Countryside Veterinary Dog Park

For dog owners in Howell, Michigan, finding a safe, dedicated space for their beloved companions to run and play off-leash is a priority. The Countryside Veterinary Dog Park, located in Howell, offers just that – a well-designed facility managed by the Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority (HAPRA). This park provides a vital recreational outlet for local canines, fostering socialization and promoting active lifestyles in a secure environment.

The Countryside Veterinary Dog Park is a testament to careful planning, featuring two distinct fenced areas that cater to different needs, ensuring a comfortable experience for all dogs and their owners. One happy customer noted, "Great area for dogs to run and play! Two fenced in areas gives two different options for large and small dogs or for dogs needing some separation from other dogs." This thoughtful design helps minimize potential conflicts and allows dogs to play with peers of similar size and temperament.

While the park operates on a user-pay model, which has been a point of discussion among some users, it directly contributes to the maintenance and quality of the facility. The fee ensures that the park remains well-maintained and provides a safe environment, distinguishing it from potentially less regulated public spaces. This commitment to quality makes Countryside Veterinary Dog Park a valuable asset for the Howell community, despite the required annual electronic pass-key for access.

Countryside Veterinary Dog Park is conveniently located at 400 S Highlander Way, Howell, MI 48843, USA. This address places it off South Highlander Way, near Grand River, making it easily accessible for residents within Howell and the surrounding Livingston County area. The park is situated on a 2.4-acre plot of land, part of the West Livingston County Government complex, providing a dedicated space away from heavy traffic.

Accessibility to the park involves a specific entry process designed to ensure safety and compliance with rules. This is a user-pay park, and to gain access, visitors must obtain an annual electronic pass-key (FOB) from the Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority (HAPRA) located at 1661 N. Latson Rd., Howell, MI. Daily passes are not issued, emphasizing the commitment to registered users who meet the park's requirements. This system helps manage the park's usage and ensures that all dogs entering are properly vaccinated and licensed.

Parking is conveniently located close to the dog park entrance, making it easy for owners to transition their dogs from their vehicles into the off-leash areas. The park is open from "dawn to dusk" (with winter hours potentially adjusted for evening use), offering flexible hours for most daylight hours. However, users should always confirm the exact operating hours with HAPRA.

Countryside Veterinary Dog Park provides essential services focused on facilitating a safe and enjoyable off-leash experience for dogs and their owners:

• Two Fenced-In Off-Leash Areas: The primary service is providing separate, securely fenced enclosures. This setup offers "two different options for large and small dogs or for dogs needing some separation from other dogs," a highly valued feature for controlled socialization.
• Designated Large Dog Area: One of the fenced sections is dedicated to larger dogs, allowing them ample space to run and play vigorously with appropriate companions.
• Designated Small Dog Area: The other fenced section is specifically for smaller dogs, ensuring a safer and less overwhelming environment for them to interact and exercise.
• Waste Disposal Stations: While not explicitly detailed, it is standard for well-managed dog parks to provide waste disposal bags and receptacles to encourage owners to clean up after their pets, contributing to the park's overall cleanliness.
• Parking: Convenient and close-by parking is available, making access to the dog park straightforward for visitors.

It is important to note that as a user-pay park focused on canine recreation, specific amenities like water fountains or elaborate shade structures might not be as extensive as in some larger, more comprehensive park systems, but the core functionality of a safe, divided play space is well-provided.

Countryside Veterinary Dog Park offers several key features that make it a notable option for dog owners in the Howell area:

• Dual Fenced Areas: The most significant highlight is the provision of two distinct, securely fenced areas. This allows for effective separation of dogs by size or temperament, which greatly enhances safety and reduces stress for both animals and owners.
• Safety and Socialization Focus: The design promotes positive interactions, as evidenced by one user whose dog, recovering from an attack, found enjoyment among other large dogs, suggesting a well-managed and generally friendly environment.
• Managed by HAPRA: Being under the purview of the Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority (HAPRA) ensures a level of professional oversight and consistent maintenance, aiming for a safe and clean experience.
• Convenient Parking: The proximity of parking to the dog park entrance is a practical feature, simplifying the process of bringing dogs in and out of the facility.
• Community-Oriented Approach: As a municipal facility, it serves the local Howell community directly, providing a dedicated space for dog owners to gather and for their pets to exercise.
• Required Electronic Pass-Key: While some find the pass-key requirement a drawback, it also serves as a feature that helps regulate usage, ensuring that dogs entering the park meet vaccination and licensing requirements, thereby contributing to a healthier and safer environment for all.

