Frequently Asked Questions
Why should we have a dog park in Los Gatos?
Dog owners are a substantial group of park users: a conservative estimate is that approximately one half of all Los Gatos households have a dog.
A dog park is a place for dog owners and their dogs to get together for some social interaction and outdoor fun. Dog parks provide pets and owners time to bond and play but also serve a wider purpose: to bring together like-minded members of the community.
Dogs need to be properly socialized in appropriate behavior. They also need regular outings to reduce boredom and pent–up energy at home. Access to a park is the safest and most effective way to ensure that owners socialize their dogs and provide them with on–going experiences in the outside world.
Dog parks are increasingly seen not as luxuries, but necessities in communities throughout the U.S.
How will a dog park add value and quality of life to our community?
Dogs often help people break the ice, allowing people who share interests to socialize while exercising their dogs. These interactions help neighbors to get to know each other and to build a sense of community.
Dog parks provide a centralized location for providing owner training, pet information, and veterinary services.
Contributes to overall physical fitness of people by encouraging them to exercise with their dogs.
Provides an opportunity for dog owners to enjoy the outside.
By their mere presence, groups of dog owners (and their dogs) help deter crime, and frequently act as the eyes and ears for the police.
Provides elderly and disabled owners with an accessible place to exercise their companions.
Allow people to have the pleasure of watching their dogs at play.
Promotes public health and safety.
Designated space for dog = the likelihood that dogs will be let loose in other recreational areas where they could infringe on the rights of other park users.
Exercised dogs make better next–door neighbors than under–exercised dogs. Puppies and dogs that get enough exercise through vigorous play are less likely to create a nuisance, bark excessively, destroy property, or learn anti–social behavior.
More owners will license their dogs, not only because the threat of a fine is greater in a dog park, but also because there is considerable social pressure from regular dog park users to do the right thing. The social aspects of dog parks also tend to enforce the basic rules of dog ownership such as cleaning up after one's dog and controlling one's dog's behavior.
Provides a tool for realistic enforcement of dog control laws.
Why do dogs need a dog park?
Puppies and adult dogs have a safe, enclosed place to play.
Enclosed play areas prevent off–leash dogs from infringing on the rights of other community residents and park users such as joggers, small children, and those who may be fearful of dogs.
A well–exercised dog is a happier and healthier dog.
Improves the mental state of dogs.
Studies have shown that dogs that exercise and are allowed to run freely are not as aggressive towards people as dogs that are under–exercised.
Allowing dogs to have an off–leash area socializes dogs. It brings them in contact with other dogs and causes them to be less aggressive in each future encounter with dogs.
An exercised dog makes a better next–door neighbor than an under–exercised dog. Puppies and dogs which get enough exercise by playing in a dog run, are less likely to create a nuisance, bark excessively, destroy property, jump on passers–by, etc.
How many households in Los Gatos have dogs?
There are just over 12,000 households in the Town of Los Gatos. A conservative estimate is that just over one half of all Los Gatos households have at least one dog.
Who is behind this effort to build a dog park?
Los Gatos Unleashed is a volunteer community organization partnering with Humane Society Silicon Valley working to establish an off–leash recreation area within the Town limits of Los Gatos.
Aren't there enough dog parks near Los Gatos?
The dog parks nearest Los Gatos are several miles away from downtown in Campbell and Saratoga, and San Jose. Considering approximately one half of all Los Gatos households own a dog, a dog park serving the needs of our Town residents is not just a luxury but necessity.
When will the park be ready to use?
We cannot say for certain when the park will be ready for use. We are currently in the process of gathering signatures and pledges to demonstrate to the Los Gatos Town Council that the residents of Los Gatos are firmly behind this effort. The next step will be to bring the petition before the Town Council.
What are the hours the park will be open?
Once the Town Council has approved the project, the hours and rules for the park will be developed by the appropriate Town governing body.
Where would the dog park be built?
Somewhere within the Town limits of Los Gatos.
What have you taken into consideration as far as design, facilities, fencing, drainage, pathways, pest control, landscaping and poisonous plants, and parking?
Building “green”
Concern for the environment and local wildlife
Entry—double gated
Shade and water
Adequate drainage
Public Parking close to site
Covered garbage cans with regular trash removal
Pooper–scooper stations
Benches
Wheel chair access
Safe location
Regular maintenance
Is the park open to all sizes and breeds of dogs?
Los Gatos Unleashed is recommending that the park be developed with areas for both large and small breeds of dogs.