Dogs in parks
Although most national parks do not allow dogs (assistance dogs allowed) there are a number of parks where dogs are welcome. Keep your dog on designated walking trails and under your control on a lead of no more than two meters at all times.
Where can I walk my dog?
To find out which national parks you can walk your dog in use our find a park tool and refine your search to ‘Dog walking (restrictions apply)’.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs are permitted in most public places and are therefore welcome in South Australia’s parks and reserves. Assistance dogs must be appropriately restrained and remain under your effective control at all times while in a park or reserve.
Before taking your assistance dog into a park or reserve, other than those listed above, it is highly recommended that you contact us so we can provide you with the latest information on any potential hazards within specific parks that may affect your dog. Please contact the park via the phone numbers listed on each park page or contact the visitor services centre via email.
Why does my dog need to be on a lead?
If your dog is unleashed, it is more likely to impact on native wildlife and other visitors in a park and be at risk itself.
Risks to wildlife:
- Dogs off tracks will leave a scent in the bush that will keep wildlife away.
- Uncontrolled dogs may frighten wildlife and disrupt their natural behavior.
- Some dogs will kill or injure wildlife.
Risks to other park visitors
- Dogs may be aggressive to other park visitors.
- Even friendly dogs can knock people over causing injury.
- Some people want to enjoy parks without dogs.
Risks to your dog
- Poison baits may be laid to control foxes. Baits can be fatal to dogs.
- Even if your dog is friendly, other dogs may not be.
- Your dog can catch parasites (such as fleas and ticks) from wildlife.
- Snake bites are a real risk in natural areas such as parks.
- Wildlife such as kangaroos and koalas will defend themselves if threatened by a dog and can cause significant injury to or the death of your dog.