“In August 2006, a survey was sent out to residents of Vernon Township to see if there was any interest in an off-leash dog park. In January 2007, residents of Vernon were invited to attend a meeting concerning this venture. At the meeting, the parameters were set that the township was behind this as far as approving, but not involved with the building, running, or funding for it.

Thus, the D.O.G.S. of Vernon was born! After voting in a board, we applied for 501(c)(3) status, incorporated, and began a six-year marathon of building the park that you see and love today. This effort involved fundraising, obtaining approval from the township and the board of education, and building the dog fence. Originally our unofficial slogan was, “How difficult is it to put up a fence?” If only we had known!

We researched other dog parks, created rules, looked for property to use, obtained insurance, and most essentially, raised funds. D.O.G.S. of Vernon was a volunteer board, and no township funds were to be used, so the main focus of efforts was on fundraising. Funds were procured through donations, selling advertising space, selling merchandise, and presenting other fundraising events such as dog grooming, microchipping clinics, informational events, tricky trays, beefsteak dinners, and other smaller events. We found property and went into a lease with the Vernon Board of Education and Vernon Township. We researched companies to complete the required surveys, tests, etc. and by October 2011, things really started coming together. The fence finally went up, by April 2012 the gates were installed, and the park was real. It was quickly discovered by dog owners.

We continued fundraising for expenses and upkeep. Approval by the county came in February 2013, and we began planning the grand opening, which took place in May 2013. The Vernon Dog Park, “Our Field of Dreams” finally became a reality. And a few years later, a patron of the dog park generously donated funds to build the small dog park, so we expanded!

We still rely on fundraising and donations to pay for upkeep and maintenance to run the dog park. Please acknowledge a special thank you to the group of D.O.G.S. of Vernon volunteers, the Township Council, Board of Education, and most of all the community—the residents of Vernon Township that helped make this park a reality.”

A special history as told by Barbara Green, a D.O.G.S. of Vernon member & patron.

FAQs

How many dogs can I bring to the dog park at one time?

A maximum of 2 dogs per every 1 person responsible can be brought into either of the parks at any given time.

Are there poop bags at the dog park? 

Yes! Poop bags are one of the many items that your donations support at the dog park. At least one poop bag dispenser is located  on every side of the fences in both the big and small dog park.

Do I have to pay to enter the dog park?

No! However, an annual membership fee applies to anyone who wants to utilize the dog park, which allows you also to have a say in shaping the dog park as well as access the wider community support services that the dog park provides, e.g., volunteering opportunities, events, games, and board meetings. However this dog park is 100% donor funded so the annual membership fee provides an important foundation for our park's operations budget. 

Is there water at the dog park?

There are several water bowls available for community use at the dog park. People usually bring their own water bottles to keep their pups hydrated. We do not have a water hookup at the dog park yet, however installing a running water source at the dog park is a big initiative that the 2024 Board Members are working to implement. Updates to come soon!

Can I bring treats to the dog park?

Unfortunately treats are not allowed within the fenced areas of the dog park as treats have the potential to create territorial/resource guarding interactions, greatly increasing the risk of injury to both our dogs and their humans. 

Can I bring toys to the dog park?

Toys are allowed at the dog park, provided your dog does not have a history of being aggressive and territorial with their toys. 

How do I make a report if an incident happens at the dog park?

Please fill out this Incident Report Form to report any incidents that happen at the dog park. We hope you never have to fill this out, but unfortunately incidents do happen from time to time. 

How do I best support the dog park?

Supporting the dog park is easy! Make a financial donation, volunteer your time, be a respectful and active member in our community discussions, and attend and enjoy our many seasonal events to keep our dog park a beautiful and happy place for everyone.