News and Events

These items are blog entries. Click on a bolded title to comment.

Volunteer!

Now that we have 7 off-leash areas (OLAs), we need to ensure they're successful. What can you do to help? Volunteer! There are volunteers for each OLA, and DogPAC and Bend Park and Recreation District welcome more. The commitment is flexible, and this is a chance to "give back" while you're already at the OLAs.  Contact Kim Johnson at Parks and Rec for more info.

Check out the map/brochure

Our brochure is now in pet and outdoor businesses around Bend. And check out the electronic copy. The inside includes the map and directions. The outside (large file, 5 MB) includes the cover and etiquette tips.

Top 10 Reasons #1

Here's entry #1 in my "Top 10 reasons to take your dog to the park/forest" -- It's a good excuse to get outside and enjoy Central Oregon's great weather.  What's on your Top 10 list of reasons?  Let me know and I'll share it via the blog!

Etiquette

The more we practice good dog etiquette, the stronger our case for access. We'll develop more specific etiquette guides for trails, dog parks, etc. In the meantime, here are some general tips to get started.

Welcome!

We are an organization dedicated to keeping Central Oregon dog-friendly and providing off-leash opportunities in city parks and on forest trails. We believe in responsible dog guardianship -- in our homes, in our neighborhoods, in our parks, and in our forests -- for the sake and safety of our dogs and our community.

Since 2007, dog guardians have been working with the Bend Metro Parks and Recreation District (Bend Parks and Rec) and the U.S. Forest Service to improve off-leash access in Central Oregon. Together, we have made progress:

• Bend Parks and Rec has opened a system of 7 off-leash areas (OLAs).
• The Forest Service relaxed the 2003 restrictions on off-leash access along the Deschutes River Trail and in the Three Sisters Wilderness.
• Dog guardians worked with the Forest Service to create Oregon's first dog-friendly groomed ski/snowshoe trail at Wanoga Sno-park.

We believe that adequate opportunities for off-leash access will benefit both dog guardians and the "off-leash averse." The experiences of other communities, in Oregon and around the country, demonstrate that Bend and Central Oregon can be dog-friendly, while still respecting the interests of the off-leash averse.

Join the pack (click on links on left sidebar or bottom of page) and help us provide off-leash opportunities in Central Oregon. You can also support our efforts by making a donation.  DogPAC is a non-profit organization, 501(c)(3) status pending.

Our vision

A community in which dog guardians have access to public lands that provide quality and convenient recreation experiences. Dog guardians are responsible and considerate of others; all residents are tolerant of each other and willingly share public spaces. Dogs help connect residents with each other, thereby strengthening community bonds.