The Greater Cincinnati Metropolitan Area (includes: Northern Kentucky, Eastern Indiana, and Southwestern Ohio counties) has a population of about 2.2 million people according to the 2010 Census and according to the American Veterinary Medical Association approximately 37% of homes in the US own a dog. Cincinnati, if it follows the national statistics has about 814,000 people who own dogs.
Finding a place for your dog to have a good run off lead and play with other dogs can be a challenge, many pet parent don’t know whether to spend the money on a private dog park or to stick with public parks.
Depending on what you are looking for in your park depends on where you should go it also depends on the temperament of your dog when he or she is around many different dogs of different sizes.
Wags park in Newtown,Ohio is Cincinnati’s largest private, members-only dog park located between Highway 50 and Round Bottom road. Before becoming a member they require a temperament test to insure your dog will enjoy the company of other dogs. Wags park offers a lake with a dock diving board, pet drinking fountain, dog play-set with multiple levels, ramps, decks and bridges, speed/agility courses, and events for members. Wags also offers grooming training and daycare services for an additional cost for members. How much is a membership to Wags park? For a one year membership for one dog it’s $300 which you can split into 12 monthly payments of $25, and $2.50/per month for each additional dog. They also offer shorter term memberships ranging from seasonal April-October memberships through a one time visit.
Many pet parents enjoy wags dog park because of its features and size, because of the policies of Wags park pet parent are more at ease of their dogs playing freely.
Another local favorite is Kennel Resorts Beagle Bay WaterBark and Cedar Grove dog park located in Milford, Ohio off of Highway 28. Kennel Resorts offers day care services for it’s park members at an additional cost, as well as grooming and boarding. Occasionally, Kennel Resorts opens it’s gates to the community for a few hours in the evenings free of charge so your dog can explore the park and pet parents can also explore the many services they offer. Membership is $50 per first time dog, and $25 for renewal.
The pros of private parks: Your dog as well as all the other dogs are going to be spayed/neutered, up to date on vaccines, free of contagious parasites upon entering your park. If you spend a lot of time at the dog park, your dog will also get to know the other dogs that are frequent visitors which allows for great socialization. These parks offer more than just a large fenced in area, and if your dog loves water both parks offer lakes and diving docks.
Public dog parks are great for pet parents who want their dog to have a good time just running around with other dogs without paying a membership fee. Public parks are maintained by the city or county and usually are 1-3 fenced in grass areas with waste bags/cans for cleaning up for your pet and have a few water fountains.
Bark Park at Miami Meadows located off of Highway 131 in Milford, Ohio offers 2 fenced in areas one large area and one smaller area for mall pets. The facilities include a special dog water fountain and amenities for the pet parents, such as shaded areas to sit and relax while their dogs run. The Miami Meadows park also has soccer, football and baseball fields, walking trails, a playground area, basketball courts, skate park, picnic shelters and a fishing pond; because of everything this park offers your dog is sure to find a playmate in the bark park or get their daily cardio in by walking the trails with you.
Armleder Park is a hot spot for pet parents across Cincinnati. Located on Wooster Pike and often referred to as ‘The Lunken Dog Park’ due to its location close to the Lunken airport. This dog park has large play fields, a separate field for small dogs, and a canopied area with a dog shower and drinking fountains. During the warm seasons you and you’re dog are sure to find another dog to play with. This park also has a 1.9 mile paved trail if your dog just wants to enjoy some down time walking with you.
