CHARLOTTE -- Your pooch will no longer need a pass to romp in Mecklenburg County’s four dog parks.

Since 2002, thousands of dog owners have paid $35 a year to let their best friends play in area dog parks. In order to get the pooch pass, dog owners would have to show proof their pup was up-to-date on all their shots, but that’s all about to change.

Beginning Tuesday, the dog parks will be available for everyone without charge or membership requirements, a change more than a year in the making.

"We looked at what other park systems around the country were doing,” said park and recreation department spokesman Mike Cozza. “They're not charging a fee and we decided if they can do it, we can do it."

All dogs must still have current rabies vaccinations and licenses, according to city and county ordinances and state laws. But since no one will be checking records, some wonder how safe the parks will be.

"What if an unvaccinated dog for rabies bites a person?” asked Dr. Leland McLaughlin, of Freedom Animal Hospital. “That's going to become another concern and that would be my biggest concern because that person would have to go to the hospital and possibly receive rabies shots."

Cozza says some people have said they like the control of a pooch pass because it's like an exclusive membership that you have to pay for.

While city officials hope eliminating the fee will encourage more dog owners to take advantage of the four area parks, veterinarians have a word of caution.

"You would like to think that most people will have their dogs vaccinated but I would still be leery of an animal that's coming towards me, possibly in an aggressive nature, if that dog is up-to-date on his rabies shot," McLaughlin said.