Hello, wonderful members of the Rincon Hill Dog Park community!

As you may know, San Francisco has recently been impacted by fire smoke. We love seeing you and your four-legged friends enjoy the park, but your pet’s safety is our top priority. That’s why we’re sharing some key points on how to protect your dog during this season.

Checking Air Quality Index (AQI)

Before heading out to the park, make sure you check the AQI to determine whether it’s safe for outdoor activities. You can refer to websites like AirNow or apps that offer real-time air quality data. Google offers another option that shows pockets of smoke and, at the time of this post, our neighborhood was in the orange range.

Short Walks Over Long Runs

If you find that the AQI is at an acceptable but not ideal level, consider shortening your visit to the park. A brief walk will allow your dog to stretch their legs while minimizing their exposure to harmful particles in the air.

Indoor Fun & Games

If the AQI levels are too high, it’s better to opt for some indoor fun. Here are some indoor activities to consider:

Tug-of-War: A good old game of tug-of-war can keep your dog entertained.

Hide and Seek: Hide some of your dog’s favorite toys around the house and let them find them.

Food Puzzles: These are great for mental stimulation.

We’re all in this together, and by taking these precautions, we’re doing our best to ensure our pets stay healthy and happy. Stay safe, and we look forward to seeing you and your pooches at the park soon!

Woofs ‘n wags,

The Volunteer Team

Photo credit goes to Photo by Michael Oxendine on Unsplash