Please READ ALL INFORMATION included on this page before applying to become a Bark Park Member. You will be responsible for understanding all included information.
All registered dogs are required to have both a current dog license issued by the County of residence (or PA Lifetime license) and a current rabies vaccination certificate from a license veterinarian. Each applicant is required to thoroughly read the "Rules & Regulations" and agree to accept the Risk & Release of Liability Waiver Form." Please not that only registered persons and registered dogs are allowed to use the park.
Once required documents have been submitted and accepted, membership fee has been paid, and Bark Park orientation has been completed, you will receive a key fob that allows registered users to gain entry to all areas of the Bark Park during scheduled hours of operation. Key fobs will be valid until December 31 of the year purchased. Members will have 30 days to renew before their Paws Pass is deactivated. For new members and those renewing after a 2-year period of inactivity, key fobs will be issued, or reactivated, after attending a mandatory Bark Park Workshop.
Application Requirements:
Completion of the application and delivery of required license and vaccination information. All registered dogs are required to have both a current dog license issues by the County of residence (or PA lifetime license) and a current rabies vaccination certificate from a licensed veterinarian. Additionally, each applicant is required to thoroughly read the "Rules & Regulations" and agree to the "Acceptance of Risk & Release of Liability Waiver Form." Please not that only registered persons and registered dogs are allowed to use the park.
"Paw-Pass" Access:
Once you have completed the application, submitted the required documents, paid membership fee, and attended the Bark Park orientation workshop, you will receive a key fob that fits on your key chain and allows registered users to gain entry to all areas of the Bark Park during the scheduled hours of operation. The key fob will allow unlimited usage of the Warminster Township Bark Park in Warminster Community Park, from sunrise to sunset, seven (7) days per week, weather and conditions permitting. Key fobs will be valid until December 31st of the year purchased and then members have 30 days to renew before their Paw Pass is deactivated. For new members and those renewing after a 2-year period of inactivity, key fobs will be issued, or reactivated, after attending a mandatory Bark Park Workshop.
User Fees:
The Township established the following fees for unlimited use of the park. There have been no changes in the annual access fee since we opened in 2009. Revenue generated from the "Paw-Pass" fee is used for park improvements, general site maintenance, and operating expenses. Fees are per household.
-Warminster Township Resident Annual Access Fee - $25.00
-Non-Resident of Warminster Township Annual Access Fee - $35.00
-Replacement or additional key fobs - $15.00/each
Payment can be made online through this portal or with cash or check/money order made payable to "Warminster Township." All fees are Non-Refundable.
Application & Filing for Pass:
Application must be completed online using this portal. If you require assistance using this portal, please contact the Parks and Recreation office to set an in-person or phone call appointment to set up your account.
Mandatory Bark Park Workshop:
As recommended by the Warminster Animal Control Officer (ACO), all applicants that wish to become members of the Bark Park and those that are renewing after two years of inactivity in the Bark Park, must attend one FREE Bark Park orientation workshop PRIOR to membership acceptance/renewal and issuance of a key fob. These workshops are provided most months in-person by the Parks and Recreation Department, 1100 Veterans Way - call 215-443-5428 for dates and times. The purpose of these workshops is to provide information to the responsible dog owner and for each member to understand their responsibilities. We do this to ensure the safety of all owners and dogs that play at the Bark Park. Workshops are for people only.
WARMINSTER TOWNSHIP BARK PARK'S MISSION STATEMENT:
To create a fenced-in, off-leash dog park where well-behaved and socialized canine citizens can exercise in a clean, safe environment without endangering or annoying people, property, or local wildlife. To develop a well-maintained space open to dog lovers and friends who are willing to uphold the park's rules and regulations. To view the park as a community project in Warminster Township, designed to satisfy the needs of dog owners and non-dog owners alike. To promote education, training, and recreational activities that facilitate responsible dog ownership and better-behaved dogs.
Rules & Regulations for Park Use
PARK HOURS: Sunrise-Sunset (weather & conditions permitting)
To ensure safety & good times for all, please strictly observe the following rules & regulations. Those found in violation will lose Bark Park/Paw-Pass privileges without a refund.
1. Utilize the Bark Park in a responsible manner! Dogs should be fully socialized prior to joining the Bark Park.
2. All persons and dogs utilizing the park must be registered with the Township. All dogs must have valid County licenses and current rabies shots prior to use. If violations are detected, your privileges will be revoked and you could be subject to a fine. Please note that key fobs are for use only be registered individuals and registered dogs.
