Responsible Dog Ownership
In an effort to keep peace and harmony on our beautiful community, please take note of the guidelines for dog owners that we have put together below:
Secure Your Dog: If your yard is not fenced, consider invisible fencing for your dog. If you have a fence, check for areas vulnerable to chewing or digging allowing your dog to run away from your property.
Leash Your Dog: Your dog must be leashed at all times when taken outdoors. Extendable and long leashes may allow your dog to wander onto private property and away from the curb. Make sure that you have a good strong leash and that you maintain control of your dog at all times.
Identification Tags: Your dog should wear an identification tag with your name, address and phone number at all times. This will increase the chances of your dog being returned to you if it is lost or runs away.
Excessive Dog Barking: Do not let your dog’s incessant barking (non-stop for 10 minutes or more) annoy your neighbors, especially during early morning or quiet evening hours. If your dog’s barking is causing problems while you are away from home, consult with your veterinarian for safe options.
Dog Droppings: Always carry a “baggie” with you when you walk your dog to pick up any waste it leaves behind, and dispose properly. Failure to clean up after your dog is disrespectful to your neighbors.
Local Laws: The Township of Mahwah has laws regarding dog ownership, which cover registration, leashing and nuisance barking. Failure to abide by these laws may infringe on your privilege of owning a pet as well as the rights of others in our community. You can find more information on the Township website, www.mahwahtwp.org.
Rio Vista Mahwah Homeowners Association Rules and Regulations: In addition to Township requirements, the RVMHA outlines rules for barking dogs, nuisances and type of pets permitted on your property. You can find these outlined on our website, www.riovistamahwah.com.
Thank you for your cooperation.
The following is a summary of the official dog walking areas in the Formal Garden:
Areas Where Dogs Are Welcome:
The areas on which dogs may be walked are the long gravel pathways pictured below just outside the pachysandra on each side of the Formal Garden and on other areas beyond the core section. This includes the gravel and grassy areas located at the far end between the end of the Formal Garden core and the mansion wall.
Areas Where Dogs Are Prohibited:
Please note the area inside the border drawn on the photo shown below. This is the core of the actual Formal Garden, its interior paths and the grassy area adjacent to the pachysandra, all of which are specifically excluded for dog walking purposes.
Always remember to curb and leash your dog. (The township has ordinances about both these issues.)
Be respectful of your neighbors and their property and clean up after your pet and dispose waste properly.
If you have any questions, contact the administrative office.