodge Motel
• Lake Guntersville State Park - Cabins, Chalets, Camper Cabins and Lodge Rooms
• Lakepoint Resort State Park - Cabins and Lodge Rooms
• Monte Sano State Park - Cabins
• Meaher State Park - Camper Cabins
• Oak Mountain State Park - Cabins
• Roland Cooper State Park - Cabins
• Joe Wheeler State Park - Cabins, Cottages and Lodge Rooms
• Wind Creek State Park - Camper Cabins

DOG RULES

• Pets may not be left unattended while visiting or staying at an Alabama State Park.
• Dogs are not allowed in non-dog friendly cabins. Please reserve the Dog Friendly Cabins. The clerk must be notified upon check in of the number of dogs staying. 
• Guest must have current credit card on file to serve as deposit on any damages – guest will be notified if any damages occur.
• Park management reserves the right to prohibit any dog on premises. Any dog that is intimidating, destructive, dangerous, or noisy will not be allowed to remain in the park. If evicted, the dog owner will be responsible for the full amount of the reservation.
• Dogs are permitted in designated day use areas and dog friendly facilities if on a leash and attended at all times (dogs may not be left unattended at any time in the cabin unless in pet carrier or crated). Dogs are not allowed in any other building, at the beach or swimming pool.
• Dog owners are required to clean up after pets and are responsible for their actions.
• Dogs must be current with all vaccinations and have tags or documentation.
• Dog owners are responsible for any and all damages. Extra charges for damage or full cleaning may apply.
• Maintenance or staff will not enter cabin unless dog is leashed or confined.
• Stakes have been provided outside each cabin or chalet. This will enable your dog to be tied down while outside with the family.
• Other policies may be applicable depending upon Park amenities.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DOGS IN ALABAMA STATE PARKS

• Are dogs allowed in cabins, cottages, chalets, hotel rooms or group lodges? Only in the "Dog Friendly" cabins or chalets (unless dog is assisting the disabled). These dog friendly cabins or chalets have been selected to ensure your visit with your dog will be comfortable for all. Kennels are not provided. Management will terminate the dog owner’s stay if found in violation of this rule. The owner will not be refunded for any part of their stay. A cleaning fee will be enforced upon check out.
• Do you charge a dog fee per dog? Yes, in the lodges, cabins, chalets and cottages that are dog friendly, $30 per night (Gulf State Park requires a $150 non-refundable deposit). Please request this rate when making reservations and report the number of dogs when checking in. Owners not reporting dogs will be charge the fee and this amount will be collected at check out. The fee is charged if the dog visits for the day or stays overnight.
• Are dogs allowed in campgrounds? Yes. Dogs are allowed in tents/campers with owner. Dog owners are required to clean up after their dog. Dogs may not be left unattended at any time and must be on a 6-foot leash or in a crate. The guest is responsible for any damage caused by dog and may also be asked to leave if dog disturbs other guests. The owner will not be refunded for any part of their reservation. Guest is responsible for ensuring their dog has the most current vaccinations. Guest may be requested to present proof of vaccination.
• Are dogs allowed in Country store, restaurants, or any food service areas? No.
• Are dogs allowed in the bathhouse, pool or in swimming areas? No.
• Are dogs allowed on the trails? Yes, in most parks as long as you keep your dog with you and on a leash. Please check with each park for specific information as bike and horseback riding trails may not allow dogs for safety reasons.
• Can my dog ride on the back of my truck, top of my car or be left in my car or tied to railing or tree unattended or without a leash? No. Dogs must be in a secure riding area and the owner must be near the dog at all times. Dogs left unattended for more than 30 minutes (or in a hot vehicle) may be confiscated by park staff and turned over to proper authorities.
• If my dog disturbs other guests or presents a risk to other guests what will happen? Park management has the right request any dog and owner to leave.

pet safety

• Never leave your pets in a parked car, RV, or camper; even if the windows are open or if you are parked in the shade. It takes only minutes for a pet left in a vehicle on a warm day to succumb to heatstroke and suffocation.
• Be sure to keep your pet cool. Alabama weather varies year-round, but can always include high temperatures, even in the winter.
• Always make sure to have plenty of water available, especially when leaving the campsite with your pet.
• Even when the outside air temperature is in the 60s, temperatures inside some vehicles can reach dangerous temperatures on bright, sunny days. So many experts recommend not leaving pets in parked cars even for short periods if the temperature is in the 60s or higher.
• Pack a First Aid Kit for your pet.  Helpful items include self-clinging bandages, gauze, adhesive tape, scissors, tweezers for removing ticks and thorns, pet safe sunscreen, and Benadryl containing diphenhydramine only for allergic reactions to insect bites and stings.
• If you see signs of heat exhaustion, take the dog into the shade, an air-conditioned area or to your veterinarian. Do not hesitate to seek medical attention.
• Signs of heatstroke include restlessness, excessive thirst, heavy panting, lethargy, dark tongue, rapid pulse, fever, vomiting, glazed eyes, dizziness, or lack of coordination.
• To lower body temperature, gradually give the animal water to drink, place a cold towel or ice pack on the head, neck, and chest, and/or immerse the dog in cool (not cold) water.
• Make sure your pet has up-to-date tags on their collar, consider a temporary tag that lists your campsite number and contact information.
• Have your veterinarian’s contact information readily available in case of emergency.