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Rules for the Humans

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Header: Rules for Humans

Permits:  A permit is required in order to bring your dog to a City of Madison, City of Sun Prairie, City of Middleton or Dane County Park dog park.  Annual Permits are $23.00 for the first dog, additional dogs $6.00 and $10.00 for senior, disabled, and replacement dog permits.  Fees collected by each agency are used to support their own dog parks programs.  Please be aware that in order to purchase a dog exercise permit, you will FIRST need a dog license. You may purchase a Dog License at the City Treasurer's Office.  Click here for DOG LICENSE information. 

Image: Dog in ParkLeashes - Madison Parks: In parks allowing dogs, all dogs must be restrained on a maximum 6' leash at all times except in the designated off-leash exercise areas. City of Madison Ordinance 8.19. 

Leashes - Dane County Parks: All dogs must be restrained on a leash at all times except in the designated off-leash exercise areas. Dane County Park Ordinance 53.09(7) 

Off-Leash Areas: The City of Madison Parks and Dane County Parks have designated off-leash exercise areas.  A dog permit is required.  City of Madison Ordinance 23.32, Dane County Ordinance 53.03(20).

Control: Dogs must always be under the control of the owner. Do not allow your dog to disturb wildlife or interfere with other park users.  Leaving your dog unattended can be dangerous to your dog and other park users.  If you cannot control your dog off-leash, keep your dog leashed at all times.  City of Madison Ordinance 7.322, Dane County Ordinance 53.09(7).  

Prohibited Areas: Dogs are not allowed in any non-designated park, on beaches, or in any park building. During the winter dogs are not permitted on groomed cross-country ski trails.

 Be aware that allowing your dog off-leash poses several hazards to your dog:

  • Many of the plants, fungi, and water sources in the parks may be poisonous to your dog.
  • Vegetation may have burrs or seeds that could get tangled in your dog's coat or lodged in your dog's feet, ears, or eyes.
  • Wildlife is common in the parks, and your dog does risk encountering a wild animal. Wild animals, particularly skunks, raccoons and badgers, could injure your dog. Rabies infection is also a risk when dogs encounter these animals.
  • "Batchers," or dog thieves, have been known to nab unleashed dogs when they are out of the owner's sight.
  • Dogs can easily become lost in the parks, especially in winter when their sense of smell is less keen because of the cold and show.
For these reasons it is essential to always keep your dog under supervision and voice control.

The following Madison General Ordinances pertain to your responsibilities for cleaning up after your dog.  Dog feces can pose health risks to people and pets.  The fine for violating any of these ordinances is $86.50. 

  • ALWAYS carry equipment sufficient to clean up your dog's feces whenever you and your dog are off your property, Ordinance 7.322(2). 
  • Do not allow your dog to defecate on any property, public or private (except your own property), unless you immediately remove and properly dispose of the waste, Ordinance 7.322(1). 

  • Do not allow dog feces to accumulate on your own property, Ordinance 7.37(8).

  • You must keep your dog's rabies vaccination and dog license current.
  • Dogs must wear current rabies, license, park permit and owner ID tags.
  • Keep your dog leashed when off your property.
  • Prevent your dog from injuring any person, property or other animal.
  • Do not allow your dog to trespass on public or private property or run at large, unleashed, or unattended.
  • Do not confine your dog in a vehicle in extreme (hot or cold) weather.
  • Provide your dog with adequate shelter if kept outside for extended periods.
  • Do not allow dogs on school grounds, beaches, cemeteries or parks where dogs are prohibited.
  • Never allow your dog to bark, growl, intimidate, attack or threaten a person or another pet.
  • You must report to the Public Health Department within 24 hours any bit incident in which your dog is involved; whether your dog bites a person, is bitten by or fights with a wild animal or another dog.
  • Female dogs in season (heat) are not allowed in any dog park.
  • Learn where your dog is allowed and not allowed.  Do not bring your dog in any park or public place where dogs are prohibited.