Traveling with pets can be a lot of fun, especially if you’re heading to Montana. The state is full of outdoor adventures that both you and your furry friend can enjoy. Whether you’re visiting Yellowstone National Park, exploring the Gallatin Valley, or checking out Bozeman, there’s plenty to see and plenty of opportunities to go exploring with your pet. Here are some tips and tricks to help make your trip a success.
How to Travel with Pets in Montana
Montana is a dog’s paradise. With cool creeks and rivers, summer snow, endless trails, and fresh mountain air, your pet will love exploring the state of Montana. However, it’s always important to prepare when you are traveling with pets. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Make sure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations and has a collar with ID tags.
- Pack plenty of food, water, and supplies for your pet, including a leash, waste bags, first aid, and any medications they need.
- If you’re traveling by car, make sure your pet is secured. Avoid letting them ride in the front seat or with their head out the window.
When you’re out and about with your pet, always keep them on a leash or under voice control to ensure their safety and the safety of other people, wildlife, and pets.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most popular destinations in Montana, but it can be challenging to visit with a pet. Only housebroken dogs and cats are allowed in the park, and they must be leashed and accompanied at all times when outside. If you’re planning to lodge in the park, be aware of these restrictions. For more information on traveling with pets in Yellowstone National Park, visit https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/stay/plan/traveling-with-pets/.
Fun Outside of Yellowstone National Park
If you’re staying outside of Yellowstone National Park, there are plenty of activities, dog parks, and trails for you and your pet to enjoy. Just remember to keep your pet on a leash or under voice control. You can also take your pet to splash in the creeks, lakes, and rivers. Be aware that the Yellowstone and Gallatin Rivers can be high, fast, and dangerous so look for calmer & slower waters for your pet. The Hyalite Canyon Recreational Area is a popular spot for outdoor experiences with your furry friend.
Local Pet Stores
Montana has plenty of pet stores where you can find everything you need for your pet. Check these places out for pet supplies and treats.
Pet-Friendly Lodging
If you’re looking for pet-friendly lodging in Montana, there are many options. In Gardiner, Super 8 is located across the street from us and is pet-friendly. In West Yellowstone, Clubhouse Inn and Sage Lodge welcome pets. In Big Sky, Buck’s T4 and Element Bozeman are also pet friendly. For more pet-friendly lodging options in Montana, visit https://hotels.petswelcome.com/montana/.
Veterinary Services
It’s important to know where to go if your pet needs veterinary care while you’re in Montana.
Here are some excellent options:
- Livingston Veterinary Hospital
- Ennis Veterinary Hospital
- Lone Peak Veterinary Hospital
- Cottonwood Veterinary Hospital
- Baxter Creek Veterinary Clinic
- Well Haven Pet Health
- Gallatin Veterinary Hospital
Our Location-Specific Guides:
Gardiner/Livingston
If you are visiting us at our Gardiner Location just North of Yellowstone National Park, Super 8 is located across the street from us and is Pet-Friendly.
Lodging
- https://hotels.petswelcome.com/montana/gardiner
- Sage Lodge
Kennels
- Querencia Kennels
Veterinary Hospital
- Livingston Veterinary Hospital
West Yellowstone
Many of our guests that stay in West Yellowstone access either our Gardiner Location or our Gallatin Location.
Dog-Friendly Resturants
- Pete’s Rocky Mountain Pizza
- The Buffalo Bar
Lodging
- https://hotels.petswelcome.com/montana/west-yellowstone
- Clubhouse Inn West Yellowstone
Veterinary
- Ennis Veterinary Hospital
Big Sky
Just south of our Gallatin Location, Big Sky has many trails for your dog to hike. You and your furry friends can lodge in the canyon at Buck’s T4 and grab a local brew at Beehive Basin Brewery.
Dog-Friendly Trails
- https://www.visitbigsky.com/blog/dog-friendly-hikes-in-big-sky/
Lodging
- https://hotels.petswelcome.com/montana/big-sky
Pet Sitter and Dog Adventures
- Hiking Hounds
Veterinary
- Lone Peak Veterinary Hospital
Bozeman
Central to all of our locations, Bozeman is rumored among our furry friends as “The Place To Visit in 2023”. With 9 off-leash dog parks, West Paw (a pet product company), and many local businesses that welcome four-legged patrons, your furry friend will feel the love.
Take your dog on a water adventure! You can rent a paddleboard to take your dog up to Hyalite Reservoir to splash around.
Dog-Friendly Resturants:
- Finks Deli
- Lockhorn Cider House
- Most restaurants and breweries that have outside seating will allow dogs. Montana Gift Corral Downtown always has a bowl of water for hot days.
Dog-Friendly Trails:
- https://www.alltrails.com/us/montana/bozeman/dogs
Lodging:
- https://hotels.petswelcome.com/montana/bozeman
- The Lark Hotel
- Element Bozeman
Kennels:
- Doggie Daycare and Motel
- Summit Pet Resort
- Dee-O-Gee
- Sit’NStay
Veterinary:
- Cottonwood Veterinary Hospital
- Baxter Creek Veterinary Clinic
- Well Haven Pet Health
- Gallatin Veterinary Hospital