NEW Camp Meeting Dog Policy

Purpose

The purpose of a Dog Policy for the Alberta Conference annual Camp Meeting is to ensure a safe environment for campers, dogs and have minimal impact on wildlife.

Preamble

Dogs can be wonderful companions, and a source of great joy. However, at Foothills Camp and Retreat Centre where campers
live together in close proximity, there are circumstances that dogs may pose risks to other campers or animals. Risks may include, but are not limited to, severe allergy reactions; infectious diseases or parasites; unpredictable or aggressive behaviour; and fearful reactions. At Foothills Camp pets are limited to dogs.

Policy Guidelines

PLEASE NOTE: The New Dog Policy is a trial for 2023

1. Dog free areas are the Lodge, Cabins, central camp meeting area, indoor program space, public washrooms, the Dining Room and play areas (playgrounds, volleyball/ basketball courts, pool area). Accommodations can be made for Service Dogs.
2. All dogs must be registered at the Camp Office.
3. Dogs are to be well behaved and kept under control at all times:
   • Includes but is not limited to crates, kennels, small fenced enclosures*, tie outs* and leashes.
   • Leashes are not to be longer than 6 feet while walking dogs on the campground.
   • Ensure tie outs do not pose a fall risk hazard.
   • Quiet times are 10:00 pm – 7:00 am.
4. Children are to be a minimum age of ten and with sufficient strength to restrain their dog on their own.
5. Children under the age of ten are to be supervised at all times with any dog on the campground.
6. Impact on the campground’s wildlife is to be minimized.
7. Dog feces is to be cleaned up and disposed of in garbage bins by dog’s owner, or the dog walker.
8. Dogs must be free from any infectious disease.
9. Dogs must have up-to-date immunizations and it is strongly recommended that dogs be on a flea treatment regime.
10. Dogs that exhibit the following behaviours to other animals, children or adults will require stronger boundaries/control measures:
    • Ferocious barking
    • Lunging
    • Growling, snarling or snapping
    • Outside continuous barking for more than 15 seconds without correction
11. Dog behaviour that is concerning to any camper is to be handled according to the following process:
    • Strongly encouraged to communicate directly with the dog’s owner.
    • If the situation is unresolved, the concerned camper is to contact the Security Coordinator and/or the Camp Superintendent or come to the Camp Office to call these individuals who will attempt to mediate an agreeable solution.
12. If aggressive behaviour escalates or results in harm to another animal or person:
    • Restrain the dog/s
    • Initiate first aid and contact the Nursing Station
    • Report the incident immediately to the Security Coordinator and/ or the Camp Superintendent
13. Camp operations, as necessary, will require the dog owner to make alternate boarding arrangements off the campground if a dog’s behaviour is deemed to be a safety risk or if Dog Policies are not adhered to.

* Only if owners are present