What Research Shows About Dog Park Infection Risks

Multiple studies have found that gastrointestinal parasites and other infectious agents are commonly detected in dogs visiting dog parks:

• A large U.S. study found that at least one intestinal parasite was detected in about 20% of dogs visiting dog parks, and such parasites were present in over 80% of the parks studied. The most common were Giardia, hookworms (Ancylostoma), and whipworms (Trichuris). Source

• Parasites have also been documented in dog park environments internationally, in a study from Portugal, about one-third of fecal samples and many soil samples contained parasite eggs or cysts, including some with potential risks to humans and animals. Source

These findings reinforce that dog parks can be reservoirs for infectious agents. Having this information is not to discourage use, but to highlight the importance of prevention and responsible practices.

Why Prevention Matters

Infections like intestinal parasites can affect dogs of all ages and lifestyles, especially when multiple animals congregate in shared spaces. Although not all exposures result in clinical illness, untreated infections can:

• Spread to other dogs

• Contaminate the environment

• In some cases, pose zoonotic risks (meaning potential transmission to humans under certain conditions)

Routine preventive health measures, including parasite control medications, regular veterinary check-ups, and up-to-date vaccinations significantly reduce these risks. According to veterinary research, dogs receiving parasite preventives were substantially less likely to test positive for intestinal nematodes. Source

BarkPass & Prevention: Turning Insight into Action

BarkPass can support healthier, safer dog park environments through features that encourage and verify health compliance:

✔️ Verified Licensing & Health Status

By tying park access to verified licensing and compliance with local health requirements, municipalities can:

• Encourage up-to-date vaccinations and parasite control as part of license eligibility

• Provide park users with increased confidence in shared spaces

• Help reduce the entry of animals with unknown health status

This verification creates a baseline standard for park entry, not as a barrier, but as a preventive safety measure.

✔️ Education and Communication

Verified systems like BarkPass can also be used to share preventive health reminders at key moments:

• Licensing renewals

• Park Access Control

• Seasonal parasite risk alerts

This helps reinforce best practices (parasite control, fecal cleanup, regular vet visits) right when they matter most.

✔️ Data-Driven Local Awareness

Aggregated, de-identified BarkPass data can help communities understand usage patterns and compliance trends, which in turn can support public health messaging and preventive campaigns tailored to local needs.

A Balanced, Health-Focused Approach

Dog parks are valuable community assets, and with the right combination of preventive health practices and verification systems, they can also be safer environments for dogs and their families.

The research is clear: infection risks exist where animals interact, but they are manageable with awareness, routine veterinary care, and compliance with health standards. BarkPass supports this by helping communities foster environments where verification and prevention go hand in hand.