There’s no doubt that pets are important parts of the family. That’s why it’s critical to check out the local landscape and how it treats pets before buying a home in Indianapolis. Fortunately, Indianapolis understands the bonds between pets and their owners and has a lot to offer both. These dog parks are a small example of the many things Indianapolis has to offer dog owners throughout the area.
Some families prefer to use one or more parks. While others prefer to stick with only one. This is common when you consider that each park often has a yearly fee and it’s good to get to know the other pups that frequent the park.
These are a few considerations to keep in mind when exploring your options:
- Leash requirements. Some people require leashes on the pups at all times while others allow dogs to run off-leash as long as the owner brings a leash into the park with them. If you’re looking for an opportunity to really let your dog run off some energy, this can be a significant differentiation.
- Size of the Park. Depending on your goals you might find that larger parks offer a wider area for running and working off energy. If you have a dog that doesn’t like to come home after 30 minutes or so of play, though, that means there is more room you may have to run in order to chase Fido down. You might also want to explore the benefit of fenced vs. unfenced parks. Many pet owners prefer the protection that fended parks have to offer.
- Park Facilities. Look for parks that offer facilities for your pup that meet your intentions and needs. Some parks offer agility equipment, hurdles for jumping, and shady spots for hot days. Also look for parks that offer water for pups who can work a serious thirst when running and playing. Owners of smaller dogs might be interested in finding dog parks that feature a fenced in area dedicated to smaller pets.
Pay attention to the facilities as well. You want to find well-tended lawns without high grass. Otherwise your pet could come home carrying a few unwelcomed guests (like fleas and ticks). It’s always wise to make sure your pets are properly vaccinated and treated with appropriate preventatives for fleas, ticks, mosquitos, and heartworms before bringing them into a dog park.
Now that you know a little more about picking the right dog parks, it’s time to explore some of the best Indy has to offer.
1) Fort Harrison State Park Dog Park
The physical address for the Fort Harrison State Park Dog Park is: 8725 Fall Creek Road. It is located along the north side of the park and not accessible by going through the main park entrance. The park features three separate fenced areas. The first, Platoon Run, is 3.6 acres and offers shade trees and woods along the western edge. Herrin Hill is the middle park. It is 1.3 acres and mostly grass though it does offer some shade. Brigade Landing is a five acre wooded area that features a pond and woodland for dogs and their owners to explore.
The costs for Fort Harrison State Park’s Dog Park is $75 per calendar year, per dog. Herrin Hill and Platoon Run each offer a few amenities such as benches, waste stations (with bags), and water stations.
2) Daubenspeck Community Nature Park
While more of a nature preserve than a dog park, Daubenspeck Community Nature Park offers 22 acres of pet friendly trails to walk and explore nature. The park is located at 8900 Ditch Road in Indianapolis. The area does offer waste bags for dogs and benches where owners can sit. It does bill itself as an urban oasis, not only for people, but also for their pets. The park is completely volunteer run and there are no fees for entrance. The park is not fenced and is only open daily from dawn until dusk.
3) Indianapolis Humane Society Dog Park
The Indianapolis Humane Society Dog Park offers the option of a yearly pass or a day passes. The yearly pass costs $75 for the first dog and $50 per additional pup. Day pass prices are $10 for the first and $5 for additional dogs. The adoption center, where you will fill out the application for your dog park membership, is located at 7929 Michigan Road in Indianapolis.
The park itself offers agility equipment, open areas for running and playing and two square miles of space for your pet to work off any excess energy. Proper pet and owner etiquette is required at all times and children under the age of 12 are not allowed into the dog park area at all. Other park facilities include a water fountain, waste bags, and garbage cans.
4) Paw Patch Dog Park – City of Beach Grove
Just outside of Indianapolis, yet inside the 465 Loop, lies the city of Beech Grove, which features one of the most affordable dog park memberships in the city. The Paw Patch Dog Park is a one-acre part that operated from dawn until dusk 365 days per year. The park features doggie waste stations and park benches for owners.
Yearly membership costs $35 per puppy and there is a $10 fee for entry key. The park is located inside Sarah T. Bolton Park and offers natural grass, shade, and a beautiful setting for your pooch to play. Dogs are allowed to run off-leash if owner’s are supervising and children under the age of 12 are not allowed into the dog park area. Enter the park at 13th and Churchman Avenue then follow the signs to the dog park.
5) Waggin’ Tails Bark Park (at Louis Jenn Memorial Park)
Located just outside of Indianapolis in Lawrence, Indiana, the Waggin’ Tails Bark Park offers one year memberships for a fee of $40 per dog and a key deposit of $25. This parks limits yearly memberships to 500 dogs in order to keep things orderly and offers obstacle training facilities, water fountains for humans and their pets, and benches for pet owners to sit and watch their pups play. Proof of residency is required in the form of a Lawrence water bill, which must be taken to the Parks and Recreation Department at 8950 Otis Avenue along with your completed application.
2 Point Highlight
It’s always wise to make sure your pets are properly vaccinated and treated with appropriate preventatives for fleas, ticks, mosquitos, and heartworms before bringing them into a dog park.
While more of a nature preserve than a dog park, Daubenspeck Community Nature Park offers 22 acres of pet friendly trails to walk and explore nature.
