Dog Park Partnerships

Forming and making the best use of them

Article and Photos by Roseanne Conrad

Anyone who has ever been involved in establishing a dog park in a community knows it’s no picnic. There are codes and ordinances to adhere to, insurance issues to resolve, marketing methods to consider, and safety issues to address. All of the work that needs to be done before the first dog is turned loose can sometimes overshadow the excitement and anticipation of creating a place where dogs and their people can run safe and leash-free. While dog parks that are part of a municipal park system may have an easier time getting started, any dog park can use a little help from their friends. Forming partnerships can make a big difference in lightening the work load, as well as providing users with new resources for their furry friends.

Whether trying to get a dog park up and running or trying to keep one running well, the value of creating partnerships cannot be denied. So what, exactly, is a partnership? A partnership is simply forming a connection with a person, group, business, or organization that has an interest in helping by providing one or more resources. For a dog park, the list can include:

• Attorneys
• Engineers
• Veterinarians
• Groomers
• Dog trainers
• Kennel clubs
• Other park and recreation agencies or facilities
• Dog-rescue groups and organizations
• Humane societies
• Pet shops
• Service groups
• School groups.

Since most people and groups love working with other organizations that benefit dogs, it’s an easy sell most of the time.

Professionally Speaking
When trying to form a new dog park, it’s important to involve an effective lawyer who can examine the legalities of having such a facility. If you can find an attorney who is a dog lover, he or she might be willing to help at no charge. An engineer who has experience in working with park design can also be a great resource. Hiring one can be costly, but most engineering companies will do some pro bono work in their own community, so finding one is not impossible.

Forming friendships with local veterinarians is a wonderful idea, too. They can help with health questions that may come up, as well as offer support in other areas. And what do they have to gain by helping out? Brad Kissell, a veterinarian at Sylvan Veterinary Hospital in Hollidaysburg, Penn., says, “As a veterinarian and owner of a veterinary practice in a moderately sized community, I realize the importance of partnering with other pet organizations. I have been involved in several events sponsored by our local dog park and served on their volunteer board of directors. I believe, when run well, dog parks can be wonderful venues for dogs to get great exercise as well as much-needed socialization. Dogs that are adequately socialized from a young age are just more well-adjusted dogs. They feel less stress when having to go to the groomer, to their veterinarian, or to boarding facilities. It’s not pleasant to struggle with an under-socialized, frightened dog when trying to administer medical care. I support the events our local dog park sponsors and feel the socialization benefits provide a win-win for everyone.” Kissell notes that his practice also provides literature to clients on the local dog park via brochures and flyers in puppy packets and check-out areas.

Even big-box retailers can make great partners. Petco, PetSmart, Pet Valu, and others are usually happy to provide space for dog park groups within their store for special promotions or handing out information. A local dog park sets up a 10-foot by 10-foot canopy within our local Petco store and offers customers the opportunity to take photos of their dogs against seasonal backdrops. This is a win-win as it brings people into the store, and the dog park has a great marketing venue to promote the park. Petco has also come out to events and handed out treats from vendors.

Local Resources
If a community has an annual public pet fair or pet expo, organizers will often give dog parks free space to set up an information booth. This is a great partnership, as it provides dog park volunteers or managers a great market to promote the park, and it provides the event organizers another resource to increase interest. Many times, these events are sponsored by a local newspaper, radio, or television station, which is a great way to get to know and strengthen your relationship with the local media, which are always looking for local events and facilities to cover.

Communities that have local kennel clubs are often looking for places to hold events, such as obedience trials, agility run-throughs, and barn hunts. If your dog park has the room and adequate parking, consider renting space or collaborating with these groups. Or consider partnering to bring individuals in to provide demonstrations or seminars.

Organizations such as the United Way and the Boy Scouts of America also can lend a hand in dog park operations. For example, there may be a young man who needs a project to complete his Eagle Scout criteria. The projects these high-school students create are often impressive and professionally done. The scout is responsible for conducting the fundraising to purchase the materials, communicating with the organization to decide on the project and design, and completing the project. A scout can build benches, signs, equipment, storage sheds, etc. The United Way has a national program called Day Of Caring, where members choose organizations, parks, and other causes to work at for a day. Participants can complete a project, do clean-up work, or assist in repair, paint, maintenance, etc.

Most communities have a chamber of commerce, and this resource should not be overlooked. This business association does a lot of networking among members, and in many communities the organization calls upon its membership—through leadership programs—to give back by working with non-profit groups. This can be a great partnership opportunity for a dog park.

Dog-rescue groups make great partners in many ways, but one of the most reciprocal is for newly adopted dogs. Provide the organization with literature about the dog park that can be passed out when a dog is adopted. Since many of these rescue dogs need socialization, dog parks fill that void. In return, the dog park can host an “adoption day” by offering space to the rescue group. Involve the media to promote the event.

Solid Involvement
Susyn Stecchi, a consultant for Dog Parks USA, and who has visited more than 1,200 dog parks, says finding volunteers is one of the most difficult aspects of a dog-owners group.

“Finding group members who will actually do some productive volunteer work to benefit the cause, rather than just say they are on board but do nothing, can be frustrating. For those group members who might seem to be “slackers,” find out what motivates them. Do they like recognition? Find ways to store their praises for the smallest volunteer effort and encourage them to keep at it. Do they love to talk to people? Ask them to get the word out about the dog park. Do they love to host parties? Have them host the fundraising events. Do they like to be on social media groups? They could be great promoters for the dog park by getting the word out through those means. Find out what they do well or love to do or wish they could do, and work out volunteer assignments that embrace that.”

Whether you are starting a dog park in a community or looking for ways to strengthen an existing park, building new and lasting partnerships can provide a win-win relationship for all involved. Communication is the key to making it work. Find a contact person at a business or organization you would like to work with and pursue the partnership. You just might be amazed at how easy it is and at the effects it will have on your dog park. Once established, the line of communication should be continued to strengthen the partnership. People like to feel included by knowing what is new at a dog park. Send short texts, e-mails, or even note cards from time to time, even when you are not working on a project or event with the partner. Good luck and happy partnering!

Roseanne Conrad has been involved in dog parks for over a decade. She was the organizing member of the Blair County Dog Park in Central Pennsylvania and serves as Corresponding Secretary on the Board of Directors. She is a member of Dog Writers of America. She owns and operates a dog daycare/boarding business and is a dog trainer and certified AKC CGC evaluator. She breeds, trains, and shows Keeshonden. Reach her at videorose@aol.com .