Leashed and licensed dogs are allowed in all general Madison parks. There are a few notable exceptions as detailed in MGO 8.195 and highlighted on this page.

• All dogs must be licensed.
• All dogs must have a valid daily or annual Dog Permit.
• All owners must pick up their dog's waste.
• All dogs must be leashed and under the owner's control at all times. MGO 23.32(1)
  •  Violators may see a fine up to $500
     

Dog Prohibited Areas 

• Conservation parks 
• Burial mounds within 20 feet
• City of Madison Golf Courses (during the golf season) 
• Olbrich Botanical Gardens 
• Playgrounds and areas within 20 feet of a playground surface 
• Splash parks, fenced areas(s) surrounding a splash park, and areas within 20 feet of the splash park surface 
• Goodman Pool and Breese Stevens Field (except for special events where dogs are specifically invited) 
• Programmed sports fields and facilities that are enclosed or substantially enclosed by a fence, whether in use or not 
• Programmed, non-fenced sports fields such as soccer, ultimate fields or softball/baseball diamonds while they are in use for programmed activities 
• Inside park shelters or other City buildings 
• Groomed cross-country ski trails 
• In the water or on the beach at designated beach locations 
• Park special events except where the sponsor has requested to allow dogs, with the Park Superintendent's approval