Chicago, IL – Fresh air, exercise and connecting with other dog owners boosts health and wellbeing.
With the spring season quickly coming into view, dogs and their owners are anxiously anticipating the opportunity to head to their local dog park and enjoy some fun and frolicking in the sunshine while enjoying warmer temperatures.
The Chicago Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) wants to remind pet owners that Chicago alone has 31 dog-friendly areas, which are under the purview of the Chicago Park District. These locations can be found on the CVMA’s website: https://www.chicagovma.org/dog-friendly-areas-dfa-chicago-park-district/. Additionally, many other suburban communities have dog parks, which can be found by checking out your local park district or forest preserve district.
“During the winter season, many pets and their owners tend to limit physical activity and stay indoors. However, now that spring is here, area dog parks are ready to welcome them back,” explained Ray McGury, Executive Director of the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association. “Community dog parks are important places to enjoy recreation and time with your family and pets, while connecting with others and reaping the health-based benefits that being outdoors provides.”
Please note that dog owners are required to obtain an annual dog park permit for a fee of $10/dog. Permit applications are available at participating veterinary offices.
The CVMA also reminds pet owners to ensure that their dogs are up to date on vaccinations and preventative measures for fleas, ticks, and heartworm prior to visiting a dog park. According to Dr. Kirsten Plomin, CVMA board president, “Staying current with your pet’s health needs is essential to keeping pets safe and protected against diseases that can spread from dog-to-dog, or from external parasites found outdoors.”
Additional helpful FAQs regarding Chicagoland dog parks can be found here, courtesy of the Chicago Park District.
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About the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association: The CVMA is an association of more than 1,000 veterinarian members who, together with over 4,000 support staff, lovingly assist more than 1,000,000 Chicago area pets and their families. The membership of the CVMA is dedicated to the health and well-being of animals through its nurturing of the human-animal bond by providing nationally recognized continuing education programs, cultivating membership involvement, and offering innovative member services and exemplary public awareness. Since 1896, the CVMA has continued a proud tradition of providing its members with vital services and programs which have expanded dramatically over a century to meet the ever-changing needs of the veterinary profession and its diverse patients and clients. Its mission is to Advance the veterinary profession through advocacy, engagement, and enrichment while protecting animal welfare and public health.
About the Chicago Veterinary Medical Foundation: The CVMF, established in 2009, is a 501©3 charity that works with Chicagoland veterinarians to provide financial assistance to pet families in need by helping with the costs of their pet’s urgent, unexpected medical and surgical bills. The Foundation’s work plays a vital role in strengthening the human-animal bond by helping sick and suffering pets get well again.