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Dogs in Thomas Jefferson Memorial

Can I bring my dog, and on which trails?
Limited accessLeash: 6 feet maximum, at all times.

Leashed pets are welcome on the National Mall grounds and the Tidal Basin paths around the Jefferson Memorial, but not inside the memorial itself.

Pets on a six foot leash can walk the Tidal Basin Loop Trail and the surrounding grounds. Pets are excluded from the memorial structure and from most memorials on the Mall.
Photo: Library of Congress/Carol Highsmith · NPS

Where dogs are allowed

Pets on a six foot leash can walk the Tidal Basin Loop Trail and the surrounding grounds. Pets are excluded from the memorial structure and from most memorials on the Mall.

Where dogs are banned

Inside the Thomas Jefferson Memorial

Trail by trail

Dogs OKTidal Basin Loop TrailLeashed pets allowed with restrictions, but not inside the memorial

Leash rule

6 feet maximum, at all times.

Service animals

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.

Where to go instead

The two mile Tidal Basin Loop Trail passes the Jefferson Memorial, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and the Washington Monument.

Official source
National Park Service
View the official NPS page →
Last verified 2026-07-09
Designation
Other

Common questions

Can I bring my dog to Thomas Jefferson Memorial?

Leashed pets are welcome on the National Mall grounds and the Tidal Basin paths around the Jefferson Memorial, but not inside the memorial itself. Pets on a six foot leash can walk the Tidal Basin Loop Trail and the surrounding grounds. Pets are excluded from the memorial structure and from most memorials on the Mall.

What is the leash rule at Thomas Jefferson Memorial?

6 feet maximum, at all times.

Which trails allow dogs at Thomas Jefferson Memorial?

Leashed dogs are allowed on: Tidal Basin Loop Trail.

Where can I hike with my dog near Thomas Jefferson Memorial?

The two mile Tidal Basin Loop Trail passes the Jefferson Memorial, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and the Washington Monument.

Are service animals allowed at Thomas Jefferson Memorial?

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.