Van Vorst Dog Park

The Van Vorst Dog Park is an area of the Van Vorst Park in Jersey City, New Jersey, which is designated as a zone for exercising dogs off-leash. Vehicles have to be parked on the streets. Dogs are not permitted to run amok through the main park or cause chaos at the farmers market, which is held on weekends, so keep pup leashed until through the security gate of the dog park. 

There are some busy streets around the dog park, and traffic noise can startle a pup. For safety's sake, make sure the staging gate is fully closed before taking a pup's leash off. This dog park, while it may be in one of Jersey City's classier neighborhoods, is basic but functional. There are two different enclosures which are fenced with metal railings. 

Owners of small fur babies don't need to worry as the railings aren't spaced widely enough to allow even the slimmest of mini mutts to slip through. Both sections are surfaced with small grade gravel which can be dusty when it's hot and is sometimes a little harsh for pups with soft pads. Both off-leash areas can be prone to flooding after rain. 

This Jersey City dog park provides space for dogs which live in an urban environment to have some precious time off-leash. Owners can sit and watch from the wooden gazebo or observe their pup socializing with their canine friends from one of the park benches. Supervising pups is important to make sure play which is just a rough and tumble doesn't escalate into anything more. 

Dogs will be dogs after all, and any hint of aggressive behavior should be nipped in the bud immediately. Keep those vital tags for license and vaccinations on the dog's collar just in case a patrol passes by and asks for them. Keep some poop bags too; they're needed for picking up poop. No dog owner should go anywhere without at least a few in their pocket.