If you’re like the millions of “pet parents” around the country, you take your dog with you everywhere you go. Running errands? Here comes Fido. Heading to a bar? Bring Spot along. However, letting your dog off the leash simply can’t happen at these places in Madison. On top of that, if you don’t have a yard to let your dog run amok, it can keep him or her from, well, being a dog. But fear not. Madison has eight off-leash and 26 on-leash dog parks that are perfect for your canine friend and the rest of your family.
Before You Go
Before you head to one of Madison’s dog parks, be aware that you need certain permits. Every pet parent with a dog 5 months or older must have their animal licensed. A license for spayed or neutered dogs is $15 and $20 for unspayed and unneutered canines. You must also hold an annual or daily dog park permit to use dog parks in Madison. The annual pass is available on December 1 for $35 for adults and $17 for seniors. Daily passes are $5.
Brittingham Park
Located on the shores of Lake Monona near downtown Madison, Brittingham Park is one of the most scenic parks in the city. Open from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m., it’s an excellent place to take your dog for a jog while watching the sunrise, sunset, or the rowing teams that practice at the lake. If you want to take your dog off the leash, the park has a fenced-in area at the corner of John Nolen Drive and Broom Street. Free dog bags are also available from a dispenser.
Odana School Park
Southwest of downtown Madison is Odana School Park, a 6-acre park that’s perfect for a game of fetch or roughhousing with your pet. The off-leash area is near the intersection of Segoe Road and Whitney Way, should you want to let your dog run off some energy. If you bring the family, your kids can also play a game of hoops on the full basketball court or practice their shooting skills at the soccer field.
Sycamore Park
Sycamore Park is a prime example of urban renewal and one of the best-rated dog parks in the city. Once a landfill, the 70-acre park was rehabbed to include trails, volleyball courts, soccer fields, and playgrounds. You’re free to take your dog around on a leash through the park’s longer loop or squeeze in a walk on the shorter trail. Many locals say that this is the top park in the city to meet other pet parents, making it a quintessential stop if you’re new to the area.
The east side of the park also has a massive off-leash area for your mutt to meet some friends as well, and there are shelters if the weather should turn without notice.
With 34 dog-friendly parks across the city, it’s no surprise that Madison is one of the top 10 cities in the country for accessible, clean dog parks. Not only can you let your dog get some exercise, but your family can bond and enjoy the outdoors together.
‘Roxy At the Dog Park‘ via Flickr by MSVG. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original
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