When dogs have places to explore, run and play, it can help them be healthy, reduce anxiety or boredom, improve social skills with other dogs and stimulate their minds. Plus, pet-friendly spaces provide important opportunities for people in the community to connect.

Creating Pet-Friendly Spaces

If you plan to add or enhance a green space in your community with pet-friendly features, keep in mind these considerations.

• Expected use matters. Pet-friendly open or green spaces can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from “pawprints” the size of parking spaces to large, destination dog parks. Make sure you’re considering the number of people (and dogs!) that are likely to use the space, and plan around that.

• Safe space is good space. Pet-focused areas like dog parks need to be a safe distance from natural or other hazards, such as known wildlife concentrations, debris, construction or trash. It’s also important that pet-friendly spaces be protected from car traffic, for example by physical barriers, and not be adjacent to playgrounds or other high-activity areas that could disturb or tempt pets.

• Green is good, but not required. Grass is often preferred for pet-friendly spaces, but there are other types of turf that can work as well. Explore the best options for your space and expected traffic levels, and be mindful of safety concerns related to high heat levels and potential ingestion of materials. Your turf selection must also include good drainage and cleaning systems.

• Be welcoming to all. Make sure pet-friendly areas’ entries and exits are accessible and that amenities can be reached by people utilizing wheelchairs or who might need other accommodations. Provide seating options that can be comfortably enjoyed by all visitors. Consider having signage printed in multiple languages.

• Don’t tempt toxic. Ensure greenery in pet-friendly spaces isn’t poisonous to pets. Visit ASPCA’s Toxic / Non-Toxic Plants Database for a U.S.-based list of plants, flowers and trees that are considered safe for pets.

• Safe fences for Fido. If your space includes fencing, for example a dog park, make sure the fencing sturdy, high enough that dogs can’t leap or climb over, and with slats spaced close enough together that even tiny pups can’t wriggle out (or get stuck!). For off-leash parks, build in a double-gate system for each entry/exit area – meaning one where pet parents go through an initial gate with their pet, close that gate, and then open a second gate into the park. This helps ensure that other pets near the entry/exit can’t inadvertently escape.

• Drink up! Hydration is important for pets, and people too! Add plumbed hydration stations so people can refill their pet’s water bowls and their own water bottles. Or, if plumbing isn’t an option, ensure other safe drinking water access.

• Pick up, please. A brightly colored waste station with responsible pet ownership messaging can help remind pet parents to pick up after their pets and keep the space clean. Offer free waste bags that are constantly replenished and nearby trash receptacles that are regularly emptied.

• Be clear about the rules. Posting clear signage about rules and expectations for pet parents and pets helps communicate and support the importance of maintaining clean, happy, healthy and safe spaces for all to enjoy.

• Keep it light. Proper lighting enables pet parents to enjoy outdoor spaces safely. If electricity is not an option, limit use to “dawn to dusk” or other appropriate local open/close times.

• Be cool and safe. Provide sturdy and safe structures with solid coverings that offer shade and protection from inclement weather for people and pets.

• Consider customizing. Larger green spaces may be able to accommodate areas that are allocated for specific needs – for example large dog/small dog areas or spaces for highly energetic dogs and those that prefer to just hang out. Special-use areas should be separated from primary spaces and marked with clear signage. When given options, pet parents can pick the best space for their pet to support positive experiences for all.

• Have a plan. Standard operating and maintenance procedures ensure that green spaces stay well-maintained and support safety for all. On your signage, include a resource number or website making it easy for visitors to report issues or concerns.

• We can help! Find out more about signage best practices and how to educate pet parents in our Boîte à outils sur la signalisation pour les lieux acceptant les animaux de compagnie  et Responsible Pet Ownership Communication Toolkit.

Dog Park Tips

See below for quick reference lists of the most important features for dog parks:

For the dogs:

• Adequate space to interact or run and play.
• Pet-safe turf or ground cover.
• Access to clean, fresh drinking water.
• Shady spaces to relax on hot days.
• Pet-safe plants, flowers, trees and other greenery.

For pet parents:

• Signalisation claire sur les règles et les attentes concernant l'utilisation du parc.
• At least one waste station with bags and a frequently emptied trash receptacle.
• Benches or seating, including shaded areas.
• Covered structures that offers refuge during inclement weather
• Accessibility for those using wheelchairs or in need of other accommodations.

For safety and usability:

• Pet-safe fencing that’s at least four- to six-feet high.
• Double-gate system for safety as pets go in and out while off-leash.
• Distance from hazardous or high-distraction areas.
• Proper lighting or limited use hours.
• Standard operating and maintenance procedures with a resource to report issues or concerns.

Want to Do More?

Have the basics in your green space but want to “plus it up?” Here are some additional ways to support pet and human health and showcase your community’s distinct sense of character and culture.

• Enable play. Play items provide dogs with mental stimulation, improve physical strength and create a bond between owner and pet through fun and learning. When considering adding enhancements, think about what mimics natural play versus agility-specific training items only.

• Make room to explore. Smooth, safe walking trails within larger on- or off-leash open spaces can provide additional accessibility accommodations and guided adventures for people and pets to experience the full perimeter of your space.

• Support learning. Pet-friendly spaces are great places for training sessions with pets (and their humans too!). Whether one-on-one, small groups or observational learning, everyone benefits from training practice and lessons in responsible pet ownership.

• Add some personality. Consider adding fun selfie spots, public art or engaging murals that personalize the space to reflect neighborhood identity and culture.

• Engage the community. Think about public input opportunities that offer pet or community-centric conversation starters and encourage socialization. Your pet, pet parent and non-pet owner population is your best resource for thoughts and guidance on how to best enhance your pet-friendly public spaces.

Want more tips? Check our Outils for additional resources.