3. The Bark Park applicant/owner of any dog(s) assumes all liability for damages suffered by anyone who is bitten, injured by the applicant/owner's dog while utilizing the park, or any dog that you have allowed to enter the park with your pass.
4. Although it is rare, if your dog is involved in an incident with another dog or person, both owners should complete statements, contact the Police, and send reports to the Parks and Recreation Department and/or Animal Control within 24 hours. While under review by the Animal Control Officer (ACO), all dogs involved in the incident will not be permitted to use the park and fobs will be temporarily deactivated. The ACO's determination in disputes and incident resolution is final. Incident forms and statement forms can be obtained by emailing recreation@warminsterpa.org.
5. Remove leashes only in the designated "unleash area."
6. Dogs must be supervised at all times by persons eighteen (18) years or older. Accompany and monitor your dog(s) closely - always have a leash available and ready for use as may be required.
7. Observe weight limits for the large and small dog sides of the park.
8. Clean up after yourself and your dogs - scoop bags are provided inside the Bark Park as a courtesy to our members. However, you are required to clean up after your dogs regardless of the presence of complimentary scoop bags. Please keep up back-up bags with you in the event the provided bags are not available.
9. No unattended dogs are permitted in the park area at any time - abandoning animals is prohibited by law.
10. No more than two (2) dogs per adult are permitted at one time in the park.
11. Children under ten (10) are not permitted in the Bark Park. Children ages 11-17 must be accompanied by an adult (18 years or older). Some dogs are not raised with children and may react poorly to their behavior.
12. Aggressive dogs are prohibited from utilizing the park - reported cases will result in the loss of park privileges with no refund.
13. Dogs that are in heat or that are sick are prohibited in the park. Closely monitor unneutered dogs.
14. All dogs must be licensed and have current rabies immunization. The use of heartworm and tick prevention products and Bordetella (kennel cough) and DHPP vaccinations are highly recommended. Consult your veterinarian.
15. Puppies over six (6) months of age must have full immunizations to utilize the park. Puppies under six (6) months of age are not permitted in the park.
16. No prong (pinch), choke, spiked collars or harnesses are permitted in the park. Snap collars and flat leases only.
17. Please discourage your dogs from digging any holes. Help us keep the park safe for others' use by filling in any holes created.
18. Smoking, alcohol, dog treats, dog and human food, or glass containers are NOT permitted in the park.
19. Professional dog trainers are not permitted to use this facility for training purposes without written permission from the Township.
20. Handicapped parking is now available near the Bark Park. Members must still be mobile enough to move freely around the park with their dog(s).
Animal Control Officer (ACO):
Warminster Township has an Animal Control Officer whose role ensures the safety and welfare of animals, both domestic and wild, in the Township. He is an officer of the law and can cite persons who are acting unlawfully in the parks and Township. The ACO will also review complaints and incidents that occur in the Bark Park. This process may take several weeks. It is imperative that owners cooperate fully with the ACO so that incidents can be resolved quickly. The ACO's decisions are final.
Township Telelphone Numbers:
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
Warminster Township Animal Control Officer - 267-317-1380
Warminster Township Police Department - 215-672-1000
Warminster Township Parks and Recreation - 215-443-5428
Bark Park Etiquette for Dog Owners:
Once you and your dog enter the Bark Park, it's tempting to just stand back and watch all the activity. Everyone will have a much more rewarding time if you observe some basic rules. Please remember that dog parks aren't a right, they're a privilege - don't let the bad behavior of a few ruin things for everyone else who utilizes the Park, both now and in the future.
- Dog who are members of the Bark Park should be fully socialized before joining the park.
- Always keep your eye on your dog. Mischief can happen quickly. Please remember that you are responsible for your dog's actions & behavior!
- Never leave your dog unattended. Always be aware of what is going on in the park around you.
- Always clean up after your dog. "Pooper Scooper" bags hav been provided (please also bring your own - lack of provided bags is NO EXCUSE for not picking up after your dog). This is one of the primary reasons that dog parks are closed nationwide, so please pay close attention to your dog and properly pick up and dispose of their waste before leaving the facility.
- Please make sure your dog is current on all immunizations (Rabies) and has a valid dog license. Please contact Parks and Recreation to update your Bark Park information when new immunizations are received.
- It is recommended that all dogs utilize flea and tick preventative and are vaccinated for Bordetella (kennel cough) as dogs will have close contact while playing.
- Keep your dog on leash until you get to the designation off leash areas. This is not just respectful to other park users; it's much safer for you and your dog.
