SANDS TOWNSHIP — The Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter’s Paws Dog Park officially reopened on Monday, after being closed since the beginning of June to treat a grub infestation.

Since closing on June 1 to treat and repair the grounds of the park, UPAWS announced that the park is now open again for pet owners and their furry friends to enjoy.

“Thank you, members, for your patience while we repaired the grounds from the grub infestation – your understanding means the world to us. We’re so excited and can’t wait to see you and your pups enjoying the park again,” said UPAWS in a Facebook post announcing the reopening.

UPAWS’ Paws Dog Park requires the purchase of a membership permit for park use, as well as filling out registration packets and submitting vaccination records for each dog planned on being brought to the park.

Memberships are available to purchase at UPAWS during regular business hours, which are from 12 to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays through Sundays. Your veterinarian can also fax your dog’s vaccination record directly to UPAWS at 906-475-6669. The annual membership permit costs $45, and a maximum of four dogs can be registered under it. A FOB key costs $5, and a FOB replacement for a lost key is $10. Registration packets can be found online at upaws.org/paws-park/.

The park is completely fenced in with eight-foot fencing, and is equipped with waste dispensers and trash receptacles. Two entrances, 15 feet apart from each other, lead to the park and an additional fenced-in area for small dogs below 25 pounds to safely interact. Large dogs and small dogs are not allowed in each other’s areas. The corners of the park’s fence have been rounded to avoid incidents and discourage digging, designed to help pets socialize and exercise safely. A water spigot is available in the small and large dog runs. As a precaution for extra health safely, UPAWS asks that pet owners bring their own collapsible/portable water dish for their dog.

Paws Park is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the summer. For more registration information and the park’s policies, please visit UPAWS’ website at upaws.org/paws-park/.

Additional questions relating to the dog park can be emailed to dogpark@upaws.org

Abby LaForest can be reached at 906-228-2500, extension 550. Her email address is alaforest@miningjournal.net