Benefits to city

Legal: liability waivers would relieve the city of New Braunfels of legal responsibility for the actions of dogs inside the park. A dog park would make off-leash activity legal within the dog park

Safety: a large, fenced, safe, and well maintained dog park reduces the likelihood that dogs will be illegally off-leash in other park areas. Off-leash dogs outside of a dog park may interfere with other walkers, bicyclists, and automobiles.

Health: a dog park may improve public health by containing dog waste to one area and reducing dog waste in other park areas. Additionally, dog parks provide a forum for dog owners to discuss canine health, training, veterinary services, etc.

Potential financial gain: a large percentage of New Braunfels residents travel to Austin, San Marcos, and San Antonio to visit those city dog parks. Those who travel outside New Braunfels often spend the day at their destination doing errands or having a meal at a restaurant. Thirty nine percent of American homes have at least one dog[1]. Based on the 22,500 homes in New Braunfels, approximately 8,775 homes contain at least one dog. Keeping New Braunfels residents in New Braunfels to exercise their dogs could mean more revenue for gas stations, grocery stores, coffee shops, restaurants, pet shops, and more.

Promote home ownership: realtors often inquire about the status of a New Braunfels dog park. Dog owners often choose their homes based on yard size and proximity to parks. A permanent dog park could mean more residents. More residents means more property tax revenue.

Promote responsible pet owners: some irresponsible dog owners do not pick up after their dogs while in public parks. Peer pressure at dog parks often results in owners picking up their (and other) dogs’ waste.

Benefits to residents

Helps prevent sedentary lifestyle: a major cause of diabetes and obesity is a sedentary lifestyle[2]. Exercise and diet can reduce or delay the onset of diabetes and obesity by 50%. A leash-free dog park allows highly mobile and immobile citizens a place to exercise their dogs and themselves.

Fight depression and loneliness: pets help fight depression and loneliness and promotes an interest in life.  A dog’s exercise requirements inspire their owners to leave the house. When owners travel to a dog park, they will interact with other dogs and dog owners. Dogs act as a social lubricant and common ground. A bond between a dog and its owner can foster a sense of security[3]. Lack of depression and a heightened sense of security promotes productivity and positivity in the community around us. 

Lower blood pressure: a recent study found that people with hypertension who adopted a dog had lower blood pressure readings than the control group[4]. New Braunfels residents may be more likely to adopt a dog if there is a permanent dog park available.

Reduce stress: a study by the Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition[5] found that pet owners (especially males) were less impacted by stressful situations than non pet owners. A dog park is a wonderful place to walk a dog without the stress of an excited dog pulling on the leash.

Social interaction: New Braunfels dog owners come from a variety of socioeconomic and ethnic groups, whose educational backgrounds and life experiences differ. A dog park gives residents a chance to interact with other dog owners whom they normally would not interact with.

Serve elderly and people with disabilities: oftentimes, it is difficult for the elderly and people with disabilities to properly exercise their dogs. An accessible dog park may provide the only opportunity for elderly and people with disabilities to exercise their dogs.

Benefits to dogs

Proper exercise: adult dogs require approximately 30-60 minutes of exercise per day[6]. A permanent dog park would give dogs and their owners a safe space to get adequate exercise. Additionally, an off-leash dog typically runs throughout its visit to the dog park. A running dog gets more exercise than a walking dog. Therefore, a dog will likely get more exercise at a dog park than while on leash.

Healthier dogs: benefits of exercise include good muscle tone, weight control, heart and lung health, and longer lifespan[7].

 “Better” behaved dogs: insufficient exercise and social attention may result in undesirable behaviors[8]. Undesirable behaviors include hyperactivity, chewing, barking, and attention-getting behaviors. Regular use of a permanent dog park may help reduce undesirable behavior in dogs by providing exercise.

“Better” neighbor: a dog with fewer undesirable behaviors, most especially barking, will be a better canine neighbor.

Socialization: dog parks provide a place for dogs to socialize. Socialization allows dogs to learn rules about personal space, greetings, appropriate play. Proper socialization can reduce fear and aggression in dogs[9].