Activities at your forest preserves

Dog Exercise Area

At the popular Lake County Forest Preserve Dog Exercise Areas, dogs come from Lake County and beyond to play, swim, bark and run off-leash.

A daily or annual permit allows you and your canine companions to all four Lake County Forest Preserve sites designed just for dogs.

Annual Permits

Annual permits are valid for the calendar year only.

• Lake County residents, $44 for the first dog, $18 each additional
• Nonresidents, $120 for the first dog, $56 each additional
• After September 1, fees are reduced for annual permits, good through December 31:
  • Lake County residents $22 for the first dog, $9 each additional
  • Nonresidents, $60 for the first dog, $30 each additional

Daily Permits

Self-pay stations are located in the parking lot of each exercise area. A daily permit allows one day's access to all four Lake County Forest Preserve Dog Exercise Areas. Fill out the specified form, drop a copy with your payment in the locked box and attach the completed permit to your vehicle's rear view mirror. Exact cash or check required.

Purchase a Dog Exercise Area Permit

You'll need the dog's rabies tag number and the license plate number for each car you wish to register.

• Purchase online. A credit card is required.
• Purchase over the phone at 847-367-6640.
• Purchase in person at General Offices in Libertyville (M-F, 8 am - 5 pm) or Operations office (M-F, 6:30 am - 3 pm) at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda.
• Download a printable Dog Exercise Area permit application to apply by mail or fax.

Rules, Regulations & Restrictions

For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, you and your dog are required to adhere to the following while visiting the Lake County Forest Preserve Dog Exercise Areas. Permits may be revoked and/or fines charged for non-adherence to rules

1. A current rabies vaccination tag number is required for each dog registered. Dogs  must be vaccinated. If your dog’s vaccination is not current, which is required by state law, please call your vet. Consult with your vet regarding other recommended vaccinations or preventives. Dogs that are ill will not be allowed in the Dog Areas.
2. Dogs must be leashed while in the parking lots and walkways. Please close the fence gate behind you after entering the off-leash area.
3. No more than three dogs per person are allowed in the area during any one visit.
4. Access to the Dog Area is limited to registered annual and daily permit holders. This application does not serve as a valid permit.
5. Bikes, horses, cats, game animals or birds, firearms, boats, food, dog chews and rawhide are not allowed in the Dog Areas.
6. The Dog Areas may be used for dog exercise, obedience, tracking, retrieving and pointing training.
7. No fishing or swimming by humans allowed.
8. The vehicle sticker must be displayed on the right hand corner of the passenger-side windshield below the tinted area. Stickers are non-transferable.
9. Dogs must be at least four months old before visiting the Dog Areas.
10. Children visiting the Dog Areas must be accompanied by an adult and are expected to behave appropriately. Do not run or chase after dogs, and never attempt to pet other dogs unless permission is granted by that dog’s owner.
11. You must remain on-site with your dog at all times. You are solely responsible for controlling your dog. You must maintain visual contact and voice control of your dog. You are responsible for any injury or damage to other dogs or the public. Dog Area participation is at your own risk.
12. You must pick up after your dog and do your part to keep the Dog Area clean and sanitary. Failure to pick up after your dog could result in a $75 fine. “Mutt Mitt” dog waste dispensers and trash cans are available at each Dog Area.

Restrictions and Regulations

• No game animals or birds used
• No firearms
• No boats
• No horses
• No fishing
• Permit is required

Supervise Your Dog

Closely supervise your dog at all times. Aggressive, uncontrolled dogs are not allowed to enter the Dog Areas. If aggressive behavior is observed, you must leash your dog and remove it from the Dog Area. If complaints are registered for aggressive behavior of your dog or non-adherence to rules, your permit may be revoked and/or fines charged. All incidents are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. At no time should you ever leave the Dog Exercise Area without your dog.