Dog Park
Dog Park
The dog park at Tanner Park is an amazing community asset, and we want to keep it safe and clean for all our neighborhood pups. Eckington Parks & Arts is responsible for day-to-day maintenance and management of the dog park, including turf cleaning, purchase of dog waste bags, and setting rules to help keep pups safe. We are volunteer-run and receive no funding from DC government, relying on monetary donations from dog park users and community members to cover these expenses.
We are committed to keeping this community space available, and ask that dog park users please contribute, if able. Donations of at least $60 automatically include an Eckington Parks & Arts membership for one household member. Donations of at least $100 include membership for two household members. Memberships run from January through December. If you are unable to donate money, consider donating your time by volunteering with us.
Suggested Donations:
We visit (almost) every day... $250/year
We visit once or twice a week... $60/year
We visit occasionally (drop-in visit).... $3/visit
Per DC law, all dogs using the park must be vaccinated against rabies and distemper viruses. These vaccines are given every 1-3 years depending on the dog's age and vaccine formulation. We request that all dogs also be vaccinated against parvovirus and bordatella and be kept on year-round preventative medications for fleas, heartworms, and other parasites (as recommended by your veterinarian). Depending on your dog's lifestyle, she/he may also benefit from being vaccinated against leptospirosis and Lyme disease.
Due to periodic spread of canine influenza in Washington, DC, we strongly encourage neighbors to speak with their veterinarians about the bivalent canine influenza vaccine, which can reduce your dog's risk of infection and/or serious illness. If you notice any signs of illness - excessive sneezing, coughing, nasal/eye discharge, lethargy, or otherwise - please isolate your pet and contact your vet! This means taking a break from the dog park and not letting your pup say hi to other dogs on walks. Whether or not your pup uses the dog park, annual health checks, vaccines, and other preventative medications are important for all our canine community members!
We ask that dog park users abide by the following rules to help keep our pups safe and park clean. Please see our FAQ page for additional information on dog park maintenance and mishaps. Use of the dog park is at your own risk.
Dog Park Rules
Dog Park Rules
Monitor your dog
at all times
For safety AND so you can immediately clean up that poop!
No toys or balls smaller than a tennis ball
Emergency surgery on someone else’s dog is $400 to $4,000
Remove toys if causing guarding or aggression between dogs
Unless you want to chat with Animal Control and maybe the DC Health Department
Remove toys if causing guarding or aggression between dogs
Unless you want to chat with Animal Control and maybe the DC Health Department
No stuffed toys or toys that break easily
Picking up fluff for an hour isn’t fun
No stuffed toys or toys that break easily
Picking up fluff for an hour isn’t fun
Remove damaged toys and toy parts/pieces ASAP
That surgery still costs $400 to $4000
Remove damaged toys and toy parts/pieces ASAP
That surgery still costs $400 to $4000
Immediately clean up when your dog poops
Need we explain? ;)
Immediately clean up when your dog poops
Need we explain? ;)
Animal Health & Behavior Resources
Animal Health & Behavior Resources
Health and Veterinary Resources - All dog park users must minimally have their dogs vaccinated per DC code. Additional vaccination, anti-parasitic treatments, and neutering/spaying are additionally recommended to maximize the health and safety of all our pups.
Humane Rescue Alliance - Offers affordable health exams, vaccinations, microchipping, and spaying/neutering.
Pet Care, American Veterinary Medical Association - Discusses important aspects of pet care, including preventative medical care (e.g., vaccines, heartworm preventatives) and responsible pet ownership.
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Behavioral Resources - The first step in ensuring your own pup has a safe and happy dog park experience is learning a bit about dog behavior, socialization, and body language. Just like people, not all dogs get along with each other, nor do they always speak the same language. An over-crowded dog park can worsen a tense situation between pups. And even dogs that mean no harm can miscommunicate or cause unintentional injury or stress due to differences in body size or roughness in play. We recommend minimally looking through the following resources to help make your dog park visit safe and enjoyable!
Dog Parks: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly - Published by the Association of Dog Trainers in its Chronicle of the Dog, this article provides an overview of those aspects of training and behavior important for dog park users.
How To Behave So Your Dog Behaves - Written by world-renowned veterinary behaviorist Dr. Sophia Yin, DVM, MS, this behavioral book uses drawings to illustrate important concepts, and has something to teach even the most experienced dog owner. If you have a puppy, you might also consider reading Perfect Puppy in 7 Days to ensure you're off to a great start!
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Urban Wildlife Resources
City Wildlife - Provides advice and rehabilitation for injured and sick wildlife found in in the city.
