Dogs in the Presidio
Learn about where and how to walk your dog in this national park site.
What is the policy for dog walking in the Presidio?
Unique among national park sites, most spaces in the Presidio are available for dog walking – so your pet can tag along with you during your visit.
Because the Presidio is home to wild plants and animals and is shared by many people, the Presidio Trust has rules to protect nature and ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone:
- BAG your poop and dispose of it in proper bins.
- ALWAYS wear a leash not more than six feet long.
- RESPECT wildlife. Don’t approach, chase, harm, or feed wildlife.
- KNOW where you can go.
The Presidio Trust’s complete pet policy is described in its Compendium (see p. 11 and Exhibits 6 and 7).
Thank you for doing your part to keep the Presidio a safe place for people, pets, and wildlife by following our pet policy!
Where to Walk Your Dog in the Presidio
Walking is a fun and healthy way to explore the Presidio. Dogs are allowed on leash in most areas in the Presidio.
Managed dogs under voice control are allowed in a limited and defined area on and near West Pacific Avenue, per the 1979 Pet Policy. Note: “voice control” is the ability to use verbal commands to control a dog – meaning the dog is immediately and reliably obedient to any voice or sound command given by an owner or keeper and they’re able to prevent the dog from charging, chasing, or otherwise disturbing or interfering with any person or animal, regardless of the distance involved or the presence of any distraction or provocation.
Dogs are not allowed in certain areas, including fenced areas, ball fields, playgrounds, Presidio Golf Course, Picnic Place at Presidio Tunnel Tops, sensitive natural areas, and trails experiencing seasonal closures. Dogs may also be restricted from lawns during special events. These restrictions do not apply to Service Animals.
Note that the Presidio Trust manages the interior 80% of Presidio lands. The National Park Service manages coastal areas, such as Baker Beach and the open spaces at Crissy Field. To learn about the pet policy in those areas in more detail, visit the National Park Service website.
How to Coexist with Wildlife in the Presidio
The Presidio is home to many native plants and animals. Dog walkers should be aware that there are coyotes present throughout the park.
Coyotes are canines and may be reactive to the presence of dogs. Coyotes may also be protective of their young during pupping season, which runs from spring to fall. To reduce the potential for coyote/dog conflict, we proactively close large sections of the Park Trail and the Bay Area Ridge Trail to dog walking from April to October each year.
One of the most important things you can do to avoid a coyote interaction is keeping your dog on leash. We do not recommend walking small dogs off leash in the Presidio.
Remember to pay attention to your surroundings and exercise caution. See the coyote webpage for guidance and informational videos.
Become a B.A.R.K. Ranger
Help keep the Presidio safe and enjoyable for everyone – wildlife included –by taking the B.A.R.K. Ranger pledge. It’s a fun way for you and your pup to show you’re committed to Bagging poop, Always leashing up, Respecting wildlife, and Knowing where you can go. Join a growing community of responsible dog owners!
Commercial Dog Walking Permit
The Presidio Trust and National Park Service require that commercial dog walkers in the Presidio possess a valid commercial dog walking permit issued by the National Park Service. Commercial dog walkers are permitted to walk a maximum of six dogs at once.
The permit applies to the entire Presidio, encompassing all areas managed by the Presidio Trust and the National Park Service. City-issued permits do not apply.
Information on permit requirements and how to apply can be found on the National Park Service website.