Ames Dog Park (Fee Required)
Ames Dog Park is a well-maintained, membership-based park with separate fenced areas for small and large dogs, offering plenty of open grassy space and paved paths for walking. It is wheelchair accessible and provides a safe environment for dogs to run off-leash. The park fosters socialization among dogs and is highly regarded by locals, though it lacks agility equipment and covered shelters. Visitors should be aware of certain reactive dogs and the park’s limited hours, but overall it is considered the best dog park in the area.
Reviews
Great big open area to take dogs.
1. The price is a big thing to point out. It’s 90$ a year to get the tags so my dogs are allowed in. Which, in all honesty, is fantastic. That’s like a NULL.50 monthly subscription. It’s very worth it, considering I have 2 high-energy breeds that I take nearly every day.
2. It’s great socialization. There are usually other dogs there. My older dog prefers playing with just me, and his younger brother will leave to play with other dogs.
3. There is so much room, and I can’t stress that enough.
Negatives-
1. I have met some very reactive dogs there. This is a college town, and students don’t seem to want to take responsibility for their animals… but these are animals. And they can be rather unpredictable. Just make sure to keep an eye on your pets.
2. No equipment. Which isn’t that big a deal, unless your training. It’s just something I noticed.
3. Not 24 hours. I know other parks in other places are, and it would be great to take them on night walks to the park.
All in all, the best dog park in our area.
My dog LOVES the Ames dog park! There is so much room for him to just run around and be a dog! The park is big enough that even at busy times, we can find a nice spot for him to chase his ball. The people and other dogs are also all very friendly, I think I like to go as much as he does!
Don’t waste waste your time if you’re traveling through. Must have local membership. But if you have a leash, there’s plenty of area to walk your dog outside the fence. The Ames shelter is nearby and you could pay the annual fee, but they’re only open after noon.
I lived in Ames for awhile years back. Now we moving back to Ames and love and excited to be a member again. I think it is worth money. Though dont understand why hubby has to pay 12.00 to have app also. But if they didnt charge the park would be a junk area. It takes money to keep it up.
It was great that the large and small dogs have separate areas separated by fence. Sidewalk is available for easy walking and large grass areas for play.