Unleashed: HVNP begins Bark Ranger program

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park wants dogs and their humans to have a “pawsitive” experience in the park while keeping people, pets and wildlife safe through its new Bark Ranger program.

The new self-guided program is as easy as BARK!

• Bag your dog’s waste and remove it.

• Always leash your dog. Keep your dog on a 6-foot leash and under control at all times.

• Respect wildlife. The park is home to many native species, most notably Hawaii’s state bird, the nene.

• Know were you can go.

The first step to getting your furry family member Bark Ranger certified is to visit the bark website, watch the new video and take the BARK pledge.

Download and fill out the Bark Ranger certificate, bring your certificate to the park and get it stamped by a two-legged park ranger at the Kilauea Visitor Center lanai. Your pup is now a doggone Bark Ranger!

Need some “bone-a-fide” bling on that collar? Bring your Bark Ranger certificate to the Hawaii Pacific Parks Association store. The park’s nonprofit partner has Bark Ranger dog tags available for purchase for $5.95 and will soon have nifty Bark Ranger bandanas. All proceeds support the park.

Dogs and other pets are not allowed in many areas of the park for safety reasons, and for the protection of threatened and endangered native species. Bark Rangers and their humans know where they can go (always on a leash), including Mauna Loa Road and most paved parking areas and surrounding curbs, and some areas in Kahuku.

Visit the www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/pets.htm for a complete list of “pawsibilites.”

Also check the park superintendent’s compendium for exemptions regarding authorized service animals.