Dogs parks give your pup space needed to exercise and a chance for them to meet new furry friends. If you live in a small space like an apartment or just need a new place to take your pup, then you should check out these dog parks. Before visiting any dog park, you should make sure your pup is fully vaccinated. Having a well-trained dog is also important and helps you maintain control of your pooch in chaotic situations. Each dog park has its own set of rules that should be followed to keep an enjoyable experience. The rules at a dog park are posted outside the off-leash area and are important things to remember when visiting any dog park. Common rules in place at dog parks include:
No food or alcoholic beveragesSmoking is not allowedDogs that are sick or in heat are not allowed in the parkNo small children in the parkOwners are responsible for the dogs they bring Clean up after your dog Aggressive dogs must be removed immediately
Let’s take a look at 7 of the best dog parks in Pittsburgh. If you are in the city or are a resident, these dog parks will surely give you and your furry friend a fun day.
1. Dormont Dog Park
In Pittsburgh, Dormont Dog park is a simple place for dogs to run off-leash. There are two separate sections at this dog park, for both big dogs and smaller breeds under 30 lbs. This dog park is an old tennis court and has a concrete surface. Dogs with sensitive paws should be wary since there is no soft ground to walk on. Dormont Dog park is not the largest off-leash park but provides space for your dog to spend time off-leash. Located in Dormont park, the off-leash area is tucked away and surrounded by trees. Poop bags and trash cans are provided so you can easily clean up after your pup. You should bring your own water for yourself and your dog. This dog park is very simple, and some may think it lacks the amenities other dog parks offer. Nearby the off-leash park, there are playgrounds and walking trails great for leashed walks.
2. Bernard Dog Run
The Bernard dog run is an off-leash area in Pittsburgh and is a community-run dog park. Located next to the Allegheny River, this dog park first opened in 2012 in the Lawrenceville neighborhood. The community residents that visit this dog park maintain it by doing things such as regularly cleaning. At Bernard dog run, there are two separate areas. One section is for small dogs under 25 lbs, while the other is for larger breeds. The off-leash area has a dirt and wood chip surface, which may get a bit muddy in the rainy season. You should bring your own poop bags to clean up after your pup and water in case your pooch gets thirsty. The Bernard dog run is fenced in for your dog to spend time off its leash, but there is also a trail near the dog park great for peaceful leashed walks.
3. Frick Park Off-Leash Exercise Area
The Frick Park off-leash exercise area is a large space for dogs. At this dog park, there are two off-leash areas for them to play in that are fenced in. The dog park is not divided by size, so it lets smaller breeds play in the same area as larger ones. The size of this dog park is what makes it stand out from some of the smaller ones in Pittsburgh, and it gives ample space for your pup to roam. The dog park is very open, with seating around the park and even a tunnel for dogs to use. When visiting, you should bring your own water since there is no water fountain at the dog park. Poop bags should also be brought to make cleaning up after your dog easy. On the surface at this dog park is natural grass and dirt. During the rainy season, the ground gets muddy easily, so watch out. Frick Park dog park is a fun dog park to visit in Pittsburgh due to its size and the oasis scenery in the park.
4. Downtown Dog Park
The downtown dog park in Pittsburgh first opened in 2017 and is the first off-leash park in the downtown region. While this dog park is not the largest, it provides a safe place for the dogs of downtown Pittsburgh to escape the bustling city and get some exercise. This dog park is fully fenced in and is a small place for breeds less than 30 lbs to get off their leash. The downtown Pittsburgh dog park is a simple area with few amenities. Poop bags are provided, but you should bring your own in case the park runs out. There is also no running water, so if your dog gets thirsty, you should have a water bottle on hand. What makes this dog park great is its location, as it can be found at the base of the Rachel Carson Bridge in downtown Pittsburgh. The surface area of the dog park is dirt, grass, and mulch. In the rainy season, the dog park gets muddy.
5. South Side Dog Park
In the South Side dog park, there are two sections fenced in for dogs to use. Both are rectangular-shaped, with one section dedicated to smaller dogs and the other for larger breeds. The dog park has dirt, gravel, and grass surface, so watch it in the rainy season as it can easily get muddy. When visiting the South Side dog park, it is important to bring your own water, as there is no running water fountain. If you do not want to go into the dog park, there are peaceful trails nearby to take your pup on a walk with its leash. It is also alongside the Monongahela River, and the dog park has many sights to behold.
6. Riverview Dog Park
The Riverview dog park is an off-leash area in Pittsburgh and is located in Riverview Park. This dog park has a large and small breed section, both of which are fenced off. The surfacing is natural grass with dirt, and there is ample room for the zoomiest of dogs. Water is readily available for when dogs get thirsty, as well as poop bags to make it easy to clean up after your pup. Riverview park, where the dog park is located on 259 acres, has playgrounds, a pool, and trails for everyone to enjoy. Dogs must be on a leash unless in the designated off-leash section.
7. Highland Park Off Leash Exercise Area
The Highland Park off-leash exercise area is a dog park found in the Pittsburgh neighborhood of Highland Park. This dog park has a section for small and large breeds to play, both fully fenced in. This dog park is located in the northeastern region of Pittsburgh and is a fenced-in place for dogs to play safely. Water is not always readily available at this off-leash park, so you should bring your own. The large and open park gives plenty of space for the dog that visits to get out their energy. There are a few benches at this dog park and limited shade. Poop bags are given at the dog park, so you can easily pick them up after your pooch. The highland park off-leash exercise area is a simple dog park but provides the resident dogs with a safe location they can get.
