FAQ'S CONCERNING
THE CAPE MAY COUNTY DOG PARK
LOCATED IN OCEAN CITY, NJ

Q - Is the park an appropriate environment for my dog?

A - Off leash dog parks are wonderful recreational outlets for dogs. The opportunity to run and play with other dogs in a safe, secure, enclosed environment is a valuable tool in their social development. However, not all dogs are good candidates for dog park play. A dog park is not the appropriate place for dogs who have serious behavioral problems with other dogs or humans. Dog-park dogs should be friendly and outgoing, without being overbearing, obnoxious or bullying. Your dog should be reasonably confident and social - not fearful, aggressive or reactive.

Q - What is the official name of the park?

A - The Ocean City Dog Park's official name is the Cape May County Dog Park of Ocean City.

Q - Where is the park located?

A - The park is located at 45th and Haven Avenue, Ocean City, New Jersey.

Q - What are the hours of the park?

A - Park hours are from dawn until dusk, seven days a week, year round.

Q - How is the park set up?

A - The 42,000 square foot park is a fenced-in, off leash, access controlled facility with three separate areas: large dog area (dogs over 30 lbs),small dog area (dogs under 30 lbs), dog runs area (all dogs). Users are requested to abide by the size limits for the small and large dog areas. Use of the large dog area by small dogs, (under 30 lbs) could be in danger of getting injured.

Q - What does the park offer?

A - Park facilities includes double gated entrance and unleash area with secure electronic locking gates, shared pavilion in small and large dog area with picnic table in each area, open shed shelters, sitting benches, water fountains for both dogs and owners, "pooper scooper" dispensers and disposable bags, trash and recycling containers, several inoperable fire hydrants for doggie relief, interactive play equipment, port-a-potty, free off-street parking lot and a designated handicap parking area.

Park hours are from dawn to dusk, 7 days a week year round

Q - Who can use the dog park?

A - The park can  be used by dogs whose owners have obtained a "Paw Pass" access card. Individual owners are limited to bringing in no more than two dogs at the same time

Q - What is a "Paw Pass" access card?

A - The "Paw Pass" is an electronic access card and is required to gain entry into the park. For more information on how to obtain an access card please click Paw Pass Access Card or contact Ocean City - City Hall receptionist - (609) 399-6111.

Q - Who is responsible for the operation of the park?

A - The park is operated under a collaborative partnership agreement between the city of Ocean City and the Ocean City Dog Park Association - a non profit 501©3 organization

Q - What if my dog is involved in an incident at the park?

A - Individuals whose dogs are involved should immediately report incident and submit and official incident report to Wendy Moyle, Ocean City Department of Recreation - (609) 399-6111 x 9301

 

 

Paw Pass Access Cards are currently available to any individual who submits the following:

• • A completed "Paw-Pass" Application Form
• • Proof of a municipal dog license. Please note that the license does not have to be issued from the City of Ocean City, but from the location of the dog's main year round residence.
• • Proof of up to date immunizations (Rabies)
• • Signed Release of Liability & Waiver Form
  • ♦ Receipt of one (1) of the following fees:
  • ♦ Cape May County Residents - $30.00
  • ♦ Non-Cape May County Residents - $40.00
  • ♦ Short Term Users (Weekly) - $10.00 (Note: this pass is intended for those individuals that wish to utilize the Park for a one week or limited duration only)

 

Updated September 2012

 

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Q What is the official name of the park?

A - The Cape May County Dog Park located in Ocean City, NJ

Q - Where is the Park located in the City?

A - The Park is located at 45th Street & Haven Avenue. When heading southbound on West Avenue, make a right hand turn onto 45th Street and precede approximately ¼ of a block until you see the Dog Park sign on your right. The Park's parking lot will be located on your right hand side. Handicap parking is available. Signs have been placed on West Avenue in both directions denoting the location of the Park.

Q -  Is the Dog Park open and who can utilize the facility?

A - Yes, the Park officially opened in October '06. Access cards ("Paw-Passes") are currently available to any individual who submits the following:

• A completed "Paw-Pass" Application Form
• Proof of a municipal dog license. Please note that the license does not have to be issued from the City of Ocean City, but from the location of the dog's main year round residence.
• Proof of up to date immunizations (Rabies)
• Signed Release of Liability & Waiver Form
  • Receipt of one (1) of the following fees:
  • Cape May County Residents - $30.00
  • Non-Cape May County Residents - $40.00
  • Short Term Users (Weekly) - $10.00 (Note: this pass is intended for those individuals that wish to utilize the Park for a one week or limited duration only)

Q - What are the hours of operation of the Park?

