Celebrate your B.A.R.K. Ranger this year!

Join us every month from April to October to participate in the B.A.R.K. Ranger program! Bring your pup to Gateway Arch National Park for ranger-led dog walks, paw art, puppachinos and more:

B.A.R.K. Ranger Hiking and Outdoor Safety Training | August 20, 10 a.m. | Gateway Arch National Park

Gateway Arch National Park and Kennelwood Pet Resorts are teaming up for a FREE pet safety course!
 
Jenny will be conducting a professional demonstration on pet CPR techniques using a stuffed pup, along with discussions on fundamental first aid concepts. These concepts will include recognizing normal vital signs in pets and how to assess their pulse. Additionally, she will provide guidance on handling potential issues during walks with your pet, such as insect bites and safety measures for extreme temperatures. By attending this session, you will acquire essential knowledge to identify when your pet requires professional medical attention. Just as you prepare for unforeseen circumstances with your human children, it is equally crucial to consider how to handle emergencies with your beloved four-legged companions. Participating in this session will grant you added peace of mind, knowing you have taken all necessary steps to address any potential emergency situation.
 
About the instructor:
Jenny is the Employee Education Coordinator for Kennelwood Pet Resorts. 
 
Jenny holds a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science, which she earned in 2000. Her professional journey with animals began at the Saint Louis Zoo, where she worked with Asian elephants. Later, she transitioned to Grant's Farm, focusing on African elephants for seven years. Afterward, she spent some time as a vet tech and then joined the Kennelwood Pet Resorts team. Jenny is a Pet Tech® certified Pet CPR & First Aid Instructor.
 
In her free time Jenny enjoys running and spending time with her two dogs, Chole and Kali. Jenny ran her eighth marathon this past spring.  She loves running with her dogs.  Together they run between 4 and 6 miles daily, before the dogs go home to sleep as Jenny finishes her run.

B.A.R.K. Ranger Bow Wow Bootcamp | September 17, 10 a.m. | Gateway Arch National Park

Do you want to improve your overall fitness and tone your body?  Your dog is the answer!  While your dog doesn't realize it, they are the perfect fitness partner!  This bootcamp features a warm up walk/jog around the Arch grounds, bodyweight exercises your dog can do with you, dog-friendly yoga poses and a cooldown walk.

Don't forget to bring your dog's favorite toy and treats for motivation! Water will be available for the dogs but we encourage pet owners to bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated themselves. 

About the Instructor:

Shana Gerberding is an AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America) certified group exercise instructor.  She has been teaching fitness classes for 11 years for Club Fitness locations in the STL area and specializes in Zumba, PiYo, and kickboxing.  She is also the proud dog mom of Gateway Arch National Park's 2023 B.A.R.K. Superintendent, Betty Faith. Betty Faith is a basset hound who loved to take walks with Shana when she's not teaching fitness classes.

B.A.R.K. Ranger Howloween Costume Parade | October 15, 1 p.m. | Gateway Arch National Park 

Dress to Impress at the B.A.R.K Ranger Howloween Costume Parade at Gateway Arch National Park! 

Join us on Sunday, October 15 at 1 p.m. in front of the Gateway Arch Visitor Center to get in the Halloween spirit to show off your best costume during a walk through the park. Before the parade, each pet and owner can enter the B.A.R.K. Ranger costume contest to win a prize! 

At the end of the walk, each dog will be sworn in as an official B.A.R.K. Ranger and best costume will be announced.