Did you know regular playtime at a dog park can significantly reduce anxiety and destructive behavior in dogs? For San Bernardino pet parents, finding safe, engaging spaces for their pups to run, play, and socialize is a top priority.
While dog parks in San Bernardino offer fantastic opportunities for canine enrichment, it’s also true that they can sometimes pose safety risks, from unexpected dog-on-dog aggression to injuries or even disputes between owners.
This article is your go-to guide for the dog park scene in San Bernardino. We’ll explore some of the top dog parks, detailing their amenities, leash policies, and off-leash areas.
More importantly, we’ll equip you with essential safety tips and what steps you should take if you or your dog are bitten by another dog while enjoying a day at the park.
How to Stay Safe While Visiting a Dog Park in San Bernardino
Heading to the dog park in San Bernardino (and anywhere else, really) should be a joyful experience, not a stressful one. By following a few simple guidelines, you can significantly minimize risks and ensure a safe and enjoyable outing for everyone.
1. Observe before entering
Before stepping inside the gate, observe how dogs and their owners interact. Are the dogs playing calmly? Are their owners nearby and attentive? If the energy seems too aggressive or chaotic, or if owners aren’t supervising their pets, it’s okay to leave and come back another time. Trusting your instincts can protect you from getting caught in a dangerous situation.
2. Stay alert and engaged
Once you’re in the park, don’t zone out. Stay off your phone and keep your attention on your dog and the environment. Dog fights can happen in an instant, and getting between animals to break one up can put you at serious risk of injury. Being alert helps you react quickly and avoid potential harm.
3. Wear appropriate footwear and stay clear of risky situations
Wear closed-toe shoes with a good grip. Dog parks can have uneven terrain, loose gravel, or mud that can cause slips and falls. Don’t step into the middle of dog clusters, especially if you don’t know the dogs involved. Give rough play a wide berth, and never try to break up a dog fight with your hands.
4. Keep vaccinations and ID tags current
Ensure your dog is up to date on all necessary vaccinations, especially rabies. Not only is it a health and safety measure for your pet, but it’s crucial if there’s an incident or injury. Also, ensure your dog wears a secure collar with up-to-date identification tags.
A microchip is an excellent backup in case their tags get lost, and your adventurous pup decides to explore beyond the park boundaries.
5. Watch for hazards
Take a quick walk-through of the park to spot any potential hazards. Are there broken gates that could allow a dog to escape? Are there sharp objects, trash, or even irritating plants like foxtails that could cause injury? Beyond physical hazards, be mindful of overly aggressive dogs or inattentive owners who might not be controlling their pets.
6. Leave treats and toys at home
While it might seem counterintuitive, bringing treats and toys to a public dog park can often lead to possessiveness or even fights between dogs. Many dogs, especially those who are resource-guarders, can become territorial over these items.
7. Report injuries or unsafe conditions
If you notice a broken fence, consistent aggressive behavior from a particular dog, or any other unsafe conditions, report it to the city or park authorities. Your report can help prevent future incidents. If a serious injury occurs to you or your dog, be aware that legal assistance may be available to help you understand your rights and potential recourse.
You Were Bitten in a Dog Park, Now What?
Even with all the precautions in the world, accidents can happen. If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being bitten by a dog at a San Bernardino dog park, here’s what you need to do to protect your health and your legal rights:
1. Seek medical attention
Your health is the absolute priority. Get immediate medical care for any dog bite, no matter how minor it seems. Deep wounds, heavy bleeding, or any signs of infection (such as redness, swelling, or pus) require urgent attention. Even a seemingly small bite can transmit bacteria.
2. Document the injuries
As soon as you can, take clear photos and videos of your injuries from various angles. Be sure to capture the size, depth, and location of the bites. Also, document any damaged clothing for further proof.
3. Exchange information with the dog owner
Politely but firmly request the dog owner’s full name, address, phone number, and their dog’s name, breed, age, and vaccination records. Ask for their insurance information (homeowner’s or renter’s insurance often covers dog bites).
If the owner is uncooperative, try to note their appearance, the description of their dog, and any vehicle details (make, model, license plate number).
4. Identify and gather witness information
Look around for anyone who saw the incident unfold. Collect their names, phone numbers, and email addresses. Ask them what they observed and if they’d be willing to provide a statement. Witness testimonies can be incredibly valuable in establishing what happened.
5. Note the location and circumstances
Record the exact location within the park where the bite occurred, the time of day, date, and even the weather conditions. Note any contributing factors, such as whether the dog was off-leash in a leashed area or if the owner was distracted.
6. Contact San Bernardino Animal Control
Report the dog bite to San Bernardino Animal Control as soon as possible. Provide them with all the information you’ve gathered. They can investigate the incident, verify the dog’s vaccination status, and create an official report.
