1925 Union Valley Road, Hewitt, NJ 07421
Dog Park Safety and Etiquette Guidelines
- Bring only neutered or spayed dogs and only if they are older than four months of age.
- Make sure your dog is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations (we recommend Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus, Bordetella, and Influenza) and has a valid license.
- Make sure your dog recently had a negative fecal test. Because of zoonotic risk, GWLAH, CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) recommend testing fecal twice yearly.
- Bring water and a portable bowl to drink from - but not food.
- Keep a collar on your dog. Even though your dog will be off leash in the park, it is important that your pet has a collar on at all times. A quick release clasp collar is the safest option for inside a dog park. Leashed dogs may feel defensive. Keep leash in hand to escort your dog in and out of park.
- On very warm days reconsider bringing your dog to the park, or avoid the dog park during peak temperature hours, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The first visit to the park should be during a quiet time to see how your dog acclimates to the setting. - Obey all posted rules and regulations.
- Check out the moods of the other dogs playing in park before entering.
- Pay attention to your dog at all times.
- Scoop your dog’s poop. Intestinal parasites pass through fecal to other pets and can contaminate soil.
- Look for signs of overheating, including profuse and rapid panting, a bright red tongue, thick drooling saliva, and lack of coordination. If any of these symptoms occur, take your dog to GWLAH immediately.
