Located in Warren County's Eastham Park, the Dog Park is located where Luray Avenue meets the Shenandoah River in the Town of Front Royal. The facility provides a 0.75 acre area for smaller, timid, or older dogs while an accompanying 1.90 acres allow larger dogs plenty of room to run.
The planning, development and funding of the park came from the combined efforts of Warren County and the Warren County Dog Park Association (WCDPA). The WCDPA is a grassroots 501(c)(3) association formed to bring together dog lovers to promote the establishment of off-leash recreation in our community.
Our Park
The idea of constructing a dog park was well received by the Warren County community, with many seeing multiple benefits. The recreational area provides dog owners in the area the ability to participate in a variety of activities not currently available including: off-leash dog socialization, safe outdoor recreation for dogs of all ages and sizes, and alternative exercise options for dogs with elderly owners who have difficulties walking their pets on a lead. Pet owners also reap benefits from the facility. Research shows an increase in bonding between pet owners in the community, improved overall physical fitness of people due to an encouragement to exercise with their pets, and promotion of responsible pet ownership. The Dog Park is in its first phase of development with future phases including the possible addition of items such as agility equipment. Fundraising for future phasing is ongoing and interested donors can contact WCDPA President Kelly Walker at kwalker@doubledogdesigns.com. You can also visit the WCDPA Facebook page.
To ensure the safety of park users and their pets, Warren County has developed Dog Park Rules and Etiquette that must be followed by all people using the facility. The Rules and Etiquette are posted at the entrance of the Dog Park, but can also be found by clicking on the appropriate tabs above.
Dog Park Rules
Dog Park Rules
- The park is for dogs and their owners/handlers only. No animals other than dogs shall be permitted. No other activities are allowed.
- Owners/handlers are responsible and liable for any injuries caused by dogs under their control. Users of the park acknowledge the risks of physical injury and assume the full risk of any injuries.
- All users of the park agree to fully release and hold harmless Warren County and its employees and agents from any and all claims from injury at the park.
- All dogs must have a current dog license, be vaccinated and healthy, and shall be collared or harnessed with dog license and owner identification. No spike collars or choke chains.
- Absolutely NO unattended dogs.
- Dogs must be kept on a leash until inside the double-gated entry. Enter the first gate with the leash on and remove it prior to entering the second gate. Do the reverse when leaving.
- Owners/Handlers MUST IMMEDIATELY clean up after their dogs and properly dispose of waste.
- Owners/Handlers are liable for and must repair all damage to the park caused by the owner/handler or their dogs. Dogs are not allowed to dig in the park, but if holes are dug, they must be covered immediately.
- Owners/Handlers must have a leash in hand at all times and dogs must be under control of their owner/handler and in view at all times. Stay alert. Dog play can escalate to more than play very quickly.
- Maximum of three (3) dogs per owner/handler is allowed. All dogs must be under control and in sight of the owner/handler.
- Dogs MUST be removed from the park at the first sign of aggression. NO EXCEPTIONS. Dogs with a history of aggressive behavior will not be permitted.
- Dogs that have been labeled a “Dangerous Dog” or “Intimidating Dog” under the County/Town Code are not allowed in the park.
- No dogs under 4 months of age and no female dogs in heat will be allowed.
- Only small dogs or elderly dogs are allowed in the small dog area.
- Children 8 and under are not allowed in the off-leash area. Children 9 – 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Handlers must be at least 16 years of age.
- No food of any kind is allowed. Dog training treats are allowed. No drinks in glass containers. Smoking is not allowed in the off-leash area.
- Violators will be subject to removal from the park and park privileges suspended.
- For any questions/concerns or to schedule special events, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (540) 635-1021.
- For emergencies, contact Animal Control at (540) 635-4128
- To download a PDF of the park rules, please CLICK HERE.
Dog Park Etiquette
Dog Park Etiquette
- These guidelines will help to make the park a safer, more enjoyable place for all.
- Leave your dog’s favorite toy at home since many dogs are possessive and may try to defend it at the park.
- Minimize barking. It incites other dogs to bark and increases intensity levels.
- When entering or leaving the off-leash area, do not enter the double-gated transition area if there is already someone in that area. This will eliminate the possibility of both gates being open at the same time.
- Quickly move away from the entrance area as you enter. That will help disperse the group of dogs that will come over to welcome your dog to the park. Move away from the fence so that your dog will not feel cornered or threatened. This will lessen the problem caused when several off leash dogs, already in the park, come running over to greet the new arrival, perhaps overwhelming the arriving dog.
- Remove dogs that play too rough. Dogs often wrestle and “play bite” for fun. This is normal, acceptable behavior. But there is a fine line between play and aggressive behavior. Dogs that bare their teeth, bite to injure, growl loudly, pin others to the ground relentlessly, or mount other dogs non-stop should be removed from the park.
- If your dog’s play makes other dog owners uncomfortable, go to another area of the park or return at another time.
- Children have a tendency to scream and run when excited which can trigger a dog's prey drive or natural instinct to chase. For this reason and for the safety of your children, we do not allow small children and infants in the dog park.
- Close monitoring of your dog will contribute to a fun and rewarding experience for your dog and you. Remember to read and observe the posted rules.
- Help enforce the rules of the park. Do not rely on others to keep the park safe and clean. It is everyone’s responsibility who uses the park.
- To download a PDF of the park etiquette, please CLICK HERE.
- For more information on the project or to schedule a special event at the Dog Park, please contact the Parks and Recreation staff by calling (540) 635-1021.
