Dog Park

June 2, 2023 — Dog Parks are closed through Monday, June 5th

This closure is to allow for areas of the parks to be disinfected, and out of an abundance of caution we are closing through the weekend to protect your dogs. The parks will open as usual on Tuesday, and please observe the requirement that all dogs visiting the parks must be fully vaccinated.

Maintenance of the 3 Animal Friends Dog Parks cost $25,000 each year.  We do not receive any State, County or City funds to support these parks, it is all done with private donations.

Please make a donation to help cover some of these costs.  Go to the ‘Support Us’ tab, click on Dog Park Funding, and both PayPal and credit cards are accepted.  Thank you.

Dog Park Summer Hours effective April 1, 2023

View Damage from 2016 Floods

   It takes two – Me and You ! To keep the Dog Park open.  Just $2 per visit to the Dog Park makes a difference.  Drop your donation in the Red Donation Box — next to the entrance to the Dog Park.

Carnival – 2015

View our Pictures here from the May 9, 2015 Carnival.

The Dog Park

Animal Friends Dog Park is a designated area where dogs can run off leash in a safe enclosed area.  The Park  includes amenities such as ponds, agility equipment, water stations, washing station, and seating both open and covered for human companions.  In addition to a designated agility area, there are two parks, one for small dogs (under 20 pounds) and one for larger breeds.

Located just behind the Animal Friends Clinic    

Park Hours

7:00 a.m. ’til dusk (in winter this is 6 pm or dark, whichever is earlier)

Park is closed on Mondays for maintenance

Park Rules

Dogs must have proof of current vaccinations

Do Not throw rocks into either pond.

SOME BASIC RULES TO KEEP YOUR DOG PARK A FUN AND SAFE PLACE TO BE

1. Dogs must be leashed before entering and upon leaving the Park and must be leashed in the transition corridor.
2. A limit of two dogs per adult person. Only dogs over four months of age are permitted.
3. Dogs must never be left unattended and must be within verbal and sight control by their owner/handler.
4. A dog in “heat” or an unhealthy dog is not permitted.
5. Dogs showing any sign of aggression toward people or other dogs must be leashed and immediately removed from the Dog Park.  (See below – Aggressive Dogs) 
6. Dogs with a known history of dangerous behavior are prohibited from entering the Park.
7. Owners/handlers are responsible for immediate clean up and proper disposal of their dog’s waste and for filling holes dug by their dog.
8. Swimming or wading in the pools is for dog use only.
9. Dog or people food, smoking or alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
10. Cell phone or smart phone use, except for emergencies, is not permitted.
11. Bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades or any motorized vehicle are not permitted.
12. Children age 11 or younger are not allowed in the Dog Park.  Children ages 12 through 17 must be accompanied by an adult.  Permitted children must be supervised by the adult and behave appropriately.  Running, shouting, chasing dogs, or petting other people’s dogs without owner’s permission is not allowed.

Owners/handles are legally and financially responsible for any injuries or damages caused by their dogs or themselves.  Animal Friends of Washington County has no liability or responsibility for injuries or damage in the Dog Park or surrounding area.

Owners/handlers who disregard the rules may permanently lose all Dog Park privileges.

***The pools are designed for dog wading and swimming , therefore you must accustom your dog to the varying depths.          

Agility and play equipment requires training and supervision of your dog.

Click on link for grand opening pictures:   Grand-Opening-pics-1 pdf

 Aggressive Dogs

Posted by the entrance to each park are a set of rules that are intended to keep the park a fun and safe place. Occasionally, a person will bring a dog to the park that shows aggression either to people or more likely to other dogs.  This becomes an unsafe environment for all.

The owner/handler of the aggressive dog must immediately remove the dog from the park.

If that does not occur, park users should approach the offending dog’s owner/handler and remind them of the rules. If the owner does not heed to the rules and immediately remove the dog, call 911.

If you feel uncomfortable approaching the offender, leave the park BUT PRIOR TO LEAVING obtain as much information about the dog and its owner/handler including, if possible, a license plate number, and relay this to the 911 operator.