Dog-friendly Äänekoski
Everyday life with a dog in Äänekoski is easy and varied.
According to the Public Order Act, dogs should always be kept on a leash in built-up areas. Dogs may only be kept loose in built-up areas
- in dog parks
- at dog training facilities
- in fenced yard areas
Even in a fenced yard, dogs must be under the supervision of their owner or keeper, and it is also essential to ensure that the dog cannot escape from the yard.
According to the Hunting Act, during the dog-keeping period from 1.3 March to 19.8 August, dogs must be kept on a leash or in a way that allows them to be immediately leashed when moving around in nature. The leashing period ensures peace for wild animals during their breeding season.
Dogs must be kept on a leash all year round in nature reserves, nature trails maintained by the City of Äänekoski, and similar nature hiking destinations. Dogs that are left loose are particularly disruptive to the nesting peace of birds.
Äänekoski dog park
There is a dog park and a sandpit suitable for dog training in the Äänekoski wide bay at Rahastajantie 7. Next to the dog park is also a winter frisbee golf course, where dogs are allowed. The dog park has separate areas for large and small dogs.
The Äänekoski dog park has separate enclosures for large and small dogs, where dogs can run free. There is also a sandbox for dog training near the enclosure.
Please read the dog park rules carefully before bringing your pet to the park. It is important that your dog gets along with other dogs and that they are kept in an enclosure that is appropriate for their size. It is also the owner's responsibility to clean up any dog waste immediately and place it in the designated bin. This way, as many dogs as possible can enjoy the outdoors and play with other dogs safely.
| Dog park rules: |
| The dog park is intended for dogs. The dog walker is always responsible for the dog. Children in the park are the responsibility of the parent. |
| The dog must be vaccinated. Please do not bring a grumpy, sick or in heat dog to the park. |
| Small dogs (>40cm) and large dogs go outside in their own areas. |
| Toys, balls and sticks do not belong inside the fences. |
| Keep your dog loose in the enclosure. It is recommended to remove the leash and collar. |
| Keep the park clean. Pick up any waste in the designated container. If your dog digs a hole, cover it. |
| Please leave the park in at least as good a condition as it was when you arrived. This way we ensure that the park is enjoyable for all users, including ourselves. |
| Have fun playing! |
Dog swimming spots
The city of Äänekoski does not have an official swimming area for dogs, but in principle you can swim your dog anywhere, as long as the dog does not get to the public beach. Äänekoski has plenty of pedestrian paths along the water's edge, where you can also swim.
The public beaches of the city of Äänekoski can be found here. Dogs are not allowed to swim in them.
Outdoor activities and hiking
You can walk with your dog in nature in Äänekoski and on the outdoor trails maintained by the city. However, please always keep your dog on a leash in built-up areas.
According to the Public Order Act, dogs must be kept on a leash when moving around in built-up areas. Dog and cat owners must ensure that the animal does not have access to public beaches, children's playgrounds, the market during market hours, sports fields or public ski trails.
Dog skiing
There are two dog runs maintained by the villagers, they are located in Koivisto and Honkola. The route is about 7 kilometers in total. In addition, there are numerous trails maintained by private individuals on a purely hobby basis.
To shop and stay
In Äänekoski, you can also take your dog with you when shopping and staying. Many shops welcome furry friends to come shopping. Accommodation providers also offer various options for those traveling with dogs. Please check with the service provider in advance whether you can take your dog with you.
Services for dogs
Äänekoski offers numerous services for dogs. Dog massage, grooming, training and of course veterinary services. It's a good place for your dog to grow up!
Active hobbies, communities and exhibitions
There are a lot of dogs in a dog-friendly city and it is also reflected in the strong sense of community. Äänekoski has active recreational activities and several different sports opportunities for dog enthusiasts. You don't have to be alone in the dog park, but a special group has been created for that purpose, which you can ask for company in the park. Äänekoski also organizes various dog shows and joint dog events.
Dogs as part of everyone's everyday life
Dogs play a special role in everyday life in Äänekoski. Suolahti Comprehensive School has its own training dog, Nelli, who works with the students.
The Mintake Activity Center uses dogs in training and rehabilitation work. Unna the dog visits the facility weekly. Unna participates in various activities, such as playing bingo, reading and going outdoors, which bring joy to daily routines.
In an outdoor-friendly activity with a dog, dog owners cheer up elderly seniors by taking them outside for exercise.
Dog poop stickers
The dog owner is responsible for picking up their dog's waste year-round.
The dog poop dump is the outdoor trash of a small house, where the owner of the property has given permission for passing dog walkers to drop a tied bag of dog poop. The city of Äänekoski distributes free of charge Koirankakkaroskis stickers to attach to the trash cans owned by small houses.
Property owners can apply for a Koirankakakaroskis sticker from the ground floor lobby of Äänekoski City Hall or from libraries. They can mark their own waste bin with a sticker that tells dog walkers that a sealed dog poop bag can be placed in that bin.
If you wish, you can register your labeled trash can at www.koirankakkaroskis.fi, so the location of the trash can is also visible online.
Please note that in Äänekoski, dog poop bags are not allowed to be placed in the outdoor trash cans of playgrounds.
Thank you for helping to keep Äänekoski clean!
Dogs in the Public Order Act
Public Order Act, Section 14
Dog discipline
To maintain public order and safety, the owner or keeper of a dog must:
- keep dogs on a leash in built-up areas;
- ensure that the dog does not have access to a public beach, an area reserved for children's playgrounds, a market during market hours, a fitness trail or other similar running track, a track or sports field renovated for public use, unless specifically permitted;
- Care must be taken to ensure that dog feces do not remain in the environment in a managed area in a built-up area.
The provisions of subsection 1, paragraphs 1 and 2, do not apply to a state-owned dog used in official duties, a guard dog on guard duty, a trained rescue dog on service duty, an assistance dog for the physically disabled, or a guide dog for the visually impaired.
The provisions of subsection 1, paragraph 1, do not apply to enclosed yards, dog training areas or specially designated fenced walking areas. However, even in these places, the dog must be under the supervision of its owner or keeper.
The provisions of subsection 1, paragraph 2 also apply to cats. The provisions of subsection 1, paragraphs 1 and 2 also apply to horses and, where applicable, other domestic or pet animals.
Learn about the Public Order Act in Finlex
For more information:
City gardener Tiina Nejlik, 040 528 5553, tiina.nejlik@aanekoski.fi
