Richard Rawlings, 64, of Baltimore, has many friends ? probably because he keeps dog treats in his pocket. Rawlings and his 11-year-old dog, Bear, are regular visitors at the Canton Dog Park in Baltimore, where pets can play leash-free behind the safety of a fence.
Many pet owners have come to appreciate the Canton Dog Park to socialize or exercise their dogs. But before stepping through the chain-link gate, visitors face a bold notice warning them to “enter at your own risk,” since the park does not require owners to present a pet permit in order to gain access to the area.
Having a valid pet permit means that the pet has been vaccinated against rabies, canine distemper and bordetella and is free of communicable diseases. Jocelyn Hawkins, 28, a veterinarian at Reisterstown 24-Hour Veterinary Complex, said that dogs and people are at risk if dogs are not properly vaccinated. She also said that regular worming is important because if people don?t pick up after their dogs, intestinal parasites and fleas can easily spread.
Sue Loeffler, 43, of Baltimore, has served one year on the park?s board of directors and provides dog-walking services through Dog House Girls Inc. Loeffler said the park requires pets be vaccinated, spayed or neutered and wear collars without prongs that could cause injuries to other dogs. She said the rules are clearly posted for visitors, and that volunteers provide a copy of rules for newcomers. Animal Control makes unannounced site visits to make sure the park is safe and clean.
Friends of Canton Dog Park Rules Chair Person and Board of Directors member Kelly Pfeifer said it?s difficult to monitor safety when the land is a public park and permits are not required. The park usually has volunteers or board members watching over to make sure pets play nice, because the city cannot fund full-time patrol.
Some parks do require the proof of licensing. Howard County Dog Park in Ellicott City requires all visitors have a permit before entering the “off-leash area.” Jennifer DeArmey, Park Operation Supervisor for Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks, said visitors can pay $30 for a yearly permit or $4 for a daily pass.
By paying for a permit, owners are presenting proof that their dog has been licensed and vaccinated.
DeArmey said the park employs “Paws Patrol,” a group of trained volunteers that supervise the park 30 hours a week. If the patrollers or park rangers see dogs without permit tags on their collars, the owners are asked to leave if they can?t produce a rabies tag or receipt from the permit purchase.
“I believe the best way to prevent problems is educate the owners and give tips on behavior to watch. I place very little blame on the dogs themselves,” she said.
Though many dogs, many people and many personalities can cause problems, DeArmey said the overall advantages of off-leash playtime keeps pet owners coming back to dog parks.
Dog parks in the area
Canton Dog Park
» Intersection of South Bouldin and Toone streets, Baltimore
» Open dawn to dusk. Free.
» 410-342-0900, [email protected]
Quiet Waters Dog Park
» 600 Quiet Waters Park Road, Annapolis
» Open 7 a.m. to dusk. Closed Tuesdays. Free.
» 410-222-1777, [email protected]
Howard County Dog Park
» Worthington Park, Hillsborough Road, Ellicott City
» Open 7 a.m. to dusk, Thursdays 5 p.m. to dusk. $30 yearly permit, $4 daily pass.
» 410-313-7275, [email protected]
Robert E. Lee Park
» Falls Road at Lakeside Drive, Baltimore
» Open dawn to dusk. Free.
» 410-396-7931
