2-5-25 — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

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National Dog Park Association
Embraces Unity and Sets New Standards

 
2-5-25 — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

 

National Dog Park Association Embraces Unity and Sets New Standards

 

The National Dog Park Association (NDPA) officially launched in January 2025, with a mission to unify all dog parks, dog spaces, and dog-friendly areas across the United States.

 

Within its first month, the NDPA has already made significant strides towards this goal.

Determining the exact number of dog parks in the United States varies based on available data. Estimates suggest there are around 5,700 public dog parks, while private dog parks could number approximately 20,000. Additionally, there are about 200,000 pet-friendly hotels and other stops that provide spaces for pets.

 

The NDPA has identified three core goals for dog parks and spaces to achieve NDPA certification: safety, cleanliness, and maintenance. According to the NDPA website (www.NationalDogPark.org), "all dog parks and spaces can meet these goals." This certification is not an enforceable inspection but rather a pledge by park management to commit to these standards and ensure a positive experience for park users.

 

The NDPA Certification Program also encourages park users to participate in maintaining these standards through the "If You See Something, Say Something" initiative, which urges users to report any concerns to park management. Certifications are valid for the calendar year, with a recommendation for more frequent checks.

 

The National Dog Park Association is part of the Pet Endowment Trust (PET), a 501(c)(3) animal welfare non-profit organization. PET's primary mission is to remind pet owners to make plans for their pets in case of unexpected events. The NDPA offices are located in Silsbee, Texas.

 

For more information, press only:

Kenne Smith - Director

409-651-9808

NationalDogPark@gmail.com
           www.NationalDogPark.org

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Welcome Message

Welcome to the first edition of the National Dog Park Association Newsletter! We're excited to bring you the latest news, events, and updates from the dog park and dog space industry. Our goal is to keep you informed and engaged with all things dog-friendly. Let's make our communities more welcoming for our furry friends!

In This Issue:

1. News & Happenings

   • New Dog Park Openings: Discover the latest dog parks opening in your area.

   • Industry Updates: Stay informed about the latest trends and developments in the dog space industry.

2. Spotlight on Pet-Friendly Establishments

   • Top Dog-Friendly Cafes: A guide to the best cafes where you and your dog can enjoy a meal together.

   • Pet-Friendly Hotels: Highlighting hotels that welcome dogs with open arms.

3. Overnight Lodging for You and Your Pet

   • Best Pet-Friendly Lodging: Reviews and recommendations for overnight stays that cater to dog owners.

   • Travel Tips: Advice on traveling with your dog, including packing essentials and safety tips.

4. Dog Park Product Suppliers

   • Featured Products: Showcasing the latest and greatest products for dog parks.

   • Supplier Spotlight: Interviews with top suppliers in the industry.

5. Support Dog-Friendly Projects

   • Community Initiatives: Learn about projects in your city that aim to create more dog-friendly spaces.

   • How You Can Help: Ways you can get involved and support these initiatives.

 

NDPA News & Happenings

New Dog Park Developments

I've been communicating and working with our advisory board and have moved our website into a better representation of what the National Dog Park Association actually does. After some hard questions and suggestions, we have been developing some real areas we can do some good.  

 

So far we've found online references to 200,000 lodging locations that are pet friendly; which means they provide a poo spot somewhere.  20,000 private dog parks, about 3000 public dog parks and an unknown number of public and private dog spaces. So we have a huge base our organization serves. These numbers are not confirmed and based off of articles and web searches. Real numbers are very hard to find.

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We’re working on a park or dog space certification program that will support all of the above parks and spaces. It’s a bit controversial but based off the National Wildlife Federation's, " Certify Your Habitat' program. Basically, a self-certify type of evaluation and honor application.

Other projects are being developed as well. All very exciting about what were getting ready to bring to the dog ownership and dog park industry.

 

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Spotlight on Pet-Friendly Establishments

Top Dog-Friendly Cafes

Looking for a place to grab a coffee with your furry friend? Check out our list of top dog-friendly cafes that offer special treats for your pup.

A top dog-friendly restaurant typically offers the following features:

1. Outdoor Seating: A designated area where dogs are welcome to sit with their owners.

2. Dog Menu: Special treats and meals specifically designed for dogs.

3. Water Bowls: Access to water bowls for dogs to stay hydrated.

4. Friendly Staff: Staff who are accommodating and welcoming towards dogs.

5. Cleanliness: Maintaining a clean environment to ensure the comfort and safety of both pets and patrons.

6. Safety Measures: Clear rules and guidelines to ensure a safe dining experience for everyone.

Here are some examples of top dog-friendly restaurants in the United States:

1. Shake Shack: Known for its dog-friendly patios and Woof Menu, which includes treats like the Bag O’ Bones.

2. Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar: Offers a dog menu and a dog-friendly patio at most locations.
    

Overnight Lodging for You and Your Pet

Best Pet-Friendly Lodging

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, our reviews of pet-friendly lodging will help you find the perfect place to stay with your dog.

Travel Tips Traveling with your dog can be a breeze with our helpful tips. From packing the essentials to ensuring your dog's safety, we've got you covered.

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Dog Park Product Suppliers

Featured Products

Discover the latest products designed to enhance your dog park experience. From durable toys to innovative training tools, find out what's new in the market.

Supplier Spotlight Get to know the suppliers behind your favorite dog park products. This month, we interview the team at [Supplier Name] to learn more about their commitment to quality and innovation.

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Support Dog-Friendly Projects

Community Initiatives

Learn about exciting projects in your city that aim to create more dog-friendly spaces. From new park developments to community events, find out how you can get involved.

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How You Can Help

Supporting dog-friendly projects is easier than you think.

Whether it's volunteering your time, donating, or simply spreading the word, every little bit helps.

 

We hope you enjoy this first edition of the National Dog Park Association Newsletter. Together, we can make our communities more welcoming for our beloved dogs. Stay tuned for more updates and happy reading!