As dog parks increase in popularity, it is important to remember the following rules and recommendations to keep the experience enjoyable for everyone:
Rules
Dog owners are legally and financially liable for injuries or damages caused by their dog(s). Wis. Stat. Ann. 174.02 (1).
All dogs must be legally licensed and vaccinated. Dogs are required to wear a visible, municipal license, and I.D. tag. Wis. Stat. Ann. 95.21 (2).
A Daily or Annual Park Dog Permit is required. D.C. Ord.53.02 (1)(l)
Aggressive dogs are prohibited from the park. Any dog exhibiting aggressive behavior must be removed from the park immediately.
Dog waste must be cleaned up and placed in the proper receptacle by the owner/handler. This is essential to the ongoing success of the dog park.
The owner/handler must be in control of their dog(s) at all times. The dog must be within view and under voice control of the owner/handler.
You must remain in the dog area with your dog at all times.
Female dogs in season (heat) are not allowed in a dog park.
Dogs must be leashed with a 6-foot static lease when entering and leaving off-leash areas. The owner/handler must have a leash in their possession at all times.
Annual dog permits are in the form of a small dog tag and must be attached to your dog’s collar whenever they are at a Dane County park property. The collar should also contain the dog’s municipal license and an ID tag with your contact information.
Recommendations
Limit food and treats brought into a dog park as they may attract other dogs.
Leave toys at home. Throwing balls or other dog toys may lead to possession aggression.
Make sure your dog is healthy. It is possible for your dog to pass on an infection or parasite to other dogs. Sharing water can also lead to disease transmission.
Children should be supervised when in the dog park.
During hunting season you and your dog should wear blaze orange. Visit our Park Use During Hunting Season webpage for more information.
A dog park is not the place to work on behavioral problems with your dog.
Do not bring more dogs than you can effectively restrain. It is recommended that you bring no more than three dogs at one time.
Do not allow your dog to be in contact with wild animals.
It is not acceptable to dump pet waste from offsite at the dog park.
Dog bites/attacks should be reported to Madison Police Animal Services (608) 255-2345 (non-emergency) or 911 (emergency). For all other park related issues, contact Dane County Parks at (608) 224-3730.
