FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Bark Park is located at the intersection of Rt 6 and Shank Painter Road in Provincetown. Parking and main entrance access from Route 6 going East. See map.

  • The park is open from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year.

    Please note that during snowy winters, Pilgrim Bark Park’s parking lot will not be plowed and the walkways will not be shoveled. Enter at your own risk.

  • Yes. Please read them here.

  • It is recorded that in addition to the Pilgrims, an English Mastiff and English Springer Spaniel were aboard the Mayflower when it landed in Provincetown on November 11, 1620. We have named our dog park Pilgrim Bark Park in honor of those first canine explorers of Cape Cod.

  • Although a public park, Pilgrim Bark Park is privately funded. The park is open 365 days a year, from dawn to dusk. The park is open to all at no cost.

  • The Provincetown Dog Park Association, Inc. was created to build and maintain an off-leash dog park in Provincetown. The park is entirely funded by private donations.

    The park has no maintenance staff and relies on its users to keep it clean. You can communicate with the Directors of the park at provincetowndogpark@comcast.net. We welcome your comments and suggestions.

  • Pilgrim Bark Park sits atop an effluent field which consists of a grid system below its surface so we cannot dig more than 2 feet into the ground or have any tree root systems. We extended the west fence into the existing trees for shade and installed two benches there. In the small dog section we have some shade during the afternoon created by the Indian sculpture, and in the morning there is shade by the water fountain.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 others’ dog(s), it’s time to leave the park.

  • 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. Raise the hind legs of the dog who is biting which will usually result in his/her releasing their bite.

    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.

  • Pilgrim Bark Park is self policing and rules are in place to ensure the safety of all visitors. 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. However if someone still refuses to comply, the next step would be to call Provincetown Police at 508-487-1212.

  • Food and beverages in glass containers are prohibited.

    Food quickly and inevitably becomes a source of aggression for dogs. In addition, people might bring food toxic to dogs, like chocolate, grapes, and raisins.

  • A dog park is not the setting for dog training using treats. Treats can quickly become a source of aggression for dogs.

  • 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.

  • Yes. Each dog must be licensed and wearing its tags. A current rabies vaccination is also necessary.

    Residents of Provincetown can register their dog at Town Hall.

  • A new puppy’s immunity isn’t strong enough to fight off any bacteria they may encounter in the dog park so in order to be safe in the park, all dogs must have had all their shots including rabies. In addition, all dogs must be spayed and neutered.

  • • 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.

    • It is up to the users of PBP to work with each other in a friendly manner to keep the park safe for all.

    • If you do not feel safe, call Provincetown Police at 508-487-1212.

  • 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 the Provincetown Police at 508-487-1212 to report the incident.

  • Please make sure you have picked up your dog’s poop, and that all gates are securely closed behind you.