Doggie Social Hour in Lafayette, Indiana

The Shamrock Dog Park in Lafayette, Indiana, is the first dog park in the Greater Lafayette Community. It is located on Wabash Avenue, south of downtown Lafayette. The park is full of trees, grass and runs along the Wabash River. Dogs and owners are invited to join in on the fun!

To participate in the fun at Shamrock Dog Park, membership fees are $100 per family up to three dogs and $20 for each additional dog beyond three. The fees will help maintain the park. The memberships run from July 1- June 30. No children under 12 are allowed in the park. To become a member at the park, proof of the rabies vaccination is required and the hold harmless agreement is signed by each member of the family 12 years old and up. Day passes can be purchased for $5 at Buckles Feed Depot and Pet Supply, 220 S. 4th Street in Lafayette. Proof of the rabies vaccination is required.

The park was opened on July 1, 2006 and stands as the only public place in town where dogs can be off-leash.

There are many benefits to the dog park. The off-leash dogs will not disturb other citizens trying to go about their daily tasks such a jogging, walking, shopping. They also will be contained as to stay away from small children and those who fear dogs. The dog park will also allow a place for the elderly, sick, and disable to exercise their dogs. The owners can also socialize with each other, befriending people along the way. Owners with small lawns or apartments can legally play ball or Frisbee with their pet. Other benefits include the dog being socialized with other people and dogs, creates a better sense of community by bringing people together, and provides a source of recreation where the canine of the family can join in.

The dog park has two main areas, and an area just for small dogs. Water is provided inside the park from spigots. The area of the park is approximately 4.5 acres.

While in the park, each dog must display his or his membership ID tag at all times. Only three dogs per person are allowed in the park for maximum control. Female dogs in any stage of heat and dogs under 4 months of age are not allowed in the park. Any dog exhibiting aggressive or vicious behavior must be immediately removed from the park. All dogs not in fenced areas must be leashed at all times. Flat buckle collars are suggested, and no pinch, prong, or spike collars are allowed. Any waste made by a dog must be picked up by the owner and properly thrown away. Glass containers, smoking, or people food is not permitted. Dog treats are allowed but no rawhide. Non-alcoholic beverages are allowed. Owners must fill any hole their dog makes as it is a safety hazard.

No dog can be left in the park unsupervised. If you must leave at any time, your dog must go with you.

Corporate sponsors for the park include: TBIRD Engineering and Surveying, Copy Print Shop, the City of Lafayette, Lafayette Parks and Recreation, Stuart & Branigin, Pets and Vets as Partners, Crittersitters of Lafayette Inc., Proforma Lyle Richert & Associates, Mr. Fence-It, and Nor-Nic Investments.

The hours of the park is dawn to dusk.