We took the our dogs, Lou, Olive and Bosley (14 year old Springer Spaniel, 7 year old German Shorthair Pointer, and a 2 year old Old English Sheepdog) to Hot Springs National Park and while there, they became US BARK Rangers! This was a fun little activity to do while visiting the park.

What is a B.A.R.K. Ranger? It's an official certification from the NPS. The process entails completing some activities, which vary by participating park. Then, the National Park Ranger will ensure the dogs and their human companions adhere to the BARK Ranger code of conduct. Both the BARK Ranger and the Park Ranger sign the certificate, as well as assign a human companion to the dog. There is then a ceremony for the newly designated Bark Rangers, and certificates are distributed.

The dogs are now considered K9 Ambassadors. We want to thank Ranger Cane at Hot Springs National Park for conducting the ceremony and setting the bar high for any parks we visit after to become US Bark Rangers.

If your dog has become a Bark Ranger, let us know. We would love to hear your story.

ℹ️ If you are interested in learning more about the BARK Ranger Program, please visit the links below.

- NPS Bark Rangers https://www.nps.gov/subjects/pets/bark-rangers.htm

- US Bark Ranger Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/usbarkrangers/

A quick video about our US Bark Ranger inauguration https://youtu.be/p_AQFyC5TKE