Our best friends have a place to run, play, meet (and sniff) new four-legged friends and even catch a ball or frisbee.  The City of Madison Parks Division has off-leash dog exercise areas for dogs and their human friends. Ranked fourth in the nation for number of dog parks per resident, there are so many to choose from!  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.  

• 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.

DOG PARK CLEAN UP
Join other dog park users in the annual spring Dog Park Clean-up Day on the last Saturday in March.