B.A.R.K. Ranger

Pets are family—and we’re glad you want to share the Presidio with your furry companion. To keep your visit safe, enjoyable, and respectful to wildlife and other visitors, San Francisco Recreation and Parks, the National Park Service, and the Presidio Trust have adopted the B.A.R.K. Ranger Code. 

B.A.R.K. MEANS…

1. BAG your poop, please! Dispose of it in proper bins.  

Help keep the Presidio and Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) clean by bagging your pet’s waste and throwing it away in the garbage. Pet feces is not a natural fertilizer and can spread diseases to park wildlife, pollute water, and harm native plants. Plus, no one likes stepping in pet waste while enjoying the park. 

2. ALWAYS wear a leash not more than six feet long.  

Even well-behaved pets can harm wildlife, startle visitors, or face dangerous situations when unleashed. Keep your pet, wildlife, and other visitors safe by using a leash.

Please read signs, follow park guidance, and use a leash when in doubt.  

3. RESPECT wildlife. Don’t approach, chase, harm, or feed wildlife.  

The Presidio and GGNRA is home to many rare, threatened, or endangered species! If an animal is reacting to you, you are too close. Research shows that off-leash dogs often cause stress, injury, nest-abandonment, and even death for many native wildlife species.   

Please always maintain a safe distance and never feed wild animals. Report wildlife feeding or harassment to the Work Order Service Center at 415-561-4270.  

4. KNOW where you can go.

The Presidio and GGNRA provides trails, beaches, and open spaces that are available for dogs and their human companions to enjoy together! We are proud to be the only park in the National Park Service to designate particular areas for allowing responsible dog walking off-leash when under voice and sight control. Plan ahead and know where you can take your pet. For their safety, do not leave your pet unattended anywhere in the park, or left alone in a hot vehicle if you cannot take them with you.  

Managed dogs – leashed or under voice control – are allowed in a 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. 

Learn more about pet management in National Park Service managed areas.  

Take the Pledge to Become a B.A.R.K. Ranger! 

Join a growing community of responsible dog owners at the Presidio by becoming a B.A.R.K. Ranger! By taking the B.A.R.K. Ranger pledge, you help protect the park, its wildlife, and your fellow visitors—two- and four-legged alike.   

B.A.R.K. Ranger pledge opportunities will be held throughout the year. Visit this page periodically to learn about your next chance to participate!