Page last updated on November 9, 2022 at 5:08 pm
Our goal is to foster a safe area where dogs are socialized to have good manners. Always be considerate of others and help make your dog park an enjoyable, healthy, educational place for dogs and their owners.
If a dog fight or bite occurs, contact the City of Bloomington Animal Control at (812) 349-3492 to report the incident.
The Ferguson Dog Park and Switchyard Park Dog Park are for dogs and their owners/handlers only. Other types of animals are prohibited.
The following are not allowed in the dog park: rawhides, food (dog or human), glass containers, alcoholic beverages, or smoking. Small training treats only are allowed.
Humans at the Ferguson and Switchyard Dog Parks
- Dog owners/handlers are legally responsible for the actions of their dog(s). Any damages resulting from any dog's behavior at the Ferguson Dog Park are attributable to the dog's individual owner/handler.
- Owners/handlers are expected to comply with all applicable ordinances, regulations and laws governing dogs.
- The City of Bloomington does not supervise visitors at the Ferguson Dog Park, and therefore dog park patrons are individually responsible for guarding against the risks posed by unleashed dogs.
- Violators of these rules are subject to immediate removal from the dog park.
- Maximum two dogs per individual.
- Owners/handlers must carry a leash for their dog(s) at all times.
- Children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
- Clean up after your dog. Poop scoop bags and a waste receptacle are available on the premises for your convenience.
- Owners/handlers must remain in control and in sight of their dog(s) at all times. Do not leave dogs unattended.
- Please fill in any holes your dog might dig.
Dogs at the Ferguson and Switchyard Dog Parks
- Puppies under four months of age may not use the park.
- Dogs must be spayed/neutered to use the Ferguson Dog Park.
- Aggressive dogs are not allowed. If your dog displays an aggressive temperament, please keep him or her at home. Any dog declared Potentially Dangerous or Vicious by either the City of Bloomington Animal Care & Control Commission or Monroe County Animal Care & Control Commission is prohibited from using the dog park.
- Tennis balls only. Other types of dog toys cause fights.
- Dogs must be up to date on all required vaccinations, which include rabies, Bordetella, and distemper/parvovirus combo vaccines. If your dog is sick please do not bring him or her to the dog park.
How to Use the Ferguson and Switchyard Dog Parks
- Enter the double-gated transition area only if there are no other dogs or people in it.
- Once in the transition area, remove your dog's leash. Dogs may feel threatened if they are leashed in the presence of unleashed dogs.
- Once you and your dog(s) have entered the park, move away from the entrance to help disperse dogs that have come over to welcome the newcomers.