Taking a large dog to Iowa parks
State parks want the dog leashed or confined, and city dog parks come with permits.
01State parks
The Iowa DNR state park rules says privately owned animals must be on a leash of at most six feet or confined, may not run at large, and may not be left unattended in campgrounds. The Iowa DNR cabin and yurt rules limits dog-friendly cabins to two dogs each. Iowa DNR press releases also say pets are prohibited on state park beaches.
02Specific areas
The Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area page says pets are not allowed in the fenced beach area at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area in Linn County. The Mines of Spain Recreation Area leaflet says all dogs must be on leash at all times at the Mines of Spain Recreation Area south of Dubuque.
03Des Moines dog parks
The Des Moines dog parks page lists an annual permit, handlers at least 16 years old, no females in heat, and says high-risk dogs must remain on a leash in the dog park.
04What it says about the dog
A dog that stays composed around joggers, children and other dogs is the one every park rule assumes. Ask any provider to show that in public.
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