Dog Laws and Ordinances

Permits. If you want to bring your dog to a City of Madison Park or Dane County Park, you must first purchase a permit. Permits are $23.00 for the first DOG and $6.00 each for additional DOG.  There is also a separate rate for senior and disabled dog owners ($10 for the first dog).  Daily permits are $4.00 and may be purchase online or at the park.  For more information, visit www.reservedane.com/permits.

Leashes - Madison Parks. In parks allowing dogs, all dogs must be restrained on a maximum 6' leash at all times except in the designated off-leash Exercise Areas. City of Madison Ordinance. 8.19

Leashes - Dane County Parks. All dogs must be restrained on a leash at all times except in the designated off-leash Dog Exercise Areas. Dane County Park Ordinance 53.09(7)

Off Leash Areas. The City of Madison Parks and Dane County Parks have designated off-leash Exercise Areas. These areas will be phased in over a period of time as resources allow and may not be used until posted as such. A dog permit will be required. City of Madison Ordinance 23.32 Dane County Ordinance 53.03(20)

Be aware that allowing your dog off-leash poses several hazards to your dog.

• Many of the plants, fungi, and water sources in the parks may be poisonous to your dog.
• Vegetation may have burrs or seeds that could get lodged in your dog's feet, ears, or eyes.
• Wildlife is common in the parks, and your dog does risk encountering a wild animal. Wild animals, particularly skunks, raccoons and badgers, could injure your dog. Rabies infection is also a risk when dogs encounter these animals.
• "Batchers," or dog thieves, have been known to nab unleashed dogs when they are out of the owners' sight.
• Dogs can easily become lost in the parks, especially in winter when their sense of smell is less keen because of the cold and snow.

For these reasons, it is essential to always keep your dog under supervision and voice control.

Control. Dogs must always be under the control of the owner. Do not allow your dog to disturb wildlife or interfere with other park users. Leaving your dog unattended can be dangerous to your dog and other park users. If you cannot control your dog off-leash, keep your dog leashed at all times. City of Madison Ordinance 1.08(3)(a) Dane County Ordinance 53.09(7)

Identification/Vaccinations. Your dog must be licensed and should wear an owner identification tag. State law requires all dogs be vaccinated against rabies.

Clean-up. Dog waste is not only offensive, it can also spread disease and parasites to other dogs and humans. Do not allow your dog to defecate on any property, public or private (except your own property), unless you immediately remove and properly dispose of the waste. City of Madison Ordinance. 7.322 Dane County Ordinance. 53.09(7)

Prohibited Areas. Dogs are not allowed in any non-designated park, on beaches, or in any park building. During the winter, Dogs are not permitted on groomed crosscountry ski trails.

This is an evolving program. Use the posted signs in the parks as the most current dog area information.

"The Scoop on Poop"

The following Madison General Ordinances pertain to your responsibilities for cleaning up after your dog. Dog feces can pose health risks to people and pets. The fine for violating any of these ordinances is $86.50.

• ALWAYS carry equipment sufficient to clean up your dog's feces whenever you and your dog are off your property. Ordinance 7.322(2)
• Do not allow your dog to defecate on any property, public or private (except your own property), unless you immediately remove and properly dispose of the waste. Ordinance 7.322(1)
• Do not allow dog feces to accumulate on your own property. Ordinance 7.37(8)