Bringing Your Dog to The Great Sand Dunes National Park
Bring your pet!
The entire state of Colorado is known for its dog-friendly activities and Alamosa is no exception. Discover the pet friendly attractions so you and your pooch can have the best visit possible. As always, pets are welcome at the Colorado Welcome Center at Alamosa. Treats are usually available from our ever-friendly volunteers and there is plenty of room for both you and your pet to take a walk and stretch your legs.
Stay and Play
No matter where you choose to stay, we can help you find dog-friendly accommodations in Alamosa. Be sure to mention your intent to bring a pet when making reservations, as there may be limited availability.
Dog-Friendly Hotels and Motels:
Alamosa Lamplighter
Best Western Alamosa Inn
Comfort Inn of Alamosa
Days Inn Alamosa
Great Sand Dunes Lodge
Holiday Inn Express
Riverside Inn
Rodeway Inn
Super 8 Motel
The Sunset Inn
Valley Motel
Camping With Your Dog in Alamosa
All of our favorite places to camp are happy to have your well-behaved pups as guests. Check out the Hotels and Motels Page or Camping and RV Park Page for all of our pet friendly options.
Tips and Resources:
- If you are taking your pet to the Great Sand Dunes, please be aware that the surface temperature of the sand can reach as high as 150 degrees in the summer. Paws are tender, so take your pet for a walk early in the morning or in the evening.
- Vehicles get very hot, especially at this altitude, even cooler weather. Consideration of the heat and dehydration potential is crucial. Pets need to acclimate to the elevation as well!
- While it’s tempting to let your furry friend frolic in nature, please be cognizant of leash laws. There is a lot of wildlife in the area and unleashed dogs are not recommended for the safety of themselves and other animals unless otherwise permitted.
FAQ
Can I bring my dog to the Great Sand Dunes National Park?
Can I find dog boarding and daycare in Alamosa?
Can you help me find a local vet?
Is there an extra fee for pets when booking hotels?
Where can I take my dog for a hike near Alamosa and the Great Sand Dunes National Park?
- South Zapata Lake Trail
- Mosa Pass Trail
- Sand Dunes Loop Trail
- Wellington Ditch Trail
- Little Medano Creek Trail
- Montville Nature Trail
What happens if you lose your pet or find a stray animal?
It’s easy to imagine – you’re enjoying a picturesque family hike or ride down the sand dunes when Benji slips out of his leash to run after a deer. In the blink of an eye, your world has turned upside down. The truth is, even the most responsible pet owners can lose track of their beloved animal companions, especially during fun vacations and adventurous activities. These separations often lead to anxiety and despair – for both people and pets. Fortunately, there are helpful resources in place if this should happen to you while visiting Alamosa.
What to do when your pet is lost:
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Try not to panic! It’s easier said than done, but you need to think clearly, act quickly, and make a solid game plan.
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Walk or drive the area closest to where your pet went missing. Tell everyone you meet that you are looking for your lost pet and provide them with a description and your contact information.
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Most animals have a keen sense of smell. Leave an item of your clothing, your pet’s bedding, or your cat’s litter box outside your home, camp, or the last place you saw your pet to help guide them back to you.
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Hang lost pet flyers, ideally printed in color, within a three-mile radius of the location your pet went missing. Consider taking out a “lost pet” ad in the local newspaper.
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Enlist the help of your friends and family by posting a color photo and description of your pet on your social media platforms, as well as the following Facebook groups: “Dumb Friends League San Luis Valley Animal Center,” “San Luis Valley,” and “SLV Lost & Found Pets — Colorado.” Ask your network to share these posts far and wide.
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If your pet has a microchip ID, contact the registry to verify that your contact information is up to date in their records. Also consider contacting the organization or county where you licensed your pet to make sure they have your updated contact information.
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Check in with nearby veterinary practices and animal shelters, such as the Dumb Friends League San Luis Valley Animal Center. If possible, visit in person to file a report and provide a picture; animals can be difficult to describe accurately, so a color photo will often benefit the search.
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If your pet has been missing for more than five days, check pets available for adoption at local shelters.
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File a “lost pet” report using a nationwide lost and found pet registry website. Examples include 24petconnect.com, lost.petcolove.org, FidoFinder.com, 911ParrotAlert.com, and PawBoost.com. These services are free of charge and allow you to notify multiple shelters using a single form.
When reclaiming your pet, please remember to bring the following materials with you:
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Proof of ownership, such as pictures, veterinary records, or microchip ID information.
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A valid form of ID.
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Form of payment.
What to do if you find a lost pet:
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If you are not able to secure the animal safely, call the Alamosa County Dispatch at 719.589.5807
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If the animal has a collar and ID tag, contact the person listed.
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Take the animal to the Dumb Friends League San Luis Valley Animal Center or another local shelter. Animal shelters will be able to scan animals without tags for a microchip ID. They are also the first place many people turn to when they lose a pet.
Further Questions Regarding Lost or Found Pets?
Please contact the Dumb Friends League San Luis Valley Animal Center:
701 Airport Road
Alamosa, CO 81101
719.212.6500
www.ddfl.org
