The First ‘Dogs at the Downs’ Event is Happening Next Week

Hawkeye Downs will officially open their weekly indoor dog park next Wednesday!

My dog Tater is absolutely obsessed with going to the dog park. Our favorite one to visit is K9 Acres at Squaw Creek in Marion, but unfortunately, we won't be able to visit as much in the coming months. Neither of us does well in the cold! That's why I'm excited about the upcoming 'Dogs at the Downs' event at Hawkeye Downs in Cedar Rapids. The Hawkeye Downs website reads:

"Join us Wednesday nights this fall through spring for Dogs at the Downs, an indoor, climate-controlled, off-leash dog park right here in Cedar Rapids! We’ll provide a place for your pup to play, along with a mini vendor market, and don’t forget to snag a snack and an adult beverage!"

The first 'Dog at the Downs' event will take place next Wednesday, October 14th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 4400 6th Street SW. The cost is $5 per dog. The rest of the event dates are:

• November 4th & 18th
• December 2nd & 16th
• January 6th & 20th
• February 3rd & 24th
• March 10th

Before you make plans to attend, though, you need to be aware of the rules in place to keep both the pups and the owners safe. For example, you will need to show proof that your dog has the Bordetella vaccine, distemper vaccine, and rabies vaccine, and that they're dewormed before you're admitted. In addition, dogs under three months of age, dogs that have injured a person by biting, and female dogs in heat are not allowed. For a full list of rules and guidelines for the event, click HERE.