Dog Park News

• Temporary Closure - Warner Park is closed until further notice (as of February 14, 2026). See next section for updates. 
• Demetral Park - The kiosk posed a structural safety hazard and has been removed. (updated November 25, 2025).

Warner Off-Leash Dog Park

(Thursday, February 19, 2026 Update)
• Late Friday evening, February 13, Parks staffed were made aware of a social media post of a dog who became ill at home and died suddenly. The dog had visited Warner off-leash dog park the previous day and several times that week.
• Madison Parks takes great pride in being able to offer public dog parks that are safe and enjoyable for dogs and their owners and out of an abundance of caution, Parks staff closed the dog park on Saturday, February 14.
• Parks staff are in communication with the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (WVDL). We've confirmed a dog died at home and was submitted by a local veterinary clinic to the WVDL on February 12 for a diagnostic necropsy.
• Park rangers and staff from Public Health Madison & Dane County walked the park's entirety and found nothing of visible concern.
• As of Thursday, February 19, 2026, the cause of death is still unknown, but many diagnostic tests have been completed, and there is no known risk to human or animal health at this time.
• As a precaution, the Warner off-leash dog park remains closed until further notice. We are waiting for final laboratory results, expected late next week, before determining our next steps in reopening. We appreciate your patience and will provide an update as soon as available.
• To help us continue to provide safe dog parks, please report issues or concerns to 608-235-0448 or parks@cityofmadison.com
 
 

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While leashed dogs are allowed in most Madison parks (see dog-prohibited areas), we also offer 9 fenced, off-leash dog park areas. Three of the locations, Odana School, Warner and Sycamore, also provide a separate small-dog fenced area. 
 

Type of Dog Permit	2026 Fees
Daily	$8
Annual	$46
Annual Senior (65+), Disabled or Military/Veteran	$23
Replacement	$20

• REQUIRED A daily or annual dog permit is required and may be purchased ONLINE or by calling (608)266-4711
  • 2026 permits go on sale November 1 and are valid through December 31, 2026.  
    • A permit is required in order to bring your dog to any park, off-leash and on-leash, where a dog is allowed. See Dog Free Park for exceptions. 
    • The dog permit is part of the Cooperative Dog Park Program and is also valid for use in Dane County Parks, City of Sun Prairie parks, and City of Middleton parks.
  • A dog license is required for ALL visiting dogs. City of Madison residents may purchase through the City of Madison Treasury Office.
    • Dogs visiting from other areas are always welcome with proper licenses and/or vaccinations from your town/municipality. Be prepared to show proof if asked by a Park Ranger.
    • A dog license is ONLY available after a veterinarian administers a rabies vaccination within 30 days after the dog reaches 4 months. Dogs under 5 months of age or without proper vaccinations are therefore not licensed and are PROHIBITED.
• REQUIRED Dogs must remain on a leash to/from your vehicle to the inside of the dog park area.
• PROHIBITED AREAS
  • Dogs are not allowed in any conservation park, near playgrounds, designated beaches, athletic fields, in or near park shelters, and a few other notable locations. See Dog Free Parks for a complete list of locations.
  • During the winter dogs are not permitted on designated cross-country ski trails. See Cross-Country Skiing for locations.
• Bring Your Own Water Sharing water is not recommended and can lead to parasites and disease transmission. DO NOT LEAVE WATER OR WATER BOWLS. 

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WARNER PARK LAGOON Unlike the water at public beaches, the water in the lagoon at Warner Park is not tested by Public Health Madison & Dane County. Always check the conditions before letting your dog in the water. LEARN MORE 

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On July 13, 2016 the Board of Park Commissioners approved the Policy and Guidelines for Off-Leash Dog Park Service Area Standards within the Madison Park System with Attachment A. The Policy is intended to guide the Parks Division in planning new off-leash dog park (exercise) areas and to set standards for responding to requests for the creation of off-leash dog park (exercise) areas in the Madison Parks system.