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Parks

Dog Permits

a black lab dog looking upwards, sits on a blanket of snow in a park, with a dusting of snow
Image credit: Mark Crosby

A daily or annual Dog Permit is required for any dog visiting a park, whether an off-leash dog park or a park where leashed dogs are allowed. See Dog Free Park for exceptions. The Dog Permit is also valid in designated locations in Dane County Parks, Middleton and Sun Prairie. Permits for the following year are available for purchase starting November 1 and are valid from the time of purchase through the end of the permitted year.

Purchase Permit

The emailed receipt is proof of purchase. The annual permit is mailed within 10 business days. 

Dog License

To obtain a Dog Permit, you must show proof of a valid dog license. Madison residents with a dog aged 5 months or older are required to have a dog license prior to purchasing a dog permit. If you do not already have a dog license, you may purchase both a license and dog permit at the same time, through the City of Madison Treasury. For more information and to purchase online: 

City of Madison Treasury Dog Licenses

Visiting Dogs

Dogs visiting from areas outside of Madison are welcome in a City of Madison park, with a proper dog license and/or vaccinations from your town or municipality and a daily Madison Parks Dog Permit. Please be prepared to show proof if asked by a park ranger. 

A daily Dog Permit may be purchased online. Your emailed receipt is proof of purchase. 

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