Garvan improves safety with updated dog policy

The gates of Garvan Woodland Gardens have always been open to canine companions, but the attraction’s dog policy is being updated and a new program introduced to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests.

The new “AmbassaDog Program” and the policy changes will take effect April 1, giving members and guests time to adjust to the new rules and for interested members to register their dogs in the new program.

The policy outlines that well behaved dogs on “short,” 6-foot maximum, leashes are permitted in the gardens. Members’ dogs may enter for free, but guests must pay an additional $5 fee for their furry friends.

“We charge the same price for children and dogs because these are our guests’ fur babies,” Susan Harper, Garvan’s visitor services and group director, said.

Owners must provide proof of current rabies vaccinations, keep dogs on a non-retractable leash no longer than 6 feet, be considerate when allowing their dog to relieve itself and keep their pets out of the ponds. The only changes being made to the already existing policy are no longer allowing retractable leashes and limiting the number of dogs allowed for guests to one dog per person.

The “AmbassaDog Program” is an accommodation for members of Garvan Gardens with more than one pet that allows them to bring two dogs per member into the park. These “AmbassaDogs” must exemplify good behavior and act as a good example of appropriate behavior while in the gardens. Members should pre-register their dogs for the program before visiting the park, but it will be possible for members to register upon arrival. A special tag will be issued for each dog upon approval of Garvan “AmbassaDog” status.

“They are our ambassadors of goodwill,” Harper said.

The gardens have always had an unwritten policy on pets, she said, noting, “the problem was we didn’t have anything in writing. So now, if we did have a misbehaved dog, we have in writing what we will do about it.”

Garvan Gardens does its best to create a pleasant experience for every guest that walks through their gates, she said. Several watering stations are provided for dogs throughout the park, and leashes are available for those guests whose leash fails to meet the proper specifications. The only time dogs are not allowed is during the annual holiday lights display.

“This doesn’t change how Garvan Gardens feels about pets. We love our furry friends very much; we just don’t want them in the tulip beds or ponds. The flea and tick treatments used on dogs contaminates the water and is dangerous for our Koi fish and other wildlife living in the ponds,” said Harper.

She stressed that Garvan Gardens remains in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act by permitting service animals year round.

She said the policy change is the result of a complaint from a guest about an interaction with a hostile dog due to an inattentive owner.

“We had an instance where a man was nipped by another guest’s dog. He wrote us a letter about the incident and we decided it was time to update and remind everyone of our pet policy,” Harper said. She noted they feel the changes will be enough to ensure everyone has a wonderful experience at the park, no matter how many legs they have.