Dog Park
Grand Opening | How It Works | Requirements | Fees | Application | Rules & Regulations | Tree Angels
Our Dog Park first opened to the public on Saturday, April 8th, 2006, and it is a huge success! It is open every day from 6 a.m. to sundown.
 The Dog Park is located along Don Hayes Road, between Rutherwood Baptist Church and the Boone Stockyard, about four miles from Boone off Old Highway 421 South.
The dog park consists of approximately 3.5 acres of fenced land for dogs to romp and play. There is a smaller section, about 1/2 acre, for smaller dogs.
Visit on a sunny Saturday afternoon and you might find a couple dozen dogs and their owners enjoying the Park.
How It Works
To become a member of the Dog Park, all applicants must complete a Dog Park Application,
and bring it along with a current rabies certificate to either the Watauga Humane Society or the Bare Bones Boutique, where either an annual or a day pass to can be purchased. Each approved applicant is immediately issued a pass that includes a security passcode to enter the Park.
 Access to the park is granted after a member enters his or her passcode. The gate will then open to allow entry to the vestibule for the dog park. After entering the vestibule, the gate closes automatically with a magnetic latch. A second gate allows entry to the dog park.
The vestibule area helps ensure that no dogs in the park will escape the fenced area when the gates are opened. Please do not open the inner gate to the park while the outer gate is open.
While dogs play, owners must remain in the park in order to supervise. Poop scoop bags are located directly above trash cans in the park to facilitate waste removal. (Please see the Rules and Regulations ~ cleaning up after your dog is required).
To exit the dog park, push a button in the vestibule area and the gate will open.
REQUIREMENTS
All applicants must complete the Dog Park Application including a copy of each dog's current Rabies Vaccine Certificate. (Bring all applicable records. The pass will be issued directly to you).
Bordetella (canine cough), and DHLP-P (distemper-parvo) vaccines are left to the discretion of the individual dog owner.
FEES
Annual Pooch Passes are valid for one year from the date of purchase (new prices effective June 1st).
- Regular member with up to two (2) dogs ~ $50.00 / year
- Seniors (62 and over) with up to two (2) dogs ~ $40.00 / year
- Student with up to two (2) dogs ~ $35.00 / year
- Each additional dog ~ $10.00 / year
- Day Pass (12 hours) ~ $3.00
Revenue generated from pass fees will be accrued in a capital reserve fund for improvements and maintenance of the dog park.
Dog Park Passes are on sale at the Watauga Humane Society and at the Bare Bones Boutique.
Watauga Humane Society Hours of Operation:
Tuesday~Friday, 12:30 to 6 p.m.,
Saturday & Sunday, 12:30 to 5 p.m.
Closed Mondays.
Bare Bones Boutique Hours of Operation:
Monday~Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Closed Sundays.
Call the Watauga Humane Society at 828.264.7865 for more information about memberships.
APPLICATION
To view the Dog Park Application (pdf format), Adobe Acrobat Reader must be installed on your computer.
RULES & REGULATIONS
- Hours: The dog park is open 6 a.m. to sunset daily.
- No animals other than dogs may be brought into the fenced area.
- Owners must provide proof that the dog is currently vaccinated against rabies to acquire a membership. Bordetella and DHLP-P vaccines are at the discretion of the owner. A Dog Park Pass must be purchased for each dog. Current rabies tags must be worn on the dog’s collar at all times.
- All dogs must be leashed until safely inside the park and returned to a leash prior to exiting. Owners must have 1 leash per dog with them at all times. Dogs should not be leashed while in the park.
- Dog owners must remain inside the fenced area while their dog(s) are using the dog park. Dogs must be in view of their owner and be under voice control at all times.
- Dog owners must be age 18 or older to acquire a Dog Park Pass. Children accompanying dog owners must be strictly supervised and at least 12 years old to be allowed inside. Spectators should remain outside the fenced area.
- Aggressive dogs and female dogs in heat are not allowed. The Watauga Humane Society strongly recommends your pet be spayed or neutered. Owners must immediately leash and remove dogs from the dog park at the first sign of aggressive, hostile, or combative behavior. Repeatedly aggressive dogs will have passes revoked at the discretion of the WHS.
- Owners must dispose of waste properly in the designated on-site containers.
- Small, bite-sized training treats are permitted. Food in bowls or long-lasting chews are not allowed.
- Smoking and eating are not permitted in the dog park. Cigarette butts and food wrappers are tempting and unhealthy for dogs. Alcoholic beverages and glass containers are prohibited.
- Sick or injured dogs are not allowed. Dogs with a known sickness/injury or displaying sick or injured behavior must be removed immediately.
- No more than three (3) dogs per person are allowed on any single visit.
- Puppies less than four (4) months old are not permitted.
- The Watauga Humane Society has the right to revoke a “Dog Park Pass” at their sole discretion for any reason.
- North Carolina State Law requires all dog bites to be reported to the Watauga County Department of Animal Control at (828) 262-1672. In addition, owners are required to assist in the investigation of incidents of aggression or biting by providing appropriate identification and information to the Sheriff, Watauga Humane Society, AND to other dog owners who are involved with the incident under investigation. Failure to provide assistance and identification as requested will result in immediate revocation of all dog park privileges. Owners are liable for any injury or damage caused by their dog and are fully responsible for their dog’s actions.
 This hill is favorite gathering spot for owners to socialize while supervising dogs.
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