PAW-NINSULA

Dog Ownership is Trending in Bayonne

Buddy

By Daniel Israel

Pet ownership has risen to an all-time high during the COVID-19 pandemic. Amid anxiety and sadness caused during the lockdown and the unknown of the virus, people far and wide sought the comfort of furry friends. The ownership rate of cats and especially dogs increased tremendously.

In Bayonne, the trend was already on the rise preCOVID, with many residents already owning dogs. Dog ownership has also been shown to increase with gentrifi cation, something that Bayonne is experiencing through its ongoing redevelopment boom. Even some of the luxury residential developments going up in the city are now starting to incorporate dog parks into their architectural designs.

Dog parks and more to explore

There are a number of dog parks in Bayonne. Two are located behind the Pony League Field and Little League Field in Mayor Dennis Collins Park. They include Sgt. Vincent J. Oliva Mini Dog Park, for small dogs, and the Sirius Dog Park, for large dogs.

The mini dog park includes synthetic turf carpet, a dog park irrigation system, a doggie crawl, a paws grooming table, rookie weave posts, a small hoop jump, a pet drinking fountain, stepping paws and a pet waste station. The park for larger dogs includes synthetic turf carpet, a dog park irrigation system, a doggie crawl, a paws grooming table, a small hoop jump, a “King of the Hill,” stepping paws, teeter totter, a “Rover Jump Over,” a pet waste station and a pet drinking fountain.

In addition, dogs can enjoy the number of regular parks in Bayonne as well as the waterfront walkway.

Plenty of poochrelated activities

In addition to places for dogs to get out and have fun, there are a number of events hosted by the Division of Recreation for canines and their owners.

The first annual dog show was held in 2021. Photo courtesy of the City of Bayonne

Some dogs, like Sparky here, took home first place in his category. Photo courtesy of the City of Bayonne

Just this year, the city held its first annual dog show at Collins Park on Oct. 9. Dozens of residents turned out to see if their pooch is Bayonne’s top dog. The pets and their owners competed in an obstacle course, broken down into three categories by the dog’s

size and weight. Following its success, the show will likely return annually for residents and their dogs to compete. Judge poses with friend Thomas Szweada. Photo by Daniel Israel

In addition to the show, the city holds an annual Halloween costume contest for dogs at 16th Street Park. Owners can enter their dogs into a number of categories to try to take home a prize for their costume.

Doggie friends, too

Walk down any street in Bayonne and you’ll encounter a resident

Sadie, a senior Pomeranian

(L–R) Lacy, Mimi, and Max

walking their dog. Depending on the route and the frequency, some dogs even become friends. And that friendship can extend to the owners, an ode to the blossoming dog culture in Bayonne.

And with more and more residents moving into the city, more dogs are sure to follow. Meaning more opportunities for furry friends for the pooches already in the city. Many young professionals, a demographic targeted by redevelopers building in Bayonne, are also choosing to get a dog as opposed to starting a family.

As Bayonne continues to evolve, it’s clear that the city’s love for man’s best friend will grow alongside it. —BLP The Division of Recreation holds an annual Halloween costume contest for dogs! Photo courtesy of the City of Bayonne