Dogs in Parks

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The Greenbelt is a great place for our four-legged “best friends” to explore and exercise.  We love our canine visitors and we urge their masters to obey leash laws in order to keep animals and humans safe and comfortable in our park.

Click here for a full guide on bringing your pet to the park.

Overview of Rules

Dogs must be on leash at all times in the Greenbelt and all New York City Parks: Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times unless in a designated dog run.

Dog Runs: Dog runs are large, fenced-in areas for dogs to exercise unleashed. Created with the expertise of a Parks Department landscape architect and volunteers, the runs encourage play while supplying good drainage, safe lighting, and healthy plantings. There is a dog run in Willowbrook Park; it is designated as the “Archery Field” but dogs are permitted in to run in this large fenced-in area during morning hours.

No dogs allowed: Dogs are not permitted in these areas at any time. These areas include playgrounds, zoos, swimming pools/facilities, bathing areas/beaches*, fountains, ballfields, or on basketball/handball/tennis courts.

Designated Off-Leash Areas: Certain park areas allow dogs to be off-leash from the time the park opens until 9 a.m. AND from 9 p.m. until the park closes. Dog owners/attendants with dogs off-leash in these designated areas must obey all general rules, including having their dog under control at all times, licensing the dog, and carrying proof of the dog’s rabies vaccination. Parks that contain designated off-leash areas are listed by borough here.

Reminder: Off-leash rules do not apply to park areas where dogs are strictly prohibited (e.g. playgrounds, tennis courts, athletic fields, and basketball/handball courts)