If you are a dog owner, you are used to this sign, especially in any area of the Pacific Northwest where even a sniff of wildlife may be: No dogs allowed.
Not so at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, the 723-acre wildlife park in Eatonville, about an hour east of Seattle. In January, February, and March of 2026, the park will host twelve Dog Days, during which families and their dogs can explore the park together.
“Dogs are typically kept away from wildlife for good reason,” says Tessa Miller, NW Trek’s spokesperson, “but our new dog-friendly days were created very intentionally with animal wellbeing for both the wildlife park’s animals and visiting dogs.”
Having fun at NW Trek on Dog Day (Katie G. Cotterill / Northwest Trek Wildlife Park)
Event days are carefully planned with all animal welfare in mind, Miller says.
“The animals in our care live in habitats that are safely distanced from guest pathways, and our staff and animal care team thoughtfully planned this program to ensure there’s no stress or risk to the wildlife.”
During Dog Days, park visitors are invited to wander dog-friendly forest trails, gobble up a pup cup, and participate in activities designed for dogs and their humans. Any guest aged 18 or older may bring one leashed, well-behaved dog. Canines won’t be allowed on park trams, but are welcome on 400-plus-acre Dog Days Wild Drives. During a drive, you and your pet will see free-roaming animals like bison, moose, mountain goats, and more, all from the comfort of your own car.
Miller points out that the park has a lot to offer visiting pet dogs.
“Dog Days gives dogs a chance to enjoy new sights and smells in a safe, outdoor setting. It’s great mental and physical enrichment for them,” she says.
The park also recognizes that many families consider their dog a member of the family pack. In that sense, Dog Days make for a truly full family outing. “It’s a fun, low-stress way for people and their dogs to explore nature together,” says Miller.
A word of warning for heavy barkers: Park staff may ask dogs that show aggression, excessively bark, or who cause distress to animals or other guests to head for the exit.
A family’s best friend watched an otter (Katie G. Cotterill / Northwest Trek Wildlife Park)
The Details
Dates: January 4, 10, 19, 30; February 7, 15, 21, 27; March 6, 13, 22, 28
Visiting hours: 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Adults (13-64) $25 online, youth(3-12) $17, Seniors (65+) $23. $20 for one dog. A Dog Days Wild Drive ticket covers admission for up to eight humans and one dog in a vehicle. Starting Jan. 5, the non-member drive ticket is $120.
Register required: Each guest aged 18+ may bring one leashed, well-behaved dog. All dogs must be registered in advance with either an online Dog Days ticket or a Dog Days Wild Drive purchase. You’ll be asked to sign a waiver after purchasing your dog’s ticket. All dogs must be well-behaved, up to date on vaccinations, and kept on a non-retractable leash no longer than six feet. No walk-up dog admissions.
First, read the FAQs: To learn the rules of Dog Days, go to the NW Trek Dog Days webpage.
