Welcome to Lowell Unleashed!

Summer is HERE!

We look forward to seeing you at the park! WOOF!

The Dog Park is currently: OPEN

It’s summer and that means it’s hot outside!

Please don’t forget to bring water for your pooch!

We hope to see you soon!! WOOF!

THANK YOU!

New Ground Cover at the park!

Finally we have new ground cover inside the park thanks to the City of Lowell, Cheryl and Suzanne!

Pea stone- more commonly known as pea gravel, is a small, smooth stone 1/8 to 1/4 inch in size. Pea stone is valued for its smoothness, making it an ideal walking surface, even in bare feet.

Lowell Unleashed decided to go with Pea Stone as the ground cover for the dog park after several months of research to resolve the glass and increasing dirt/mud issue. We visited and spoke to patrons of other dog parks in the area to see what type of ground cover they had and how it worked for them. We visited the very busy dog park in the heart of Boston “Peter’s Park” which is small and covered completely in pea stone, the dog park in Cambridge “Danehy Dog Park” which is also completely covered in pea stone, and the dog park in Derry, NH “Derry Dog Park” which is covered in sand. We found the problem with sand is it becomes like a litter box and does not wash away the urine and feces if not picked up and is also prone to getting sand fleas, we decided not to go with sand. The same thing can be said about mulch, it does not drain well and soaks up the urine and creates a smell and bacteria problems, we also decided this wasn’t for us. We thought about grass, however the area is small and used a lot so it would get torn up too quickly and cost to much to keep up, grass really wasn’t an option. After much research and discussion about pea stone we found that it would work best in a small area like our park because it drains well, is clean, and safe for the dogs to run and play on. Each time we visited both the Cambridge and Boston dog parks there were at least 15+ dogs there running and playing in the stone without hesitation. Our dogs also did not seem to be bothered by the stone. It may take a few times you attending the park for your dog to get used to a new ground sensation on their feet. Some dogs are more sensitive to the new experience, please don’t just try it once and give up. The pea stone is very safe for the dogs and was the best choice for the Lowell Dog Park.

City of Lowell Ordinance §104.29.1

Effective July 1, 2011

Please see the NEW Dog Park Rule #17 on our Rules/FAQ’s page

Questions & Answers:

Q: Can I bring my American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, or Staffordshire Bull Terrier to the dog park?

A: If your dog is a pure breed or mixed breed (with predominant features of the noted dogs) then you are required to follow the ordinance inside  the dog park. Dogs that are required to wear a muzzle are not permitted inside the dog park, your dog must be exempt from the muzzle portion of the ordinance by having passed a training course in section J-3.

Q: At what age is my dog subject to follow the Responsible Pit Bull Ownership Ordinance §104.29.1 and required to wear a muzzle?

A: Your dog is not required to be registered with the City where you live until they reach 6 months of age. Per Massachusetts State Law §137

Q: Is there assistance for dog who need to be spayed or neutered?

A: Yes, you can contact MSPCA Pit Pals Program to see if you are eligible for a low/no cost spay or neuter. If you are unable to get your dog altered by July 1, 2011 then you should contact the facility where you are having them altered and make an appointment.

Q: Where can I go to get my dog trained by a nationally accredited certified dog trainer?

A: There are several options near Lowell to choose from, participating providers with Lowell Unleashed are: AllBreed K9 Training – Pelham, NH

Q: I adopted my dog from the Lowell Humane Society, do I have to do anything?

A: Yes, your dog must be wearing the LHS ID tag at all times to identify that your dog is exempt from the muzzle portion of the ordinance.

Q: What kind of muzzle should I purchase for my dog?

A: You should purchase a basket muzzle which allows your dog to pant and open and close their mouth freely. DO NOT purchase nylon muzzle which constricts the dogs ability to breathe a pant.

We are working to help keep our patrons of the Lowell Dog Park informed on this new ordinance. If you have further questions we have asked that you direct them towards Lowell Animal Control at (978) 970-3321. More information is also listed on the Lowell Humane Society website. There are special registration forms located at the City Clerks office.

While at the dog park if you feel threaten by ANY BREED OF DOG please contact the Lowell Police at (978) 937-3200

The Lowell Dog Park functions on donations from it’s patrons. Donations go directly to the upkeep of the park.

Please donate today to keep us moving forward in 2012!