Is there a fee to use the dog park?
What are the hours of operation for the dog park?
If I live outside of Roanoke City, can I still use the dog park? What dogs are allowed to use the park?
Parks are a public place that can be used by everyone! The only restriction to park usage is that all dogs must be licensed by the locality where they live and, per Roanoke City Code, show proof of current license by wearing their dog tag. Only those dogs wearing a current tag may use the dog park.
Are there any restrictions on dog breed or age?
There is not a breed restriction. All dogs are welcome, as long as they have proof of current license and are non-aggressive. Both spayed/neutered and intact animals are welcome, although for obvious reasons we recommend that dogs in heat not enter the dog park. As far as age limits, puppies under the age of four (4) months should not visit the dog park, because they have not yet received their full complement of vaccinations.
How many dogs may I bring into the dog park?
For your safety and the safety of other guests, we ask that you bring no more than two (2) dogs inside the dog park at a time. If you have three (3) or more dogs, we encourage you to bring a friend to help monitor your pets.
Are children allowed in the dog park?
Children under the age of 16 are allowed when accompanied by an adult. Also, we ask that parents not bring newborns and infants, even in strollers, inside the dog park as there is always a risk when babies and dogs at play share the same space.
Why is there a double-gated entry to the dog park?
The double-gated entry was designed to promote pet safety. Please keep the gates closed at all times, except when entering or exiting the dog park. Your dog should remain on-leash until you have entered the vestibule area and closed the first (main) gate behind you. Once the main gate is closed, you may unleash your dog and enter through the second set of gates into either the small dog or large dog fenced areas.
It is advisable to remove your dog's leash in the vestibule area, prior to entering the separate fenced areas, so your dog will feel comfortable greeting other off-leash dogs already inside the dog park. If the vestiblue area is crowded, you may choose to wait and unleash your dog inside the second set of gates, but please remove your dog's leash immediately upon entering either off-leash area.
Again, with the exception of entering and exiting the dog park, please make sure that all gates remain securely closed at all times.
Why are there two separate fenced areas inside the dog park?
Not all small dogs are comfortable around large dogs and vice versa. The smaller fenced area to the left was created specifically for small dogs (under 25 lbs). The larger area to the right welcomes all dogs, but we remind pet owners that small dogs and large dogs play differently, so small dogs may use the large dog side of the park at their own risk.
Are toys allowed inside the dog park?
Current rules posted on the main entry gate state no toys are allowed inside the dog park. Large toys and stuffed animals are definetly prohibited. If you want to bring a ball or a Frisbee for playing fetch, that is permissible, but exercise judgment. If you see aggressive acts over toys, or if the dog park is too crowded to accomodate safe play, please cease using toys.
Are dog treats, food or smoking permitted inside the dog park?
We are strongly discouraging dog treats and food inside the dog park, as dogs may become aggressive around treats and food, and some dogs have restricted diets. Smoking inside the dog park is strictly prohibited. Cigarette smoking poses a health risk to many people and their pets, and discarded cigarette butts are among the most toxic items that a dog can accidentally ingest.
Who cleans up pet waste inside the dog park?
Hopefully, you do! This dog park is self-monitored. Owners are expected to clean up all messes made by their pets. Biodegradable pet waste bags are provided at Mutt-Mitt stations located near the vestibule on both the small and large dog sides of the park and along the fence line of the large dog hillside. Please be a good steward of our public dog park and clean up after your dog. Failure to do so violates Roanoke City Ordinance and is punishable by a fine. And remember, if you happen to see pet waste left behind, please "pay it forward" and pick it up.
Are aggressive dogs allowed to enter the dog park?
If you have an aggressive dog, or a dog that is not well socialized, please do not bring your dog to the public dog park. If you have been told previously that your dog may have aggressive tendencies, or if your dog appears visibly nervous or ill-at-ease around other dogs, we ask that you refrain from using the dog park until your dog is more comfortable in public settings.
What should we do if we see an aggressive dog or if a dog fight occurs?
Experienced dog ownders know that not all dog communication is actual aggression. However, if there is a dog in the park that appears to pose a threat to other dogs or people, or has already harmed another dog or person, please kindly ask the owner to immediately remove their dog from the dog park.
We also encourage visitors of the dog park to call Roanoke Animal Control if an aggressive dog is not removed from or returns to the dog park. The phone number and hours of operation for Animal Control are provided below. To avoid confrontation, you may also call the Roanoke City Police Department at 911 to report aggressive behavior.
Is the City of Roanoke liable if there is a dog fight or personal injury at the dog park?
The City of Roanoke's liability is no different than it would be at a City park, swimming pool, recreation center or any other City-owned property. Everyone who enters this dog park does so AT THEIR OWN RISK. Dog owners remain solely liable for their pet's behavior.
Who do I contact if I see unlicensed dogs using the dog park?
As stated previously, Roanoke City Code requires all dogs must be licensed by the locality where they live and show current proof of license by wearing a dog tag. If you see a dog inside the dog park that does not have a tag, please ask the owner if their dog is licensed. If the owner says no, kindly communicate that the public dog park is only for the use of licensed dogs.
If the owner refuses to leave, you may notify Roanoke Animal Control at 540-853-2891 or via email at mail@rcacp.org Hours of operation for the Regional Center for Animal Control and Protection are Monday-Thursday 11:30am to 5:30pm; Friday 11:30am to 7:00pm; and Saturday 11:30am to 4:00pm.
Is there water at the dog park?
Dog fountains are located in both the small dog and large dog areas; however, these interior fountains are shut off during the cold winter months. There is a year-round fountain located at the entrance to the dog park. In general, it's a good idea to bring water and a bowl for your own dog's use.
How do we get additional amenities at the dog park?
Additional landscaping, benches, a kiosk, walkways and a paved brick entrance are all planned for Phase II construction - but we need to raise additional money before these amenities can be purchase and installed.