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Q: Why is Parks & Recreation eliminating the dog park fees?

A: One of the department's goals is to improve access to parks and programs for our residents. Eliminating these nominal fees is a great step in that direction. Improved customer service and increased efficiencies are other important reasons for the change.  There will be less of a burden on customers to complete a cumbersome process and conduct travel to off-site locations to complete transactions.

Q: What if I just recently purchased a dog park pass (annual or day pass)?

A: You may be entitled to a prorated refund. Email fun@vbgov.com for information, or visit any community recreation center.

Q: Will the rules for using the dog parks change once passes are no longer required? How will they be enforced?

A: All safety rules and customer usage expectations still apply . Dog park users must still have a current VB dog license and current rabies vaccination. New regulation signs are posted at the dog parks. Park Staff will continue to keep the Dog Waste Stations stocked with bags and will monitor use as Park operations allow, however Park Staff will no longer be issuing or checking Dog Park Passes.  Any incidents or bites after April 1 should be reported to Police Animal Control at (757) 385-5000.  Per City Code, all dogs in Virginia Beach are required to be licensed and have current rabies vaccination.

Doggie Do's

• Scoop the poop and keep the area clean.
• License and immunize your dogs. A collar with proper identification should be worn by your dogs at all times.
• Keep an eye on your dog(s).
• Avoid dog fights. If a fight breaks out, pull the dogs apart from the back.
• Remove barking or uncontrollable dogs .
• Remove your dogs immediately at the first sign of aggressive behavior toward people or other dogs.
• Do put a leash on your dog if outside the park.
• Do report all dog bites to Police Animal Control at (757) 385-5000.

Doggie Don'ts

• Don't bring puppies under four months into the park.
• Don't bring dogs that are sick or female dogs in heat into the park.
• Don't let your dogs dig holes in the park. If your dog does dig, fill the holes immediately.
• Don't leave your dogs unattended in the park.
• Don't bring children under 8 years old into the park.
• Don't feed your dogs in the park.
• Don't bring any food into the dog park.
• Don't remove the leash until you have entered the dog park.
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• City of Virginia Beach Ordinance Section 5-534. Allowing dogs to urinate or defecate on public or private property.

• City of Virginia Beach Ordinance Section 5-300. Dog or cat license required.

• City of Virginia Beach Ordinance Section 5-200. Vaccination or inoculation of dogs or cats.

• City of Virginia Beach Ordinance Section 5-531. Keeping dogs under restraint; leash law (upon entering and leaving dog park)

• Virginia State Code Recreational Use Immunity State Code 15.2-1809. Liability of localities in the operation of parks, recreational facilities, and playgrounds.​