We are dog lovers, whether we own, foster, dog sit, or just admire dogs – so we changed our name from Dog Owners Group to Dogs in the Family. We are attached “legally or otherwise” to many types of dogs: large and small, vocal and quiet, purebred and mutt. This this does not preclude equal love for other kinds of pets.
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Meet Your Cohort
Our goal is to make information exchange and even activities available to everyone at Riderwood including families and friends.We can gossip about dogs, get recommendations about grooming, pet care, vet services and myriad other topics, such as “do you know what a “snuffle mat” is? or using a bone with your favorite filling (dog appropriate) such as canned dog food or vegetables.
Let’s Stay in Touch
The email group “Dogs” is under the umbrella of RWV.groups, and is NOT connected to the Chatterwood email group. When you subscribe to the Dog email group, you won’t get messages from other groups, unless you’ve subscribed to that particular group.
How to Subscribe to the Dogs group list
To join this group, send an email to dogs+subscribe@RWV.groups.io
with no text in the Subject Line or the body of the email.
Questions, comments, concerns and/or suggestions about the website can be posted on the new email group when it goes live so please save them and comment away!! You can decide to get a “Daily Summary” each morning in case the email load gets overbearing?
Instructions will be available in detail in the Guide to Using RWV.groups.io but here’s a peek:
The Subscription screen on the group’s page lists the options, so just select the one you’d prefer. The default is “Individual Messages” when you first subscribe.
Riderwood Information
Pets are welcome at Riderwood, but are not allowed in clubhouses: (lobbies, restaurants), mail rooms, fitness centers or other common areas. Pets must be leased and not left unattended. Pet owners must pick up pet waste, dispose of it in an outdoor trash can, keep pets away from plantings, and use the closest residential building exit/entrance to their residence. There are no “Pet Police”; this is just common sense and pet etiquette.
The “Riderwood Resident Handbook” (either hardcopy or online on MyErickson under “Resident Resources”) details the “Pet Policy” for Riderwood, a form which is signed when a new resident moves in, or later, if a resident acquires a new pet.
Pet Registration
Is your dog registered with Riderwood? Did you know when you register your dog you should get an emergency decal? The pet should also have a license (see below for more informration). On MyErickson under “Forms” there is an online pet registration form.
Riderwood Dog Run/Park
The Dog Run/Park is located near the Berkshire Gardens parking lot, next to the resident garden plots. It is an enclosed area where your pet can wander without a leash but please do not leave the pet unattended and review these documents for the hours, and other “rules of the road” to make the experience enjoyable and safe for everyone – human and animal – click inside each “button” for information.
Other Useful Information
Legal Information:
Both Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties require a dog license for your pet; the license number must be included on the Pet Form for Riderwood.
Prince George’s County Dog License
Animal Services
Montgomery County Animal Control (Emergencies 301-279-8000)
Prince George’s County Animal Control (Emergencies 301-780-7200)
Other Nearby Services
Kennels (nearby)
Paradise for Pets
Rivermist
Veterinarians (nearby)
Fairland Animal Hospital
Beltsville Vetrinary Hospital
Emergency Animal Hospital (Apex Vets)
Groomers (nearby)
Dawgs & Paws
General Websites
Your Dog’s Friend – force-free positive training, free advice and resources (a local website)
Victoria Stillwell Positively – online dog training
PetPlace.com – a veritable potpurri of information on dog health, insurance, microchips, safety, names, adoption advice
Other Useful Information
Ranking the 15 Best Pooper Scoopers:
The main reason to buy one of the best dog pooper scoopers is to avoid the daily hassle of bending and picking up poop. Your ideal pet pooper scooper should allow you to easily pick up pet waste and transfer it into the dog poop bag without much intervention from the owner.
Questions
Contact Wendy Symonds or Pat Manning – information in MyErickson.com under “Resident Directory.”
Last modified: 06/12/26