Frequently Asked Questions: Hiking With Dogs and Other Pets

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QUESTION: Can I bring my dog or other pet along on a hiking club hike?

ANSWER:

Hiking with Dogs & Other Pets/Animals:

Dogs are allowed on some Activities as long as the park, trail, and area allow it. The Hiking Club Leaders may refuse a dog to participate, depending on the difficulty of the hike and the health of the dog. A good rule of thumb is that anything over 2.5 hours or is rated moderate to difficult and higher is not suitable for a dog.

The owner has sole responsibility for feeding, watering and care of their dog. When appropriate, the owner will clean-up after their dog. Dogs should be leash trained, stay with the group, get along with other dogs/people and be well behaved.

If the owner cannot control their dog or the dog becomes a nuisance, the Hiking Club Leaders may ask the owner to remove the dog from the Activity. NOTE: There is a limit to the number of dogs allowed per Activity. Check with the Hiking Club Leaders and make sure to list the dog upon registration.

Remember to bring the following:

• Leash
• Water & Bowl
• Scooper & Bag
• Treats
• Food, Just in Case

Carpooling with Your Dog: Dog owners must be able and willing to transport their own dog to the event.

Backcountry: most backcountry hikes will be too long to allow dogs. Dogs in the backcountry are a danger to themselves and others. For example, they can endanger their owners and other hikers because dogs infuriate bears. If a dog runs off, it might lead a bear back with it. If you must hike with a dog in the back country, never unleash it.

Other pets: All pets and animals, besides dogs, are prohibited from all Activities unless express written permission is granted by a Hiking Club Leader. Participants with prohibited pets or animals during an Activity may be asked to remove them.

Note: If you want to bring your dog along on a Chilliwack Hiking Club outing, it will likely be okay, just contact us before the day of the hike about your desire to bring your dog along.

Got any questions? Don't hesitate to drop us a note.