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Frequently Asked Questions

You have questions? We have answers.

Owners cannot buy permits for dogs under three months of age. The park is for dogs with all their vaccinations, and this is not usually possible until a dog is six months old. However, if you discuss it with your vet and he or she feels your puppy’s Rabies and Parvo/Distemper vaccinations provide full coverage, you may get a permit for a puppy three to six months old. In addition, dogs under six months old are not likely to be under voice control of their owners, or to have good recalls in the Main Park, so you may want to stay in the training yard with younger pups and invite friendly dogs in to socialize with them. Because kennel cough (Bordatella) may be more serious in puppies, that vaccination is recommended (if your vet agrees) for younger puppies using the Park.

Currently, the Cedar Rapids Municipal Code (23.10 Confinement of Female Dogs in Heat) states that dogs in heat should remain in their own home or garage unless going out to the vet or to defecate. The same penalty will result for dogs in heat in the Park as would for dogs in heat elsewhere in City.

Children under 12 years must be supervised by an adult while in the Park. Younger children can be accidentally knocked over by dogs who are playing and parents are responsible for their care. If an off-leash dog needs medical care or needs to be restrained, the handler needs to be old enough, mature enough, and strong enough to handle the situation. Very young children (under age six) are allowed in the Park, though this is not encouraged. They are the responsibility of their parents or guardians.
Dogs in the small yard should be less than 15 inches at the shoulder. If the Small Dog Yard is empty and the Training Yard is being used, one larger dog and its owner(s) may use the Small Dog Yard as a training yard. In this case, please keep an eye on the entry area and be considerate about leaving should a small dog and their owner arrive.
The training yard is a great place to introduce your dog to an off-leash dog park for socialization before you test out the main yard. The training yard is also used for those practicing recall, using the agility equipment, or general training tactics. There is a 20-minute time limit on the Training Yard if dogs and their people are waiting to use it. If you are using the Training Yard, be considerate of those waiting. If you’re waiting, don’t hesitate to ask 1) if you and your dog can join those already in the Training Yard for a play session, or 2) when those using it expect to be done.

For your dog’s safety, please do not use prong, choke, or training collars in the Park. Prong, choke, and training collars pose BIG problems for dogs in the Park. When dogs play, they use their teeth. It’s very easy for a dog’s teeth to become entangled in these types of collars. The dog who is caught cannot get itself loose and panics; the dog whose collar is being pulled is likely to twist in its efforts to escape and can easily choke to death before humans can intercede to help.

Once you are inside the fenced area of Main Park, you should remove your dog’s leash. If you expect your dog to be leashed when all the other dogs in the Park are loose, you are putting it in a very stressful situation. It cannot meet and greet dogs in the way a dog prefers to meet another. It is being restrained while other dogs approach it, circle it, sniff it. Your dog is much more likely to act in a way that may seem fearful or even aggressive if it is restrained and unable to respond to the approaches of other dogs in a relaxed manner. If you are unsure about getting your dog to come back to you, please use the Training Yard until you are more confident of its recall.

Yes and no. During the warmer months, there is water available for your dog. In the late fall and winter, the City turns off the water so you must bring your own. A good member of the park makes sure all dogs have access to water. There are water bowls located around the walking trails and other parts. If you see one is empty, please refill one of the water jugs and fill the empty bowls. We appreciate it, and so do the dogs!

If your dog is involved in an unpleasant experience (no Injury) with another dog or person please remove them from the park for the day.

If your dog is vicious to another dog or person (causing injury) it will be reported as a vicious dog to Animal Control and will be subject to City policies regarding the issue. For enforcement of the Park Rules & Policies please contact the Police. For park maintenance issues please contact Parks & Recreation.

Contact information:
Police: 319-286-5491
Animal Control: 319-286-5993
Parks and Recreation: 319-286-5566

Yes and no. During the warmer months, there is water available for your dog. In the late fall and winter, the City turns off the water so you must bring your own. A good member of the park makes sure all dogs have access to water. There are water bowls located around the walking trails and other parts. If you see one is empty, please refill one of the water jugs and fill the empty bowls. We appreciate it, and so do the dogs!