Public Position Statement: Dogs in public parks
Position: The way that people use and enjoy parks has changed over the years and we must
adapt public policy to reflect this. We believe that responsible dog owners should be allowed to
access township parks to the greatest extent possible. We support reasonable restrictions
such as not allowing dogs in playgrounds. We are committed to working in our districts to
promote responsible dog ownership.
Background: We believe dogs play an incredibly important role in the lives of residents in our
community. Dogs provide companionship, foster social connections, assist in maintaining a
routine, help people get outside walking, and of course are a source of unconditional love. Dog
ownership has a huge positive economic impact as well, from dog walkers, pet sitters, doggie
daycares, pet food and pet supply stores, grooming and veterinarians. This is something the
township should support.
Data:
In 2022, Americans spent over $136 billion on their pets, up nearly 11% from 2021 (American Pet Products Association 2023-2024)
66% of U.S. households (86.9 million homes) own a pet (American Pet Products Association 2023-2024)
Dog ownership specifically has seen a notable increase, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, with households owning dogs rising from 38% to 45% between 2016 and 2020 (American Veterinary Medical Foundation)
According to a 2023 PEW Research study, 97% of Americans view their pets as a member of their family.
According to the 2020 census, Lower Merion Township had a population of 63,633. So there should be anywhere from 24,000 to 28,000 Dog owners.