Our high country is dog friendly

Hike with your dog. Camp with your cat. Ruidoso loves pets and as a mountain town known for adventures both large and small, Ruidoso is the perfect place to explore the great outdoors with your furry friends.

RUIDOSO DOG PARK

Things to sniff. A place to run off-leash. Make new furry friends. The Ruidoso Recreation and Park Commission has public dog park at the White Mountain Sports Complex as an off-leash dog area for you and your pet.

Stand Up Paddle Board

Paddle boarding can be a great way for both you and your dog to get exercise and enjoy time together in the great outdoors. A stand-up paddleboard has room for a smaller sized dog and Ruidoso has two mountain lakes perfect for paddleboarding. Bring your own or rent one at the lake.

Frisbee

With disc golf courses at Grindstone Lake, Moon Mountain and Ski Apache, add frisbee to your list of fun things to do with your dog in Ruidoso.

Learn the where, what, and how to responsibly enjoy the outdoors with your pets in Ruidoso

Ruidoso campgrounds and trails

Taking your dog or cat camping and hiking can be a great experience for both of you, if you are prepared and he is under control. Explore Dog Friendly trails in Lincoln National Forest and in Ruidoso parks and trails.Your pet will be fascinated by new sights, sounds and smells, and you'll love sharing your love of the great outdoors with your best friend.

Prior to your trip, consider these things:

Is your pet up to it physically? In an outdoor environment, your dog will most likely experience an increase in his physical activity, and the terrain may be dramatically different from what he's used to (steep hills, rocky paths, etc.)

Consider his personality. While you might not be bothered by your dog's early morning barking, your fellow campers might be.

Make sure vaccinations are up to date. Talk to your vet about giving your dog a lyme vaccination in case he comes in contact with ticks, or heartworm medication.

Bring the leash. There will be times when you need to keep your dog on a leash, especially when you're in a developed recreation site, close to other campers, or in an area where your dog could wander off a path and encounter less than friendly wildlife. If you're hiking in terrain with cliffs, canyons, big rocks or other challenging conditions, it may be safest to attach the leash to a sturdy harness instead of a neck collar. Many dogs have no concept of heights. Keep your dog close to you.

Make sure your dog has his identification tags, and bring along a recent photo should you need it in the event your dog goes missing.

Carry a pet first aid kit, and be prepared for medical emergencies, including snake bites.

Other helpful tips

• Make sure you pack plenty of water.

• Bring along your dog's brush or comb and groom your dog, checking carefully for ticks.

• Bring your vet’s phone number and the number of a vet that's close to your camping area.

• Pack plenty of plastic bags so you can clean up after your dog.

• Never leave your dog outside alone.

• Don't leave your dog's food out in the open when he's not eating it. It could attract unwanted insects or wildlife.

• Keep your dog quiet. Frequent and continued barking disturbs the wildlife and other campers.

• Try to get a site with some shade for your dog.

Note: Our national forests provide habitat for many wild animals, including dangerous animals like bears and venomous snakes. Always keep your distance; wild animals can be upset by human presence and can unexpectedly become aggressive. Keep your dog on a leash. Your safety is your responsibility.

CHECK OUT THESE TIPS from U.S. Forest Service Customer Service Representative George Garnett to help you enjoy the National Forest with your pet and also be a courteous and respectful Forest user.