- If your dog becomes unruly or plays too roughly, please leash them and leave the park immediately, until such time that your dog is back under control and has settled down.
- No children under the age of 10 are permitted in the park. If you must bring children, ages 11-17 years, please be sure to supervise them closely. They are not permitted to run around the park unsupervised. Some dogs have been socialized around children and can be confused interacting with them.
- SMOKING AND FOOD (even dog treats) ARE PROHIBITED while in the park. Cigarette butts and food wrappers are tempting treats to visiting dogs, local wildlife, and insects.
- Bringing unregistered dogs to the park is strictly prohibited and subject you to both the loss of your pass and possible fine.
- PLEASE REMEMBER THAT IF YOU PERMIT AN UNREGISTERED DOG TO ENTER THE PARK UNDER YOUR PASS, YOU HAVE NOW ACCEPTED FULL RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY FOR THAT DOG'S ACTIONS.
ENTERING & EXITING THE BARK PARK
The Warminster Township Bark Park is divided into two (2) separate fenced-in areas, providing maximum safety for your dog. When entering & exiting the designated areas please remember to CLOSE THE GATES SECURELY BEHIND YOU & YOUR DOG. Open or tied-back gates defeat the purpose of the security provided by the fenced-in areas. Please note that the outer gate is electronic and the use of the access Key fob to enter and a push button to exit will be required.
PLEASE NOTE THAT YOUR PAW PASS KEY FOB IS REQUIRED TO ENTER THE PARK. The gate has a magnetic lock that will secure the gate in a locked position once you have passed through if you close it behind you. You enter and exit each of the areas through the double-gated vestibule. The vestibule is designed with two (2) gates to provide maximum control over your dog and other dogs as you enter and leave the fenced-in areas. If someone is ahead of you, please wait your turn before entering this area. Opening only one gate at a time makes the vestibule a kind of “dog lock”, similar to an airlock on a spacecraft. After closing the outer gate, you should remove your dog’s leash and remain in the vestibule while you observe the behavior of dogs already in the off-leash area.
The Bark Park fencing contains two (2) service gates located on each side of the park. These gates provide access for the Township’s maintenance and landscape crews. PLEASE DO NOT enter the fenced-in, off-leash areas through the service/emergency gates. These gates do not provide the control that you need to have over the dogs while entering or exiting the park. They are NOT intended for use by park members and are to be kept locked unless in use by authorized personnel. If you find an unlocked maintenance gate, please notify the Township as soon as possible @ (215) 443-5428 during normal business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–4:30 pm, legal holidays excluded). If you become locked in the park, Bark Park members are provided with a code location during the workshop to exit via the side maintenance gates or call (215) 672-1000 and ask the Police Department for assistance.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON HOW TO ENTER THE BARK PARK
- Open the outer gate with your key fob (‘Paw Pass’) and enter the vestibule with your dog on-leash, then, close the outer main gate behind you and be sure that it is properly secured.-Remove your dog’s leash. Having your dog on a leash when confronting an off-leash dog can be a recipe for trouble - your dog may feel the need to protect you or feel vulnerable and fearful. Tugging on the leash puts your dog at a disadvantage with other dogs. It is restrained but placed in a chest-out, raised-up, aggressive pose that can cause the off-leash dog to feel threatened by the overall situation.
- Before you open the inner gate, check to be sure that the inner gate area is not congested with excited dogs waiting to pounce on your pup or trying to get out as you enter. Pay close attention to the receptions from the dogs already inside the park area.
– Is it favorable or not? If the dogs already inside aren’t friendly, put the leash back on your dog and remove it from the area until the park is less congested.
- Open the inner gate to the appropriate side of the park. Enter the off-leash area with your dog, then close the inner gate properly behind you and move your dog away from the entrance area.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON HOW TO EXIT THE BARK PARK
- Before you open the inner gate, please check to be sure that the outer gate is properly closed and that any other dogs aren’t trying to leave with you.
- Open the inner gate and enter the vestibule with your dog, then close the inner gate properly behind you and ensure that the latch is in the downward position. Put the leash securely on your dog then open the outer gate by pushing the brass doorbell button to the right of the gate and exit from the vestibule with your dog. Please note that you must use this button to exit the Park. If you become locked in the Park, check the code and exit via the maintenance gates. Or, seek help from either another member in the Park or call (215) 672-1000 and ask the Police Department for assistance.
- Close the outer gate behind you and please be sure that it is properly secured. The latch is electronic and should lock on its own within 10 seconds, once it has been closed.