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Dog Park Rules
All Dogs Must
- Be leashed entering and leaving the dog park
- Be healthy and fully vaccinated
- Get exercise and have fun!
All Humans Must
- Clean up after their own pet(s)
- Stop dogs from digging and fill any holes
- Remove choke, prong, pinch or spike collars
- Not exceed three dogs in the park at one time
- Never offer any food or toys of any kind
- Closely supervise any children under the age of 12
The Following Dogs are not allowed in the Park
- Aggressive or uncontrollable dogs. Call Animal Control at 919-831-6311.
- Female dogs in season
- Puppies younger than four months
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the park supervised?
No. Owners and handlers are responsible for their dogs and their dog’s behavior at all times. It will be up to the users of the dog parks to ensure that the rules are being followed. The Raleigh Police Department will monitor the dog parks on a periodic basis.
What are the dog park rules?
Dog park rules are posted at the entrance of all our dog parks. Familiarizing yourself with these rules is an important first step toward guaranteeing a safe and positive experience.
Are all breeds of dog welcome?
All dogs, regardless of breed, are welcome as long as they are at least four months old, and their shot records are up-to-date. However, if any dog becomes aggressive, its owner must remove the dog immediately.
How many pets can I have?
No more than three dogs are permitted, per handler, at one time. It is very difficult for one person to effectively control and supervise more than three dogs at once. If you have more than three dogs and wish to use our dog parks, we recommend that you bring a friend or family member to assist you.
Is my dog required to have a city license?
No. The City of Raleigh does not require dog owners to apply for a City pet license.
Can I keep my dog on a leash?
All dogs must be on a leash until they are inside the dog park entrance and the gate has closed behind them. However, as a precaution, we require all owners and handlers to unleash their dogs in the enclosed, double-gated holding pen at the entrance before they enter the dog-run area. This is designed to ensure that off-leash dogs do not scare a leashed dog by running up and saying hello!
What should I do about aggressive dogs?
First, remove your dog from the situation immediately. When it is safe, report the incident to community center staff and call 9-1-1, if an emergency. If you do not believe the area is safe, or feel that your request has not been handled satisfactorily, call the Raleigh Police Department at 919-831-6311. It is expected of patrons to work with each other in a friendly, respectful manner to keep the park safe for all.
What should I do if someone is bitten at the park?
Dog bites are rare at Dog Parks, especially if users are following all the rules. But in the event of a dog bite, there are three things you should do:
- Immediately provide medical attention, if necessary. If the bite(s) are serious, call 9-1-1.
- Record the identity of the dog and its owner.
- Report the incident to community center staff or call Animal Control at 919-996-1449.
If I observe a problem at the park, what should I do?
For maintenance, please call: 919-996-4115
For disruptive dogs, please call: 919-996-1449
For an emergency, please call: 9-1-1
Can I bring toys, food and furniture into dog parks?
Toys, food, and treats are not permitted inside the off-leash area as it can trigger aggressive behavior between dogs. Outside furniture, including lawn chairs, are also prohibited.
Can a newborn puppy come to the dog park?
No. Puppies under four months of age have not received all the necessary vaccinations. Consequently, their immune systems are vulnerable to potentially dangerous forms of bacteria from other dogs.
Is there an area for shy or small dogs?
Yes! Oakwood, Millbrook, Buffaloe Road, and Carolina Pines Park are divided into two size-appropriate areas – one for smaller pooches (30 pounds and less), and the other for larger canines (more than 30). Jaycee Park’s Dog Run, however, has no such restriction, therefore allowing all dogs regardless of size to play together in a shared space.
Does the park provide waste bags for clean-up?
Yes. All City of Raleigh dog park facilities offer bags and a place to deposit waste at each site.