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Best Parks To Walk Your Dog In Sacramento

The Sacramento region is full of pet lovers who work hard to keep their furry friends healthy and happy. For dog owners, that means getting quality food, veterinary care, regular grooming and plenty of exercise. Going to a dog park offers the chance for fun with your favorite canine, as they romp, run and play in special off-leash areas. Although the basic set-up is the same for most parks, there are variations in amenities and in the people and dogs that tend to frequent each one.

Dog owners can make the most of the experience by following basic dog park etiquette. Always clean up behind your hound; some parks provide pooper-scoopers and bags to make it simple to do so. Be attentive when your pet interacts with other animals, and step in quickly to keep everyone feeling safe. Be friendly with other dog owners, and avoid making comments about differing dog "parenting" skills.

P.O.O.C.H Park at C-Bar-C Park Park
8275 Oak Ave.
Citrus Heights, CA 95610
www.poochdogpark.webstarts.com

This dog park is supported by the all-volunteer nonprofit Pet Owners Organization of Citrus Heights (POOCH). Covering almost two acres, there are separate areas for small and large animals. Volunteers keep the area clean and stocked with water buckets, excrement bags, balls and toys. There are plenty of sunny and shady places for owners to sit, and there are drinking fountains for the humans and dogs. POOCH puts small kiddie pools out so dogs can cool off, splash around and get cleaned up after joyously rolling in the dirt. Use of the dog park is free, but POOCH encourages regular users to pay small membership dues to help pay for waste bags and other maintenance. The group hosts special events to raise funds, educate the public and to assist other local charities such as Big Brother/Sisters of Greater Sacramento.

Related: Best Vet Tips To Keep Your Dog Healthy In Sacramento

North Natomas Regional Dog Park
2501 New Market Drive
Sacramento, CA 95835
www.facebook.com/NorthNatomasRegionalDogPark

This spacious park is located behind the public library for North Natomas, by the Inderkum High School baseball field. Dogs of different sizes can play in separate areas so everyone feels safe and has a good time, and the friendly, welcoming people that frequent the dog park enjoy interacting with each other's pets. Parking is ample, but be aware that this has fewer shady areas and seating than in some other dog parks. Outside of the fenced areas, there is a two-mile trail for pets and people to walk to a man-made lake. The public park area is nice, with a covered area for picnic and barbecues, and play equipment for the kids.

Glenbrook Dog Park
8500 La Riviera Drive
Sacramento, CA 95826
www.cityofsacramento.org/dogpark-information

Glenbrook is relatively small, located behind the Glenbrook School baseball field. There are tables and benches for the pet owners to use and the area offers plenty of shade on hot days. A local family generously sponsors the dog park, and keeps it in good shape and stocked with balls for dogs to chase and play with. Pups can keep hydrated with a special dog water fountain, and people are good about cleaning up behind their pets with the provided dog bags.

Phoenix Dog Park
9050 Sunset Ave.
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
(916) 966-1036
www.fordog.org

Volunteers of the Fair Oaks Responsible Dog Owners Group (FORDOGS) help maintain this well-designed park. There are fenced-in areas to accommodate three sizes of dogs, including one for pets less inclined to socialize. There are two entrances to the dog areas, with shaded areas and seating for people. FORDOGS raises funds for improvements and care of the park, and works hard to promote responsible dog care. The group's website features videos of dogs playing in the park, along with pet care tips, event details and interesting, informative articles about dogs.

Jacinto Creek Dog Park
8600 W. Stockton Blvd.
Elk Grove, CA 95758
(916) 808-5200
www.cityofsacramento.org/jacintocreek_plan.htm

This large, grassy park is a perfect place for dogs and their people to relax and interact. People in the neighborhood provide plastic bags for dog waste, and the park regulars are friendly. Kiddie pools and water hoses keep the dogs cool, and there is a large tunnel for dogs to explore.

Related: Best Places To Adopt Puppies And Kittens In Sacramento

Valerie Heimerich is a freelance writer out of Sacramento. She typically covers animals and community issues. She has volunteered and worked for many organizations helping animals and people. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
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