1. Every winter there is an increase in coyote sightings across the area as they are a normal part of the ecosystem here. There are steps you can take to ensure you and pets stay safe as well as the coyotes. Urban coyotes generally stay away from people and pets, however there can be the occasional curious coyote that may approach you and your pet. If you come across a coyote, make a noise such as clapping your hands, blowing a whistle or raising your voice. Pets should always be up to date on their rabies vaccine and when not in the dog park, dogs should always be kept on a leash. Your cats should be kept inside. If you spot a coyote in your neighborhood, there is no need for alarm. Healthy coyotes are active during the day and night. If you come across a coyote that looks ill or injured, please call Animal Control at 703-931-9241
2. There is nothing new to report from the Dec/Jan Newsletter regarding the respiratory disease affecting dogs although several more states have reported cases with the closest being Maryland. Continue to make sure your dogs are current on all vaccines and at the first sign of any of the mentioned symptoms keep you dog isolated and contact your vet.
3. Make sure to keep your dogs in sight at all times in the dog park and to always pick up after them.
4. Shirlington Dog Park closes at sunset every day. Everyone and their dogs MUST be out of the park by then. Trespassers will be fined. See the link on our site for a list of dog parks that are open later: https://shirlingtondogs.org/resources