Dog Park

Background:

Dog parks are becoming increasingly popular in the United States and Canada. The city of Calgary in Alberta, Canada has 10 dog parks for a city of 1.3 million residents, and the city of Boise in Idaho, US has 6.3 dog parks per 100,000 residents!

Considering the benefits they provide to dogs, their owners, and communities, the growth in demand for dog parks is not surprising. A dog park is typically a fenced-in outdoor area where people and their dogs can play together. Dog parks allow dogs to roam, exercise, and play off- leash in a safe and controlled environment. It’s like a playground for dogs. Moreover, dog owners are free to socialize while their dogs are playing. This can help new residents establish community connections and allows existing neighbors to stay connected.

Much like playgrounds, dog parks come in many shapes and sizes depending on the space and money available. With enough space comes the option to have separate spaces for large and small dogs. Some owners prefer this separation, while others prefer to have dogs of all sizes play together. Some dog parks have lighting, while others only operate during daylight hours. Basic dog parks may have little more than a fenced in open space, while other more elaborate dog parks may have a wide variety of amenities and dog play equipment.