Is Rover getting a little restless cooped up in your condo? Fido getting frisky and bored of your back yard? Numerous studies have shown that getting your dogs to socialize and make some other furry, four-legged friends can seriously improve their overall happiness and behaviour at home – but where can you go to find them? Here are two of the best places in Frederick County for your dogs to let loose and mingle with their own:
Ballenger Creek Dog Park
Opened in 2012, Ballenger Creek Dog Park can be found just west of Ballenger Creek Pike on Corporate. Originally built by Frederick County Parks and Rec, it was built specifically to give a community for the dog-loving public to enjoy. Covering almost 4 acres in total, there are separate parks available for small dogs and all dogs, so whether you’re accompanied by a Pointer or a Pomeranian, you can rest assured there will be a place for them.
Inspired by the county’s catering to canines, the Kingsbrook Animal Hospital has been an advocate of Ballenger Creek Dog Park from the get-go, and recently made a donation to pay for the cost of a water fountain in the park – all for the love of the dog! It should be noted that there are some rules that need to be followed by the dogs and their owners, and you can read more about them directly on the Frederick County website.
Greenbriar Off-Leash Dog Park
Greenbriar is a veterinary hospital and luxury pet resort located just off I-270 at 3051 Thurston Road. They have a great reputation in the community for their love of animals and for the wonderful service that they provide in their core businesses, and they also have an off-leash dog park fully open to the public between sunrise and sunset! You will be required to register your pooch at the front desk before entering the park grounds – this helps the Greenbriar staff keep track of all of their guests, and ensure their park can remain open free for public use!
If you’re going to be dropping by the dog park, but can’t find Rover’s favourite ball on the way out of the house, Greenbriar’s store front offers a wide selection of dog toys to pick out and try on the grounds. While you’re there, you may also want to take a tour of the boarding kennels, day camp rooms and grooming salon, so if the unexpected arises, you’ll be familiar with one option for putting up your pup.
Greenbriar is also known for their annual Fall Festival – a day of fun for family and pets of all kinds taking place this year on September 27, between 12:00 and 4PM. Petting zoos, pony rides, silent auctions and more will be on offer, so if you’re around that neck of the woods, or looking for something to do with the whole clan, mark it in your calendars! You can read about the details for all of Greenbriar’s services and amenities directly on the Greenbriar Pets Website