Community Corner
Taking Your Dog to the Park? Here's What You Need to Know
The Rochester area has plenty of parks, but some have specific rules for dogs. Find out what you'll need to know before bringing Fido.
After a long day of work, a visit to the park can be as relaxing for humans as it is exhilarating for their canine companions.
Fortunately, the Rochester area—and Oakland County as a whole—have plenty of parks to explore, but they don't all have the same rules. Here's what you'll need to know before you walk Fido to your nearest park.
Always be mindful of dog-owner etiquette. Clean up after your dog, walk your dog on a leash and try to refrain from interactions with working Leader Dogs in the area.
1. Make sure your dog is licensed
Having your dog license is mandatory in both Rochester and Rochester Hills. Rochester residents can fill out an application here, while Rochester Hills residents can find more about dog licenses in the city here. City of Rochester residents must renew their licenses by March 1 or face late fees, while Rochester Hills residents must renew by May 31.
2. Dog pass required for all parks in the City of Rochester
All parks within the city limits of Rochester are off-limits to dogs that do not have a park pass, in addition to a valid license. The fee is $20 for residents and $40 for non-residents. Seniors ages 65 years or older pay half the cost. A dog pass application is available here.
3. County park pass needed for dog park
While the immediate Rochester area does not have an off-leash dog park, the Orion Oaks Dog Park is just a short drive from this area, at 2301 W. Clarkston Road in Lake Orion. This is an Oakland County Park and a county parks vehicle pass is required. The fee schedule is as follows:
- $30 Resident - Available Online
- $22 Senior Citizens, Adaptive & Active Military
- $46 Non-residents
- $30 Non-resident Senior Citizens, Adaptive & Active Military
- $48 Parks Perks Pass - Available Online
(Parks Perks Pass valid at eight county parks plus 13 Metroparks)
Spencer Park, Bloomer Park and Yates Park require vehicle entry fees. Annual and daily permits are affixed to the car windshield and can only be purchased at the park locations. The fee schedule can be found here.
5. Free dog-walking areas are plentiful within Rochester area
Scared off by all the potential fees involved with taking your dog to a local park? Fret not, as there are plenty of destinations for Fido that require only that your dog is properly licensed in your hometown. Borden Park offers plenty of green space (be sure to steer clear of the soccer fields and ball diamonds), and the Clinton River and Paint Creek trails offer miles of winding, walkable, dog-friendly paths. Click the preceding trail names for more information and trail maps.
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