Glossary

Dog park

A public fenced area where dogs can play off leash, usually with separate sections for small and large dogs and rules for owners.

Also called: off-leash park, dog run, dog park etiquette, fenced dog park, leash-free park, dog parks

A dog park is a public, fenced space where dogs are allowed to run and play off leash. Many have a double-gated entrance, water, shade and separate areas for small dogs and for large or active dogs. Rules are posted, and cities or clubs run them, and some charge a fee or require a permit and proof of license.

Park manners keep it safe. Owners should stay in the park and watch their dog, pick up waste, keep the leash on until inside the gate, bring dogs that are up to date on vaccinations, and leave if a dog is stressed or fights break out. Dogs in heat, sick dogs, and puppies too young to be vaccinated should stay out.

Some dogs do better with a one-to-one playdate or dog daycare. The park is a legal off-leash spot, unlike open ground covered by a leash law.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

Off-leash When a dog is allowed to move without a leash, legal only in places that permit it, such as fenced dog parks, some trails and private land. Leash law A local or state rule that requires a dog to be on a leash or under control in public, with set exceptions such as designated off-leash areas. Dog daycare A daytime service where dogs spend hours supervised in play groups or on their own, an option for owners who are at work. Dog walker A person paid to take a dog out for exercise and toilet breaks while the owner is away, either one-on-one or in a group.