The park's rules also highlight important safety aspects, such as prohibiting pronged, pinch, choke, or spike collars within the park, and restricting food, treats, and toys to prevent aggression. These rules are key features designed to promote a harmonious environment.

As a user-pay park managed by a municipal authority (Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority), Countryside Veterinary Dog Park does not offer traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense. Instead, its value proposition is built around its structured access and controlled environment.

• Annual Pass-Key Access: The primary "offer" is the ability to purchase an annual electronic pass-key (FOB) for ongoing access. The cost for a family with one or two dogs is $60 for residents and $70 for non-residents. This annual fee, rather than a daily charge, is designed for regular users, making it more cost-effective over time for frequent visitors.
• Controlled Environment: While some may view the fee and pass requirement as a barrier, it functions as a "special offer" of sorts by ensuring a regulated environment. This means that all dogs entering are required to have up-to-date vaccinations (rabies, distemper, bordetella) and a current Michigan dog license. This helps mitigate risks of disease and ensures responsible pet ownership, which is a significant "value-add" for dog owners concerned about safety.
• Support for Park Maintenance: The user fees directly contribute to the maintenance and oversight of the park, ensuring it remains a safe and clean facility.

It is important to emphasize that daily passes are not issued, so visitors must be prepared to purchase the annual pass-key to use the park. The application process includes providing vaccination records and dog license certificates.

For inquiries regarding Countryside Veterinary Dog Park, its access requirements, or any rules and regulations, the official contact point is the Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority (HAPRA).

Address: 400 S Highlander Way, Howell, MI 48843, USA (Park Location)

For purchasing the annual electronic pass-key and general inquiries, contact HAPRA directly:

Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority (HAPRA) Office: 1661 N. Latson Rd. Howell, MI 48843

Phone: (517) 546-0693 (This number connects to HAPRA, which manages the dog park.)

Operating Hours: The dog park is generally open from dawn to dusk. It is always advisable to check the Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority's official website (www.howellrecreation.org) for the most current rules, operational updates, and specific hours, especially during different seasons. Information regarding the annual pass-key application process and required documentation will also be found there.

For Michigan residents, particularly those in Howell and Livingston County, Countryside Veterinary Dog Park is an exceptionally suitable and valuable resource for their canine companions. Its design, with "two fenced in areas," offers crucial flexibility, allowing separation for large and small dogs or for those needing a bit more space, directly addressing common concerns found in more open dog park settings. This thoughtful layout contributes significantly to a safer and more positive socialization experience for all dogs, including those with past anxieties, as one customer's experience beautifully illustrates.

While the requirement for an annual electronic pass-key might initially seem like a barrier, it functions as a critical component of the park's suitability for locals. This user-pay model ensures that the park is consistently maintained to a higher standard and that all canine visitors meet essential health and licensing requirements, thereby fostering a healthier and safer environment for the entire dog community. For dedicated dog owners who prioritize their pet's well-being and a controlled environment, this upfront investment provides ongoing peace of mind and access to a reliable, clean facility.

The park's convenient location with close-by parking further enhances its appeal for regular local use. As a facility managed by the Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority, it represents a community commitment to providing quality recreational spaces. Despite one review expressing concern about the fee, the overall value proposition for those seeking a secure, well-managed, and socially beneficial off-leash environment for their dogs makes Countryside Veterinary Dog Park an ideal and indispensable part of the local landscape for Howell's dog-owning residents.