Dog parks in Burlington
Overview
In Vermont, dog parks are a great way to get your dog out of the house for some socialization and exercise. Some people go to dog parks because they have a small backyard or no backyard, some go to have an excuse to get out of the house regularly, and some go to give their dogs a bit of socialization time with other dogs. No matter why you’re thinking about bringing your dog to a dog park, you should have a number of parks available locally to try. Here are some parks in and around Burlington to check out.
Connect with an online vet in Burlington1. Starr Farm Dog Park
Starr Farm Dog Park is one of the most widely visited parks in Burlington, with a gigantic area to enjoy and plenty of dogs always visiting. You’ll find equipment in the dog park for dogs to play on, and a wading pool is often provided during warm weather. Plus, there are also free waste bags, so it’s easy to clean up after your dog, which keeps this park clean and enjoyable year-round.
2. Essex Dog Park
The Essex Dog Park is located just northeast of Burlington on State of Vermont property and is free for all to visit and enjoy. You don’t even need to be a resident of Essex. With double entry and exit gates, waste receptacles for you to deposit your dog’s waste in, and separate areas for small and large dogs, this dog park is a highly beloved component of local dog owners.
3. Mills Riverside Park
The Mills Riverside Park is a 216-acre park, full of open meadows and wooded hillside. It’s completely pet-friendly as long as your dog is on a leash, but if your dog is exceptionally well-trained, you can also visit the multi-acre, off-leash area in the park. These areas are unfenced, open land, so you should only allow dogs off-leash if they’re well trained and aren’t worried about them running off. The off-leash areas run up against the Browns River so dogs can also swim and enjoy their time in the water.
4. Waterbury Dog Park
The Waterbury Dog Park is a fun local park with a thriving community around it. The park was established in 2015, and ever since, the community has only been growing, with plenty of dog owners visiting every day. The park has a beautiful pavilion, a water spigot to fill water bowls, and a small area for dogs who might not get along well with other animals.
5. Middlebury Dog Park
The Middlebury Dog Park is a 1.5-acre park that is separated into a small dog area and a large dog area, with a fully fenced location and plenty of space for dogs to run and play. There are even some toys if you’re looking to play with your dog while you’re there. The park is right next to a hospital, and the hospital even allows dog park visitors to use the hospital parking spots while you visit.
Get outside with your dog
If you’re thinking about getting out and enjoying nature with your dog, a dog park is a great option. However, to utilize a dog park effectively, it’s important that you have a well-behaved dog, as only dogs with good behavior and sociability should visit dog parks. If you’re worried about how your dog socializes with other dogs, consider booking a virtual vet appointment with Vetster to get more insight into your dog’s behavioral needs.