Dog Policy & Dog Park
Dog Policy
Dogs are permitted in all City parks provided they abide by the
Washington County Animal Control Ordinance and the rules below.
Dogs are not permitted in children’s play areas and pavilions occupied by others.
Dogs and their custodians must obey the “Animal Control Ordinance” as adopted by Washington County (Ordinance # 2012-33, effective January 1, 2013) or be subject to the penalties/fines in that Ordinance. The City recommends that all dog owners review that Ordinance (
attached here), and we wish to emphasize the following guidelines for the behavior of dogs and their owners in the parks of the City of Hagerstown (‘Articles’ referenced below are from the Animal Control Ordinance):
- Dog owners/custodians are legally responsible for their dogs and any injuries caused by their dogs. Dog owners/custodians must have control of their dogs at all times.
- Dogs must be leashed at all times (Article V, Section 27). Leashes are to be a maximum of six (6) feet in length.
- Dog owners/custodians must remain in the permitted perimeter areas of the park.
- Dog owners/custodians must immediately clean up after their dogs (Article V, Section 28).
- Dogs with a known history of or who exhibit dangerous behavior are prohibited (Article V, Section 35, 36 and others).
- Dogs must be healthy, fully immunized, de-wormed, licensed and wearing ID tags.
- Children under age 12 that are custodians for a dog must be closely supervised by the adult.
- Dogs in heat are prohibited (Article V, Section 30).
- Only two (2) dogs per custodian are allowed.
(Last Revised October 30, 2012)
Dog Do's and Don't brochure - download
Dog Park
The Mayor and City Council approved the construction of the City’s first Dog Park at Fairgrounds Park. Click
here for a drawing of the park.
The goal is to have the park completed on or around Saturday June 29, 2013.
The City wishes to thank the “Task Force” of six citizens who carefully studied all the details of the issue. The members are Anthony Bittner, Renee Burgan, Heather Holman, Stacey Webster, Nate Mackley, and Maria Mestre (Chairperson). The City appreciates the enthusiasm that all the members of the group brought to this issue.
