How to Promote a Dog Park

In 2005 there were 700 dog parks throughout the United States. That number increased to more than 1,000 by 2007. Clearly, dogs and their humans just wanna have fun. To promote a new dog park, or an older one needing a boost, the first step is to set a date and time for a "Grand Opening" or "Reopening." Then let people—and their dogs—do the promoting. Read on to learn how to promote a dog park.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Develop a simple brochure about the dog park and include its name, location, amenities, hours open and any rules and requirements. If there is an area in your town where people walk their dogs or congregate with their companion animals, you will definitely want to visit and hand out some brochures. Ask local pet stores, groomers, kennels and veterinarians if you can place some brochures in the reception area of their facilities.
2. Place an ad in the local newspaper, announcing the dog park grand opening. If your group has a bit of money, you may wish to take out a 1/4 page advertisement. If not, a simple entry in the classifieds can also work. Write up something short and sweet like, "Grand Opening of [Name] dog park, [date], [time] and [number to call for more info]."
3. Provide the features writer of your local newspaper(s) with information about the dog park. Ask them to attend the grand opening, take photos and do a write-up in the paper. If the reporter has a canine pal, you could make him or her a Very Important Dog (VID) to be featured in many of the photos. Nothing helps promote a dog park like free publicity.
4. Pair up with your local humane society and other animal groups, such as rescues, low-cost spaying and neutering programs and dog clubs, and hold the grand opening for the dog park. In addition to animal-related vendors, offer refreshments, contests, educational information and animals for adoption. You can also stage skill exhibitions, such as agility courses or Frisbee catching. Larger events such as this may draw press from outside your local area.
5. Post information about the dog park on the various websites that list dog parks in a particular area. Most sites don't charge to list a dog park. Ask if you can submit a photo to go along with the listing.

Tips & Warnings

• As with most things, the best promotion of a dog park will come from happy visitors, of both the human and the canine variety.
• Make sure all attendees to the dog park understand and adhere to safety rules and regulations, ensuring continued positive promotion of the park.