A - Currently, the Park is open from 8 AM - Dusk, seven (7) days a week, weather and conditions permitting. On occasion the Park may be closed for short durations for maintenance related issues.

Q - Who is currently processing the applications for the access cards ("Paw-Pass") application forms?

A - At this point all inquiry calls should be directed to the City Hall Receptionist who is located in City Hall at 861 Asbury Avenue, Main Entranceway, Telephone # (609) 399.6111, between the hours of 9:00 AM & 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday.

Additionally, the Ocean City Dog Park Association has a website @ oceancitydogpark.org where updates and photos of the Park can be found. The site also contains information for those individuals that wish to become volunteers in their organization. Further, information on the Park can be obtained from the City's website @ www.ocnj.us.

Q - How is the Park structured and setup for use?

A - As designed by the County Engineer, the Park is broken down into three (3) distinctly separate fenced in areas. They are as follows:

• Large Dog Area (Dogs over >25lbs.)
• Small Dog Area (Dogs under <25lbs.)
• Dog Run Area (All dogs)

Additionally, there are three (3) separate entrance/exit areas. This provides a safe area for you to remove or put on your leash before entering or leaving the Park.

When registering your dog, it will be determined based on the information provided which areas your dog will have access to in the Park. Each access card ("Paw-Pass") will be programmed to only allow access to those designated areas. Through the use of this software feature we are hopeful that we can help minimize potential problems and misuse of the Park.

Q -  What facilities are available at the Park for both the owners and the dogs?

A - As described above there are three (3) separate fenced in areas for the dogs to run off leash. Additionally, the following facilities are currently available:

• A shared pavilion with a picnic table in each area
• Water fountains for both the dogs and owners
• "Pooper-Scooper" dispensers and disposable bags
• Trash containers
• Sitting benches
• Handicap parking area
• Designated off-street parking lot

Q - Are there any future plans to add plantings or interactive items to the Park?.

A -  Yes, currently a large planter and irrigation being installed in the Large Dog area. A tree and plants will follow in the Spring. Further there are plans to add additional plantings and more interactive items to the facility. Through the receipt of both Park user fees, fundraisers and donations, it is the Association’s plan to add to the facility in the coming year. At this point, we have been provided an excellent base from the County to build on, and will be working to further improve the Park as time goes on. If you wish to make a donation to this endeavor, please go to the Association’s website @ oceancitydogpark.org for further information and details.

Q - Are the "Paw-Passes" transferable between different dog owners?

A - No, passes are not transferable between owners! As you are aware, each dog must be registered and each owner is required to complete the “Paw-Pass Application Form” and to sign the “Acceptance of Risk & Release of Liability Waiver Form”. Additionally, by signing the Release & Risk of Liability Waiver form, each applicant is assuming the risk and liability for the dogs that they have registered. By allowing other dogs to enter the Park with your pass, you have now assumed full liability for those dogs and have breached our contractual agreement for use of the Park. Further, we have tried diligently to ensure that every dog utilizing the Park has been properly vaccinated and has passed an initial screening process. Your failure to adhere to these basic rules could jeopardize your ability to utilize the Park in the future, as well as the Park itself.

Q – What can I do if my pass is stolen or lost?

A – If your pass is stolen or lost, please report the incident to the City Hall Receptionist as soon as possible. Upon notification, the City will disable the pass from further use. Further, you can apply for a replacement pass for a nominal fee of $5.00.

Q - Are there any plans to improve the ground cover in the Park?

A - Yes, currently the City is testing a sand mix that has been applied over the pea gravel in the Dog Run. It is our hope that the sand will compact with the gravel to form a more solid base that is easier for both the dogs and their owners to walk on. If the test area is successful, it is the City’s plan over the coming year to prepare the other areas of the facility in a similar fashion. Hopefully, this measure will resolve this issue. Over that past year we have received the most number of inquiries about this subject.

Q - Are “Paw Pass” card holders permitted to bring friends with them to the Park?

A - Yes, you are permitted to bring friends with you to the Park. With that said, we do caution that you are responsible for them and their actions while in the Park. Further, they are not permitted to bring their dog with them when visiting.

(Revised: 1/12/12)