PURCHASE A PERMIT
Requirements
- Current dog license from the City of Des Moines or home jurisdiction
- Current dog rabies vaccination certification
- Dog must be at least four months old
- Permits and tags pertain to specific dogs, not the dog park and therefore cannot be transferred to other dogs or dog owners.
Download the appropriate application to apply for a Dog Park Permit
Des Moines Residents
Non-Resident
Where to Purchase Permits
- Buy your permit at the City Clerk's office in Des Moines City Hall (400 Robert D Ray Drive), Monday - Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Dog owners can purchase permits along with their annual dog license in November.
Questions? Call (515) 283-4209 ext. #3 between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. or listen to pre-recorded information at 515-237-1DOG(1364)
Earn a FREE permit by volunteering to be a Dog Park Ambassador.
Become a Dog Park Ambassador
We know this is a difficult time for everyone. We are committed to doing our part to slow the spread of COVID-19. In following with Mayor Cownie’s directive to “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” we have canceled all volunteer activities through May 11. Conditions change rapidly, so watch for updates via social media and online at DSM.city/covid 19. If you have questions, feel free to contact us until then at parksvolunteer@dmgov.org.
Join our team of grrrr-eat volunteer dog park ambassadors! We're looking for outgoing dog lovers to welcome dogs and owners to the park. Dog Park Ambassadors make sure all dogs and owners have an outstanding experience by educating users about the park, making sure visitors have the proper permit and everyone is complying with the rules. Ambassadors will need to fill out volunteer forms to pass a back ground check. Ambassadors will receive training from staff and earn a free permit for volunteering 40 hours in a year. Here is a short list of duties ambassadors are responsible for - duties.
To volunteer, please e-mail parksvolunteer@dmgov.org and include your name, e-mail address, phone number and your preferred Dog Park or call 515-248-6383.
All City of Des Moines park rules apply, in addition to the following:
- Annual permit is required to be worn by dog owners or handlers and visible at all times while inside the facility
- High risk dogs must remain on a leash in the dog park as per ordinance 18-55 (a) (6)
- Handlers must pick-up and dispose of their dog’s waste
- Dog handlers must be no less than 16 years of age
- Children under the age of 10 are not allowed within the facility and those ages 10 to 15 must be accompanied by a person age 18 or older
- Handlers are allowed to supervise a maximum of two dogs
- Dogs weighing more than 20 pounds are not allowed in the small dog area of the facility
- Dogs weighing less than 20 pounds are allowed in all areas of the facility
- Pinch, choke, and spike collars must be removed prior to entering the facility
- Female dogs in heat are not allowed in the facility
- Dogs must be kept on a leash until entering and upon exiting the facility
- Handlers should be in the actual physical presence of dogs at all times
- Use of the facility is at the owner’s/handler's own risk
- Owners are responsible and liable for any damage caused by their dogs while visiting the facility
- Human food is not allowed in the facility
Note: Any dog exhibiting aggressive or unruly behavior in any City of Des Moines dog park facility, as determined by the City of Des Moines, will have its permit revoked without refund. Failure to comply with rule may result in suspension or revocation of permit.
There are three dog parks in Des Moines – Ewing, Reno Memorial and Riverwalk. Permits are required for entry and the annual cost is $20. The permits can be used at all three parks and are good January 1 – December 31.
