The City of Madison Parks Division offers eight off-leash dog exercise areas for dogs. Ranked fourth in the nation for number of dog parks per resident!  These areas require a Dog Park Permit. Please be aware that in order to purchase a Dog Park Permit, you will first need a dog license. You may purchase a dog license at the City Treasurer's Office. The Dog Park Permit is good for the City of Madison off-leash dog parks, in six Dane County Parks (posted areas only), the City of Middleton and City of Sun Prairie pet exercise areas. Fees collected by each agency are used to support their own dog exercise areas.

2016 permits will be available after December 1.

• Dogs in Parks: Rules and Regulations, includes brochure, fees, permit application, online payment, and much more!
• Pet Licensing, Treasurer's Office
• Establishing an Off-Leash Dog Park (PDF)

Puppies that are not old enough to be vaccinated may not get a dog license and therefore may not acquire a dog park permit. Please remember that dogs are not allowed in any non-designated park, children's play areas, beaches, athletic fields, conservation parks, or in any park building. During the winter dogs are not permitted on groomed cross-country ski trails.

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.  

DOG PARK CLEAN UP DAY
Join other dog park users in Dog Park Cleanup Day held annually in early spring, typically at the end of March or beginning of April.


Additionally, dogs on-leash are allowed numerous parks throughout the city.