Doggie Bags now at Balboa Park!

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There are now dispensers with plastic bags at the doggie area at Balboa Park. If you're a dog owner/walker please feel free to use them. If you are a friend or neighbor with extra bags, please help keep the dispensers stocked. Thanks to Peter Smith who shared this good news on May 2nd.

Off-Leash Dog Play Area is Official!

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On March 22nd, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held to help celebrate the change. SF Recreation and Park was on hand with bags, photos were taken, and dogs celebrated with their furry friends. SF Rec & Park will be installing more benches in the park, along with a low "barrier" to demarcate the off-leash area. Thanks to everyone who helped make this a reality.  For more information, click here.

Be Aware of Dog Flu

On January 11, 2018, a news story in SF Gate talks about a dog flu outbreak.

Coyote Spotted at Balboa Park and later on Cotter St.

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A coyote was spotted at Balboa Park and later on Cotter St. on Friday, November 17th, 2017. Coyotes are part of the ecosystem here in San Francisco, and it's not uncommon for them to be seen traveling between larger parks, such as McLaren Park and Glen Park just to the east and northwest of Mission Terrace. This story in SFGate talks about their history and the reasons behind coyote policies in our city.  Here is further information from SF's Animal Care & Control, about how what to do when you see a coyote. 
  • Do NOT let your dog interact with a coyote.
  • Never turn your back on a coyote or run from a coyote.
  • If you encounter a coyote, shout, wave your arms, throw small rocks. The goal is to appear threatening to frighten the coyote away, not to injure it. It is unlawful to harass or injure coyotes.
  • Carry a cane/stick, an air horn or a whistle with you on walks to frighten a coyote away.
  • Never let a coyote come between you and your child or pet.
Don't panic neighbors, but do stay alert. (Additional photo & video can be found on our News page.)

Protecting Off-Leash Activity in our City

Under bipartisan support, Rep. Speier passes an amendment to protect off-leash fun for our pups in certain parks and beaches, supporting "a 40 year tradition" to allow our furry family members to run free and play. While the bill still needs to be approved by the Senate, it is a very positive step for those who wish to continue our traditions of providing places for our pups to play.

Dog-Gala Celebration

After multiple years and much neighborhood support, the north-west triangle of Balboa Park, along the upper block of Havelock Street, was approved as an off-leash dog play area. (SF Recreation & Park Commissioners Mtg, July 20, 2017). On Friday, September, 2017, despite record-breaking temperatures, a number of the dog-guardians and their furry family members, gathers to celebrate this success. 
Information on fences/signage/doggie-bag station, etc will be coming soon.

Responsible Dog Guardians

PicturePrudence, Monty, & Maggie
There has been a regular crew at Balboa Park for many years, and a general rule, work together to ensure a safe and clean area for humans and canines to gather and have fun together.

Here is neighbor Prudence Hull with her dogs Monty and Maggie. She not only is a responsible dog guardian, but also cares for the park, taking time to clean the street drains along Balboa Triangle dog play area. 

Woof!  That's a good looking bunch!

Do you have a furry family member (dog or cat) to add below?  Email us a photo with your pet's name and we'll add it!

In Memoriam... Chiquita

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Those that frequent Balboa Park, likely have met Chiquita and her guardian, Chelsea. Sadly, on December 3rd, Chiquita was attacked and killed by a large dog which reportedly does not frequent the park. Funds are being raised to help with the costly vet bills that remain for this sweet senior special needs dog, and we hope it will provide a cushion so that Chelsea and Keith may bring another deserving pup into their loving home.