Welcome to the website for the Peterborough Dog Owners Association. We were established in the summer of 2011 and are working with the City of Peterborough in order to establish an off–leash dog park for the residents and visitors alike. We are working closely with the City Council and Staff along with our members, volunteers and business sponsors to make this plan a reality. We hope to have the Farmcrest Park site open for the spring of 2013.
To find out how you can support this initiative, check out our individual membership and business sponsorship pages. To contact the Peterborough Dog Owners Association, please email us at info@peterboroughdogpark.org.
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Peterborough Kawartha Rotary Club to Brand Public Off Leash Dog Park
The Peterborough Dog Owners Association and the Peterborough Kawartha Rotary Club are pleased to announce their community partnership to brand the first public off leash dog park in the City of Peterborough.
On behalf of the Peterborough Dog Owners Association Executive and membership we are most pleased to have the Peterborough Kawartha Rotary Club as a community partner and brand the dog park. Their sponsorship and commitment to this project for the Peterborough community is most appreciated and the PDOA looks forward to working with the Peterborough Kawartha Rotary Club in the future.
Photography by Lynn from Rotary.
Farmcrest Park Site Approved!
We did it!
On November 13th, City Council in Peterborough gave the okay to open the first public off leash dog park. Congratulations to all the volunteers, sponsors and our membership for making this happen. We expect work to begin before the snows of winter. As you all know, the Farmcrest site must be drained in order for the area to be dry and acceptable for our dogs and ourselves. We have been assured by Councillor Vass that this will be the case.
The Peterborough Dog Owners Association seeks to establish and promote a first of its kind public leash dog park in the City of Peterborough. At the April 23rd session of City Council, a resolution was passed to allocate Farmcrest as the first public off leash dog park in the City of Peterborough. The PDOA Executive polled its membership asking for direction on this resolution. Twenty-Nine (29%) responded Yes, Twenty-Three (23%) responded No and Forty-Eight (48%) did not comment. The following motion was passed:
In principle, the Peterborough Dog Owners Association supports the Farmcrest location for the establishment of a public off-leash dog park, pursuant to clarification of the content of the Operating Agreement between the PDOA and the City of Peterborough.
Back to top of page.PDOA Executive Meeting Minutes
Minutes of any of the PDOA Executive meetings are available upon request by any member of the PDOA. Please email us at info@peterboroughdogpark.org to submit your request.
Back to top of page.Peterborough Off-Leash Dog Park Fundraising
Help us meet our fundraising target to help set up the first public off–leash dog park in Peterborough. Thanks to the support of our events including the 2013 Calendar Dogs of Peterborough, Woofin' Down For the Dogs in June and our new local sponsors we are moving steadily towards our fund–raising target!
Dog Park Donations can be made at the City of Peterborough, Parks and Recreation division.
Make your cheque payable to: City of Peterborough – Dog Park. All donations of $20.00 or more will be eligible for a tax receipt from the City.
Peterborough Off–Leash Dog Park Initiative
The PDOA is an incorporated not-for-profit organization with the mandate to seek land from the City of Peterborough for the creation of the first public off leash dog park in the City of Peterborough. In order to make this happen we will need the support of the community and for you to join the organization as a member! Check out the information on our membership page for more information.
Back to top of page.Park Funding and Your Donations
Some of these funds will come from membership in our organization but much of the capital costs of fencing, gating, and signage will come from major sponsors, fundraising events and local business donations. For donations of $20.00 or more, the City of Peterborough has set up an account and will issue receipts for tax purposes. We have established donation levels of $100 to $1,000 which will not only generate tax receipts, but provide various levels of advertising for the donor business. Depending on the amount, the business will get a listing on the sponsor page on our website, signage at the park, a web link, and advertising on the web page as well as a quarterly newsletter to keep the public up to date on special events at the park.
Back to top of page.Why is a Dog Park Important?
There are many reasons that a dog park is important to the City of Peterborough. Many communities across the province and North America are putting paws before feet with the advent of dog parks. A good dog park has many facets which include:
- Promotion of responsible pet ownership and enforcement of dog control laws
- Decreased barking dog complaints and bites for exercised dogs
- Safe exercise area for dogs leading to a reduction in negative behaviour characteristics for the animals
- Accessibility for seniors and disabled as well as provision of a common area for community building/socializing
- Area is not just for dogs but for people so that those who cannot own a dog can still enjoy being around them if they choose
- An area for tourists to access while visiting the City of Peterborough
What Makes a Good Dog Park?
- Materials for cleaning up after dogs (bags and garbage) the ability to clean up after our dogs are essential for basic good health for both dogs and humans.
- Enough space to avoid crowding
- Shade and Water
- Entrances and exits with a two–gate system so dogs can't escape from the park accidentally—Parks with a two–gate system avoid the possibility of dogs escaping from the park, increasing the safety of all the dogs.
- Natural visual barriers within the park (hills, trees, rocks, etc.)
The PDOA is very excited about this project not only for the dogs, but also for the community—Choose a Sponsorship Paw and get involved!
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