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Frequently Asked Questions
ARE THERE ANY RULES?
IS PILGRIM BARK PARK A PUBLIC PARK?
WHO TAKES CARE OF PILGRIM BARK PARK?
CAN I KEEP MY DOG ON A LEASH?
CAN PEOPLE OR DOGS GET HURT AT A DOG PARK?
HOW CAN I AVOID A DOG FIGHT?
WHAT CAN I DO IF A DOG FIGHT OCCURS?
WHAT IF I SEE SOMEONE BREAKING THE RULES?
CAN I BRING FOOD INTO PILGRIM BARK PARK?
CAN I BRING TREATS INTO THE PARK FOR MY DOG?
CAN I BRING MY CHILDREN TO THE PARK?
DOES MY DOG NEED A LICENSE TO COME TO PILGRIM BARK PARK?
CAN MY NEW PUPPY COME TO PILGRIM BARK PARK?
WHAT SHOULD I DO ABOUT AN AGGRESSIVE DOG?
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF SOMEONE IS BITTEN AT THE PARK?
Are there any rules?
Yes. Please look for the rules and regulations posted in the park and
on our About the Park page.
Is Pilgrim Bark Park a public park?
Yes. The park is open to all at no cost from dawn to dusk.
Who takes care of Pilgrim Bark Park?
The Provincetown Dog Park Association, Inc. was created to build and
maintain an off-leash dog park in Provincetown. The Association is made
up of four volunteer Directors. The park is entirely funded by private
donations and grants. The park has no maintenance staff and relies on
its users to keep it clean. We welcome your comments and suggestions.
You can communicate with the Directors of the park at provincetowndogpark@comcast.net.
Can I keep my dog on a leash?
Please unleash your dog in the entry area BEFORE you enter either the
small dog or general dog section. Mixing leashed and unleashed dogs
commonly causes problems. Leashed dogs often feel threatened by the
free dogs and will display provocative body language and defensive behavior.
If you are uncomfortable about letting your dog off-leash, PLEASE DO
NOT visit the park.
Can people or dogs get hurt at a dog park?
Unfortunately, yes. Dogs do not always behave in ways we understand.
That is why everyone should act responsibly with their dog and respect
the rights of other people and dogs. Familiarizing yourself with the
dog park rules is a good first step towards providing a safe Pilgrim
Bark Park experience.
How can I avoid a dog fight?
Learn the 4P Warning Signs:
- Posture: A dog's body language can communicate fear, hostility or submission. Learn to read and respond to your own dog's body language, and others. Growling and the showing of teeth, for instance are signs to be aware of.
- Packing: More than two or three dogs behaving as if they're in a pack can lead to trouble. Break it up before it starts by leading your dog to a neutral area at least 30 feet away.
- Possession: Whether it's you or a ball, most dogs will protect what is theirs. Remain aware.
- Provoking: If your dog is continuously annoying another dog (s) it's time to leave the park.
What can I do if a dog fight occurs?
- Keep calm and never reach your hands into the middle of a dog fight. You may get bit, and often by your own dog.
- Distract the dogs and divert their attention. A blast of water from a water bottle, a loud whistle, or the clapping of your hands may work.
- If your dog is not in the fight, make sure he or she does not join in.
- When warranted, exchange contact information with the other dog owner. For more information about dog fights CLICK HERE .
What if I see someone breaking the rules?
Pilgrim Bark Park is self policing. Most times people are unaware of the rules. It is up to all of us to educate and bring the rules and regulations to their attention. If you see someone who is not abiding by the rules (i.e., forgets to pick up poop or is eating or smoking in the park) politely introduce yourself, remind them of the rules, and thank them when they comply. Pilgrim Bark Park is a community park and most of its visitors want to do the right thing.
Can I bring food into Pilgrim Bark Park?
Food is prohibited, as are any beverages in glass containers.
Can I bring treats into the park for my dog?
No food of any kind is allowed in the park.
Can I bring my children to the park?
Yes, but please be aware that PBP is not a playground. Please don't let your children climb on the benches or the fence, and/or chase the dogs. Keep children close and allow no running, screaming or food. Do not allow your children to approach a dog without permission from the dog's handler.
Does my dog need a license to come to Pilgrim Bark Park?
Yes. Each dog must be licensed and wearing its tags. Residents of Provincetown can register their dog at Town Hall. A current rabies vaccination is necessary.
Can my new puppy come to Pilgrim Bark Park?
No. Dogs must be at least four months old and have their rabies shots to come to the park. This is because a puppy's immunity isn't strong enough to fight off any bacteria, etc. they may encounter.
What should I do about an aggressive dog?
• Remove your dog from the situation.
• Politely tell the dog's owner that you feel their dog is aggressive and ask them to control their dog or leave the park. If you do not feel safe, call Provincetown’s Animal Control Officer at 508-487-1212. It is up to the users of PBP to work with each other in a friendly manner to keep the park safe for all.
What should I do if someone is bitten at the park?
Dog bites are rare at dog parks, especially if all users follow the rules and respect other people and dogs. But if someone is bitten:
• Get the person medical attention immediately, including calling 911 if necessary.
• Get the identity of the dog who did the biting and its owner.
• Contact Provincetown's Animal Control Officer at 508-487-1212 to report the incident.