7. Request a police report
Consider contacting the San Bernardino Police Department, especially if the dog owner was uncooperative, the dog was particularly aggressive, you fear for your safety, or you intend to pursue legal action.
8. Finding legal representation
After addressing your immediate medical needs, it’s highly advisable to consult with a San Bernardino dog bite lawyer, who can outline the following steps to take.
They can help you understand your rights under California law, gather additional evidence, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and pursue a lawsuit if necessary to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other settlements.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Injured at a Dog Park in San Bernardino
While most dog park visits are harmless, accidents or bites involving your dog can and do occur, especially in off-leash areas where interactions are less controlled. If your beloved canine companion gets injured, here’s what you should do:
1. Seek immediate veterinary care for your dog
Just like with human injuries, prompt medical attention is vital. Get your dog to a veterinarian immediately, especially for deep wounds, excessive bleeding, or any signs of severe pain or distress.
2. Thoroughly document the incident, including photos, witness statements, and any relevant details
Take photos and videos of your dog’s injuries, the other dog involved (if possible), and the location where the incident occurred. Write down all relevant details, including the time, date, and a description of how the injury happened.
3. Gather all medical records related to your dog’s injury
Keep a meticulous record of all veterinary visits, diagnoses, treatments, medications, and prognoses related to your dog’s injury. These records will be critical for any potential claim.
4. Keep a detailed record of all expenses incurred due to the injury
Track every expense incurred due to your dog’s injury, including vet bills, medications, follow-up appointments, and even lost wages if you had to take time off work to care for your dog.
5. Consult with a personal injury lawyer to understand your legal options
Even though your dog was the direct victim, their injury can result in significant financial and emotional distress for you. A personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options for recovering veterinary costs and potentially other damages from the responsible party.
Top Dog Parks in San Bernardino, California
San Bernardino boasts several fantastic dog parks where your canine companion can stretch their legs and make new friends. Here are some of our favorites:
1. Wildwood Dog Park
Location: 40th @ Valencia Wb Fs, San Bernardino, CA 92404, United States
Hours: 6:30 am to 10:30 pm daily
Wildwood Canyon Park, which features a dog park, offers beautiful trails and expansive open spaces. While specific dog park amenities, such as agility equipment or separate areas for small and large dogs, aren’t explicitly detailed for the dog park itself, the overall park provides a scenic environment for dog walking.
Leash policy: Dogs are permitted on all trails within Wildwood Canyon Park, but they must always be on a leash of six feet or less and under human control. There are designated off-leash areas within the dog park itself.
2. Blair Park
Location: 1466 West Marshall Blvd., San Bernardino, CA 92407, United States
Hours: 6 am to 10 pm daily
Blair Park is a larger municipal park. The dog park portion typically includes fenced off-leash areas. Being part of a larger park means restrooms and other general park facilities are usually nearby.
Leash policy: Dogs are permitted off-leash within the designated, fenced dog park area. Outside of this area, dogs must be on a leash that does not exceed 6 feet.
3. Perris Hill Dog Park
Location: 1000 E. Highland Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92404, United States (part of Perris Hill Park)
Hours: 6 am to 8 pm daily
Perris Hill Park is a large, well-established park featuring a variety of recreational facilities. The dog park typically includes fenced areas for off-leash play. Waste stations are usually available.
Leash policy: Within the designated dog park area, dogs are allowed off-leash. In other regions of Perris Hill Park, dogs must be leashed.
4. Andreson Park
Location: 12100 Riverside Dr., Rialto, CA 92376, United States
Hours: 6:00 am to 10:00 pm daily
Andreson Park in Rialto features a dedicated dog park area. It typically includes a walking path, picnic shelters, and restrooms. The dog park portion is fenced.
Leash policy: Dogs must be on a leash of 6 feet or less prior to entering and exiting the park. Within the designated dog park, they can be off-leash.
5. Cesar E. Chavez Park
Location: 11 Spinnaker Way, Berkeley, CA, US, 94710
Hours: 6:00 am to 10:00 pm daily
This community park often includes playground areas, picnic tables, and open green spaces. While not explicitly a dedicated off-leash dog park, it offers dog-friendly areas for walks.
Leash policy: Typically, dogs are required to be on leash in general park areas. Check for any specific signage regarding off-leash sections.
Have a Paw-sitive Park Experience
San Bernardino is home to some truly remarkable dog parks, offering fantastic opportunities for your furry family members to run, play, and socialize with one another. However, as responsible pet parents, being prepared and attentive is just as important as the fun itself.
By following safety guidelines and knowing what to do in the event of an unfortunate incident, you can ensure that every visit to the dog park is a positive one. Remember, safety should always be as important as fun.
If you or your dog were injured at a dog park in San Bernardino due to someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to face it alone. RMD Law and our team of dog bite attorneys are here to help you understand your rights and seek the justice you deserve.
Get a free consultation today.
