WHEN Jess Martin and her young family lived in Brisbane, a trip to the closest off-leash dog park was a daily ritual.

When she moved to Warwick two years ago, she was shocked to discover there was nowhere to let her beloved dogs run free safely.

Over the past two years she's contacted the council about getting an off-leash dog park established in the Rose City.

Now she's taking matters into her hands.

Mrs Martin has started a petition asking for the council to set up a fenced off-leash area in Warwick.

She's suggesting a number of areas including Federation Park near the river walk, Victoria Park and Mel Gibson Park off Bracker Rd as potential sites.

"Dog parks offer a wealth of benefits to dogs, dog owners and the community," she said.

"I think it's really sad there are none of these areas in Warwick. I just cannot get my heard around it."

Mrs Martin said she struggled to grasp where the registration fees for her two dogs Benji and Bohdi went.

"There are roughly 3000 dogs in the region at an average registration of $34 per year - that's more than $100,000 each year," she said.

"The council told me those fees went towards the pound, but the majority of dogs coming through the pound aren't registered.

"Our fees are going towards irresponsible dog owners."

Mrs Martin isn't the only dog owner pushing for a fenced off-leash area.

A similar petition is circulating in Stanthorpe.

Warwick dog groomer Fran Griffin hears daily of the need for an off-leash dog park.

The Fran's Total Dog Grooming owner said the petition has created a bit of excitement among many of her clients.

"The petition's got quite a few signatures already," she said.

"A lot of people like to use the area around the river but they say they'd love a place their dogs could run. "They say it would be nice to have somewhere their dog could have a free run safely."

Many dog owners and vets argue an off-leash area would only benefit the region.

Condamine Veterinary Clinic veterinarian Emma Daly said an off-leash dog park would have many benefits for dogs and their owners.

"An off-lead dog park would allow dogs to socialise, which is very important for their mental health," she said.

"It would also allow owners who don't have a big yard or can't walk their dog to give their pet some exercise.

"These are all important for mental health and very positive things."

The new veterinarian in town had one word of advice for using an off-leash dog park responsibly: "If people were going to take dogs to the dog park they should make sure they're vaccinated and wormed."

The petition can be signed at Olsens Produce, Aquabird Pet Centre, Fran's Total Dog Grooming, Condamine Veterinary Clinic, Warwick Town and Country Vets or Southwest Wholesalers.