Owners dress for the occasion
The dog park is exactly that: an outdoor field. It's open to the elements, muddy with soggy grass, possibly the odd ninja poo and a wee bit uneven. Leave the Jimmy Choos at home.
The small print (and other stuff you need to know)
First things first, please check the dog park is suitable for your pup(s). We've taken as many precautions as we can to keep everyone contained and safe, but ultimately it's your decision to go ahead with your playdate. We can't accept any liability for humans, canines or cars — it's all on you.
Nature is unpredictable
Our dog parks are a slice of countryside paradise, perfect for zoomies and sniffaris, and they do have trees featuring quite heavily. While we do our best to keep things safe with regular checks, remember, nature can be unpredictable. Just like the uneven ground, the trees and branches are part of the scenery, and occasionally a twig (or bigger bit) might decide to make a surprise landing. So while we want you and your furry pal to have a blast, please keep an eye on your surroundings, especially if it's breezy or a 3 peg day, and use the park at your own risk. Your safety, and your dog's, is always top priority.
Tell us if something's broken
Tell us if you notice something broken or have a suggestion to improve the dog park — we don't bite.
Bring water
Bring water with you for both you and your pups. There is no water source in The Glade Rothiemurchus. The water tap in The Field Inverness is temperamental and for thirsty dogs, not filling paddling pools or creating a luxury mud bath. Please turn the tap off after use.
Lift any solids
Do us a solid and lift any solids. The dog park is for everyone — please help us maintain the hygiene levels you'd expect. Please pick up after your dog regardless of whether it's on short or long grass, we need to use a strimmer occasionally. If you see a ninja poo loitering, then help us out and pick it up too. There are bins on site for disposal and poo bag holders all around the park.
No smoking, no vaping
We love a good sniff-adventure, but there are some things our pups should never put their noses on. That's why we're a no smoking, no vaping zone — nicotine is incredibly toxic to pups who might find a dropped vape or cigarette, and with all our beautiful trees, we need to be extra vigilant about the wildfire risk from discarded cigarettes and batteries. So please, help us protect the park and its precious visitors by keeping all smoking and vaping materials secured in the car.
Be punctual, but not early
Nothing worse than the feeling of being watched. Please don't arrive for your playdate early and allow the previous owner time to finish up. If they're having trouble herding the troops, stay in your car with your pup(s) and be sympathetic. They've seen you and will be doing their best to capture their Houdini. Call us if it's not going well.
Equally, if you know your dog is going to chuck a toddler tantrum when it's time to leave, don't leave it until the last minute to try and lasso the evasive wee monkey.
Carpark security
Please lock both gates behind you and keep dogs on lead until they're in the actual park. Plus, in autumn it rains conkers in The Field Inverness carpark, which are not dog-friendly.
Owners stay and play
Dogs should not be left unattended to party alone or without a grown-up (16+). Monitor what they're exploring and ensure they're not putting our safety precautions to the test. A determined dog might get hurt and nobody wants that.
Dancing in the dark
If you are using the dog park before sunrise or after sunset, go old skool and have a 1990s rave with Globalls, light-up collars and head torches. Don't rely on your phone torch — it drains your battery and you're snookered. There is no lighting, it's country dark, and as highlighted earlier: it's a field.
Cancellation policy
Changes must be made 24 hours in advance of your playdate start time — this applies to reschedules, cancellations and refunds. If you try to do this with less than 24 hours' notice, the computer will say no, and you'll need to call us.
Poorly pups postpone playdates
Please don't share this type of love at the dog parks — help us keep all the pups in our pack healthy and happy. If your dog has a cough, a runny tummy, or has been sick, please reschedule a minimum of 48 hours after the last episode. Absence is the best kind of love to share.
In essence
Use common sense, stay safe, and have fun.
