Arboretum Dog Policy and Rules for Registered Dogs 

The Morgan Arboretum is a multi-use facility dedicated to forest conservation, university teaching and research, as well as public recreation and education. Dog walking in the Arboretum is a privilege which is restricted to registered dogs only.

There are 500 annual memberships, each with dog privileges (maximum of 2 registered dogs).  There is a waiting list to register dogs, and once a space is available, various conditions need to be met before a dog is registered and admitted to the Arboretum. There is a fee in addition to the membership fee for each dog registered.

The following basic rules must be acknowledged and followed by all registered dog owners:

 

 

Dog Rules:

• Only registered dogs with current vaccinations are permitted to enter the Arboretum and each dog must wear its ID tag at all times.

• Park only in the designated dog car park. Show your coloured dog card when you stop at the entrance. In the parking lot display it in full view on the dashboard.

• Feces are to be picked up immediately and placed in the provided receptacles.

• Each member is fully responsible for their dog(s) and will be held accountable for their behaviour. Dogs must be within sight, on trails (not loose in the woods) and under the owner’s command at all times.

• Dogs may be on the three designated trails (Yellow, Orange and Red). Dogs are not allowed on the Blue, Black (Snowshoe) or Green Trails or any other trail not specifically designated for dog use. Walk in a clockwise direction on the Orange Trail to reduce face to face encounters with other dogs and users of the Arboretum. Ski with your dog on the Yellow Trail only.

• Leash your dog around the Conservation Centre, in the parking lots and when the white board on-leash sign is posted and whenever appropriate during special events.

• Aggression of any sort, actual or perceived is forbidden and bears serious consequences. Dogs that bite will have their access privileges revoked immediately. Uninvited/unwanted approaches towards people or other dogs must be prevented.

 

Regulations:

• Pit Bull and Pit Bull crosses are prohibited in the Arboretum.

• Dogs without valid Arbo dog tags DO NOT have access to the Arboretum with the sole exception of dogs providing essential support to handicapped visitors - eg: seeing-eye dogs.

• Memberships with dog privileges are limited to 500 with the maximum number of dogs per membership being set at two (2).

  • A member is required to contact the gatehouse before acquiring a new dog to replace a currently registered dog, or before bringing in a second dog. Every new dog must be evaluated before access to the Arboretum is granted.

  • The cost of a membership with dog privileges includes an extra fee for each dog. Renewal of membership must be received by May 31st to retain the dog privileges.

  • Any recorded complaints against a dog will be considered before renewal is granted.

If a member ignores any of the aforementioned rules and regulations, the lack of respect or act of non-compliance will be recorded in the gatehouse database, and the owner notified. In the event that more than two (2) demerits are recorded, the member will forfeit their dog privileges.

There will be no leniency if a member is jeopardizing the rights and privileges of the other dog members or other users of the Arboretum through careless or thoughtless actions.