Keep Your Dog Safe and Be a Good Neighbor!

We all love our dogs and enjoy taking them to the park to get some fresh air and exercise. The City of Dallas wants to remind all dog owners to consider safety in our beautiful parks.

1. Your dog must always be on a leash in public areas (Sec. 7-3.1. (a) (4)). You may only remove your dog’s leash in designated off-leash areas. For a list of dog-friendly parks, please visit https://www.visitdallas.com/things-to-do/discover-dallas/guides/dog-friendly-dallas-dog-parks.html.
2. When your dog is around other dogs or outdoor spaces that other dogs commonly visit, they risk contracting contagious illnesses. Vaccinations are the best protection against common pet illnesses, including deadly viruses. All dogs in the City of Dallas must have proof of current rabies vaccination (Sec. 7-4.1.), but due to rising Distemper and Parvovirus rates, these vaccines are also highly recommended. Speak to your vet for more details about available vaccines and what is needed to keep your pet safe. Many free and low-cost clinics are available in the Dallas area. Find out more about local vaccination services at www.bedallas90.org/low-cost-vet-care/
3. Accidents happen! Before you know it, your pet can slip out of its collar or harness and run off. Ensure that their collar or harness are fitted correctly – you should be able to slip two fingers under the fabric but no more. Check your dog’s leash and collar before you leave the house for any damage to make sure it is secure for your trip.
4. We recommend keeping your dog on a 6-foot leash rather than a retractable leash; this will ensure that your dog stays close to you and remains in your control. A standard 6-foot leash also prevents your dog from greeting other dogs that may not enjoy sudden approaches by strangers. Be a good neighbor – switch to a standard 6-foot leash!
5. All dogs in the City of Dallas must have a microchip, which serves as your one-time pet registration (Sec. 7-4.2.). A microchip is a permanent form of identification injected just below their skin. A microchip scanner can pick up the chip’s unique ID code to identify the pet and your contact information if your pet is lost, making it the most effective way to be reunited with your pet if they are lost. Please note that pet microchips are not trackers and do not offer any location information.
6. Finally, pick up your dog’s waste! Please be a good neighbor and bring disposable bags on your walks (Sec. 7-4.8.). Pick up the poop, then tie up the bag before placing it in a trash bin.

These tips will help keep your pet safe while enjoying the diverse public spaces in the City of Dallas. For more information, please visit www.BeDallas90.org.