RI DEM Pet Policy 

Pets as Visitors in Burlingame State Park, Fishermen’s Memorial State Park and George Washington Management Area

RI DEM is pleased to allow you the privilege of bringing your domestic pet (limited to cats and dogs only) to overnight campgrounds in Rhode Island’s state parks and management areas. It is up to you, the pet owner, to act responsibly with your pet and to be courteous of other park and management area users to help ensure this privilege is always extended. Be nice to your pet, your parks and other park visitors. Your cooperation is appreciated.

To download a Pet Certification Form, Press Here.

To view the RI State Law relating to this topic, Press Here.

Requirements for Pets and Pet Owners

• No more than two (2) pets per campsite. "Pet" means a dog or cat.

• The owner of all pets is responsible for cleaning up and proper disposal of all animal waste.

• All dogs must be wearing a collar with valid license tag. All cats must be readily

• Identifiable (e.g. tags, tatoos or an ear notch). Owners may be required to show a current

• rabies vaccination certificate.

• All pets must be under control at all times on a leash of not more than six feet [6'] in length.

• Pets shall not be left unattended at any time. [Only pets being used for hunting or dog trials between September 1 and March 31 may be left unattended in a vehicle].

• The release of any pet within any state park, management area, or beach is strictly prohibited.

• Pets are prohibited from all state bathing beaches.

• Owners shall make every attempt to keep their pets quiet at all times, especially between the hours of 10:00 pm and 7:00 am.

• Washing of pets is prohibited in any natural waterbody.

• Specific areas within the facility may be posted as off-limits to pets. Pets are prohibited from the Burlingame picnic area from April 1 through September 30.

• All escapes, bites to humans/other animals, and contact with wildlife must be reported to appropriate park staff.

In addition to the requirements of this policy governing pets in Burlingame State Park, Fishermen’s Memorial State Park and George Washington Management Area, all other applicable sections of DEM’s Park and Management Area Rules and Regulations shall continue to be enforced.

Violation of any of the above requirements or any provision of DEM"s Park and Management Area Rules and Regulations may result in eviction from the park/management area and penalties not to exceed $100 for each violation. Violations of RI’s rabies laws and regulations are considered misdemeanor offenses in accordance with RIGL §4-13-32, and can result in seizure and impoundment of the pet.