According to the definition of the City’s Ordinance O-09-2006, a dog park is “an enclosed area where dogs are permitted to be off a leash.” In reality, a dog park is much more.
“A walk around the neighborhood demonstrates many Northlake residents are dog owners. A dog park is a wonderful addition to our community. The park provides a place for owners and their dogs to socialize, exercise, and practice good citizenship.”
Joslyn Osten, 4th Ward Resident.
The dog park is set up according to the Cook County Animal Control Ordinance that went into effect on June 1, 2005. The city is required to issue permits verifying that every dog that enters the park is free of communicable diseases. Anyone entering the park with a dog that does not have a permit will be subject to a fine of no less than $50, but no more than $1,000. Rules have been established and are posted at the park.
Obtaining a Dog Park Permit
If you are interested in obtaining a Dog Park Permit, print out the Dog Park Permit Application and have it filled out and signed by your veterinarian. If you take your dog for its annual rabies vaccine, your dog is also receiving the other vaccinations for Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus. If you kennel your dog, he/she also gets the Kennel Cough vaccine. Make sure you also bring in a stool sample for your veterinarian to test for internal parasites. Then, bring the completed application to City Hall.
You will then be issued your City of Northlake Dog Park Permit, which is free (Up to three total for Northlake residents.) For non-residents, the first dog is $50 and $10 for each additional dog. (Up to a total of three.) You must wear this permit while at the Dog Park and your dog must be wearing their Rabies tag and City of Northlake Pet License. The City of Northlake Police Department and Leyden Animal Control will patrol the area and enforce the rules. The park is also under video surveillance.
The City of Northlake is very excited to make this opportunity available to its residents and visitors as well. We hope you enjoy the Dog Park and would like any feedback you feel would be helpful to make it a success at [email protected].
Dog Park Rules
- ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK!
- CLEAN UP after your dog(s)! Dispose of waste in cans provided.
- Dogs must be wearing a current rabies tag. Owner must be wearing their Dog Park Permit. (Permit applications available at City Hall.)
- Dog owners not complying with rules will be subject to fines of up to $1,000. Periodic monitoring and video surveillance will be conducted by the City of Northlake Police and Leyden Animal Control.
- NO DOGS KNOWN TO BE AGGRESSIVE toward people or other dogs (or exhibiting any threatening behaviors) may enter the park. Leash your dog immediately if aggressive behavior is observed, at which time your dog may need to be removed from the park.
- Handlers can be held CRIMINALLY LIABLE for any injury inflicted by their dog(s), to humans or other dogs!
- Under “The Ryan Armstrong Law” Public Act 093-0548 (Illinois State law)
- Insurance strongly recommended!
- Dogs must be under VOICE CONTROL at all times!
- CLOSELY SUPERVISE your dog(s) and be within view. Do not leave your dog(s) unattended.
- Leash your dog(s) while entering/exiting the park.
- Handlers must have LEASH IN HAND when their dog is off-leash.
- No Children under the age of 11. Children 11-17 must be accompanied by an ADULT.
- Maximum 3 dogs per handler.
- NO CHOKE/PINCH COLLARS allowed in the park.
- No ELECTRONIC training devices are allowed.
- Female dogs in HEAT are not allowed.
- NO UNNEUTERED MALE dogs over 1 year old.
- NO FOOD, Rawhides, or Pig ears allowed as dog fights may result.
- DO NOT allow dogs to DIG.
