The Victorian government is scouting more locations to build and upgrade dog parks across the state.
Applications for round two of the new and upgraded dog parks program are now open with $5 million worth of grants available for councils to put forward new ideas for dog parks or ones that are in need of an upgrade.
This funding builds on the $7.6 million that was allocated in round one of the program.
Grants of up to $300,000 are available to deliver projects that enable people to socialise and exercise their dogs off-leash.
This encourages healthy play and socialisation for dogs and also supports the health and well-being of their owners..
The pet census showed that dogs are Victoria’s most popular pet and that 71 per cent of dog owners exercised their dogs off leash in designated off leash areas, parks and beaches.
Minister for water Harriet Shing, said that since dogs are the most popular pet in Victoria, it’s important to have places for people to spend time with man’s best friend.
“We want Victorians to help sniff out the best locations for new dog parks which will be designed in consultation with the community to make sure it’s the pawfect place for both owners and dogs to enjoy,” she said.
The dog park locations will be announced early next year following a competitive grants process open to all Victorian councils.
All projects will undergo community consultation before designs are made final.
For more information and to apply visit, environment.vic.gov.au/dog-parks.
