Volunteer Kim Taber stands with a three hoop jump and fire hydrant dog hurdle. This new dog playground equipment is a new addition to the Florida Humane Society building in Pompano Beach

Dog playground equipment to enable our canine friends to exercise and have fun is now a new addition to the Florida Humane Society.

The Park and Facilities Catalog recently supplied a three-jump hoop and fire hydrant dog hurdle to this non-profit organization that provides a loving and safe home for dogs and cats in South Florida.

The Florida Humane Society started in 1993 and has grown to the point where it now helps almost 3,000 dogs and cats find "good and loving" homes every year.

To control the population of unwanted pets, the organization also offers a service to spay and neuter dogs and cats. This vital program treats 3,500 animals each year.

"We are dedicated to saving the lives of unwanted companion pets through adoption as well as aggressively striving to reduce the pet population through spay and neuter programs," said a statement on their website. "…with an overall commitment to increase the awareness of our community of the ongoing issues of understanding our domestic and feral animal population."

The humane society facility provides individual, climate-controlled rooms for dogs with outside access to an enclosed space. Many local businesses sponsor these rooms to help defray the cost. There is also a grassy yard area where dogs can exercise. That's where the Park Catalog's donation of the hoop jump and fire hydrant hurdle will be installed.

"We are pleased to supply these items to the humane society," said Robert Caston, Information Manager with the Park and Facilities Catalog. "The society is certainly a worthy cause and we're happy to provide this dog playground equipment for the dogs to enjoy."

Adjustable dog hurdle with fire hydrant posts

The facility also has an entirely separate wing for cats and climate-controlled rooms where they can play and rest. The Florida Humane Society is a no-kill shelter which frequently rescues animals from city facilities or homes where the pets are not wanted.

"We try to make the facility a pleasant one to visit so people will want to come here to adopt these animals," said Carol Ebert, facility manager.

The humane society works with Pet Smart and frequently holds "Adopt-a-Thons" at the stores. There people who are eager can bring some new furry friends back to their homes and provide a loving environment for the animals.

The facility also operates a cool doggy and cat boutique where people can purchase pet accessories.

Dog playground equipment enables parks to offer critical exercise

Research shows nearly half of families in America provide a home for a dog. However, many times those dogs are confined indoors during the week when family members are at work or attending school. Dogs need exercise. They are born to run.

Dog hoop jump with three levels for dogs of all sizes and abilities

More and more dog parks are springing up in towns across America for this purpose. For example, Portland has 32 off-leash dog parks and San Francisco has 32 followed by Las Vegas with 26.

To give those dogs something to do in those parks and enhance their agility skills, many municipalities are now adding dog playground equipment as well.

For example, The Park and Facilities Catalog provides a complete selection of dog playground equipment products made specifically for our canine friends.

Some of those products include doggie crawls, weave posts, dog walks, hurdles, ramps and teeter-totters.

Kits are available that combine an array of dog park equipment so a park can instantly turn an off-leash dog space into a fun agility area.

In addition, it's important that any park include dog waste stations where pet owners have access to pet waste bags.

Other dog park amenities offered by The Park and Facility Catalog include doggie drinking fountain, leash posts, dog-themed trash receptacles and benches where the owners can relax and visit while their pets are at play.

If you get a chance, visit the Florida Humane Society at the intersection of Powerline and Sample Roads. In fact, if you have the time, volunteer or donate. The organization is supported by the help of volunteers and contributions. Those volunteers help unwanted or feral animals find a new place to live.

Donations are also sought for food cat litter, bleach, stamps, and paper towels.

"Our volunteers have a lot of heart, love, compassion, patience, and energy," said their website.

For more information call 954-974-6152 or visit their website at www.floridahumanesociety.org.

While you are there, take a peek at the dogs engaged with the dog playground equipment provided by The Park and Facilities Catalog.