Need some time off-leash? Here’s your guide to Raleigh’s dog parks
If you’re feeling the need to get outside and explore some parks and open spaces, your dog probably feels the same way.
And you don’t have to exclude them from the fun — your dogs can join you on your adventures, thanks to several Raleigh parks made just for them.
The city lists seven dog parks, each with different amenities and features. We’ve compiled that information here, and also included a map with the location of each.
Here’s your guide to the best dog parks in the city of Raleigh, including rules for all parks.
Raleigh dog park rules
The city of Raleigh lists several rules for both dogs and humans to follow at city dog parks.
Rules for dogs
▪ All dogs must be leashed when entering and exiting the dog park.
However, “as a precaution, we require all owners and handlers to unleash their dogs in the enclosed, double-gated holding pen at the entrance before they enter the dog-run area,” the city says.
▪ All dogs must be healthy and fully vaccinated.
▪ Dogs should “get exercise and have fun!” at the parks.
Most dogs are allowed at Raleigh dog parks, except:
▪ Aggressive and uncontrollable dogs. If your dog becomes aggressive while at the park, you must remove them immediately. (You can call Animal Control at 919-831-6311 if needed.)
▪ Female dogs in season.
▪ Puppies under 4 months old.
Rules for humans
▪ All humans must clean up after their own pet(s).
▪ Humans should keep their dogs from digging, and fill any holes if necessary.
▪ Humans should not allow their dogs to wear choke, prong, pinch or spike collars at the park.
▪ Do not bring more than three dogs to the park at one time.
▪ Do not offer food, treats or toys of any kind while you are in the park.
▪ Closely supervise any children under 12.
Kiwanis Park Dog Run
Kiwanis Park features a neighborhood center, picnic shelters, sports fields and courts — and a dog run.
▪ Features: The dog run includes benches, wood chips and a disposable waste bag dispenser. The run is also fenced-in.
▪ Hours: Dawn to dusk, daily.
▪ Contact information: 919-996-3135; raleighnc.gov/places/kiwanis-park
▪ Location: 2525 Noble Rd., Raleigh
Millbrook Exchange Dog Park
Located next to Millbrook High School and Fire Station 15, Millbrook Exchange Park offers 69.5 acres of space and “a variety of recreational opportunities conveniently located in one location.”
It’s also home to Raleigh’s oldest dog park, opened in April 2003.
▪ Features: Water fountains (for dogs and humans), picnic tables and shelters, benches, agility equipment, natural shade and shade structures, areas for small and big dogs, lights and wood chips.
▪ Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., daily.
▪ Contact information: 919-996-4156; raleighnc.gov/places/millbrook-exchange-park
▪ Location: 1905 Spring Forest Rd., Raleigh
Oakwood Dog Park
Located near Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh’s historic Oakwood community, Oakwood Park offers more than 12 acres of space for picnic shelters and recreation, plus a dog park that opened in 2006.
▪ Features: Water tap for dogs, benches, natural shade, fenced areas for small and big dogs and wood chips. Dogs are free to roam off-leash in the dog park.
▪ Hours: Dawn to dusk, daily.
▪ Contact information: 919-831-6995; raleighnc.gov/places/oakwood-park
▪ Location: 910 Brookside Dr., Raleigh
Carolina Pines Dog Park
Carolina Pines Park’s almost 40-acre space features community centers, sports courts and fields, playgrounds and a dog park space for your best friend to roam.
▪ Features: Water tap for dogs, dog climbing platform, picnic tables, natural shade, areas for small and big dogs and wood chips. Dogs are free to roam off-leash in the dog park.
▪ Hours: Dawn to dusk, daily.
▪ Contact information: 919-831-6435; raleighnc.gov/places/carolina-pines-park
▪ Location: 2305 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh
Jaycee Dog Run
In addition to a dog run space, Jaycee Park features a community center, a daylilies garden, shelters, playgrounds and sports courts and fields.
▪ Features: Benches, natural shade, wood chips, trashcans and a dog waste station.
▪ Hours: Dawn to dusk, daily.
▪ Contact information: 919-996-6833; raleighnc.gov/places/jaycee-park
▪ Location: 2405 Wade Ave., Raleigh. (The dog run is located just south of the park’s parking area on Wade Avenue, close to the playground and tennis courts.)
Buffaloe Road Dog Park
Buffaloe Road Athletic Park has hosted NCAA events and is used for city athletic leagues, but your pups can enjoy part of the 165-acre space, too, in the fenced dog park area.
▪ Features: Water fountains (for dogs and humans), benches, shade, fenced-in areas for large and small dogs and wood chips.
▪ Hours: Dawn to dusk, daily.
▪ Contact information: raleighnc.gov/places/buffaloe-road-athletic-park
▪ Location: 5900 Buffaloe Rd., Raleigh
Dorothea Dix Dog Park
You and your dogs are “invited to run, romp and relax at the off-leash dog park at Dix Park,” the park’s website says.
While other areas of Dix Park require dogs to be on-leash, they can be off-leash within the more than three-acre dog park, which includes areas for both small and large dogs.
The current location of the dog park, listed here, is a temporary location. Dix Park’s website says the new dog park location will open on April 9, and the temporary location will close on April 18.
▪ Features: Natural shade, big and small dog areas and grass. Portable restrooms are available for human use.
▪ Hours: Dawn to dusk, daily. Note: The dog park closes periodically for grass mowing and maintenance. The park’s website says the dog park is closed Wednesday mornings for mowing.
▪ Contact information: 919-996-6688; dixpark.org/dogpark
▪ Location: The current, temporary location is at 801 Biggs Dr., Raleigh. The new location will be located at 1800 Umstead Dr.
Additional information about Raleigh dog parks
Find out more information about Raleigh dog parks at raleighnc.gov/services/parks/dog-park.
This story was originally published March 22, 2022 at 9:28 AM with the headline "Need some time off-leash? Here’s your guide to Raleigh’s dog parks."
