Chances are that your dog gets extremely bored sitting at home all day while you are at work. One of the best ways to reward them for their patient behavior is to take them to a local dog park. Luckily, Pittsburgh has a very dog-friendly atmosphere, meaning that pups are welcome in a number of public outdoor spaces. In fact, all nine Allegheny County parks allow dogs to be walked on leashes anywhere in the park. If your dog craves more freedom, however, there are also a number of off-leash dog parks throughout the region. In these parks, dogs can run free, play with fellow pooches, and sometimes even go for a cooling swim.
1. Hot Dog Dam at Frick Park
Nestled in the heart of Squirrel Hill, Frick Park has been a treasure for both humans and dogs for over a decade. With 644 acres of land to roam on a leash, dogs will feel as though they’ve entered doggy heaven on earth.
The real fun for dogs at Frick Park begins at the special off-leash playground just for pups. There are actually two different fenced-in areas where dogs can frolic freely near the Blue Slide Playground by the Riverview Trail. If your dog is still craving more fun, take them to the Hot Dog Dam, located just a half mile away from the playground near the Lower Tranquil Trail. This unique area is a swimming zone just for pups. The shallow stream allows dogs to swim, splash, and slurp without getting in trouble.
There are certain rules that dog owners need to follow in order to keep chaos from erupting. First of all, you are only allowed three dogs per handler, and every dog must be at least four months of age. All dogs must be spayed or neutered as well as up to date with all of their immunizations. Additionally, you must clean up all of your dog’s excrements, but the park does provide doggy bags for your convenience.
2. Riverview Dog Park
In the midst of Pittsburgh’s North Side neighborhoods rests the 259-acre Riverview Park. With many various trails and hillsides to peruse, you and your dog can spend hours taking a leashed walk through this forest escape.
However, when your dog craves to be off the leash, Riverview Park has a great dog park where pups can run free. Right below the infamous Allegheny Observatory, the park is protected by a fence to ensure no pup can escape. The entire area is quite hilly, meaning it is the perfect area to get your dog some well-needed exercise. Additionally, the trees and trails provide plenty of wildlife for pups to chase and yelp at.
Because Riverview Park is also a City of Pittsburgh park, it has the same rules and regulations as the Frick Park dog park.
3. Misty Pines Dog Park
If you’re willing to spend a few bucks on your dog’s happiness, then Misty Pines Dog Park is an absolute must! It’s a veritable dog paradise located on a 25 acre portion of Franklin Park just north of Pittsburgh. The $7 per dog fee grants them a two hour admission to every feature this park has to offer.
Choose from several different playgrounds depending on the size or age of your dog. This allows smaller dogs and puppies to explore freely without being afraid of bigger companions (or vice versa). Peruse the various wooded trails without need of a leash so your dog can explore every nook and cranny of the forest. If the day is hot and your dog is adventurous, take a plunge in the spring-fed pup pond. The attached dock makes a great runway for jumping into the lake or practicing water retrieving.
The park is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with extended hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Sundays are available by pre-paid appointment only. If these hours feel too limited to you or you are worried about having enough privacy for your dog, you can also rent the entire playground and host your very own dog party for $75 per hour.
4. Bellevue Dog Woods
In the quaint neighborhood of Bellevue just within city limits is the newly renovated Bellevue Dog Woods. Tucked away on a wooded hill at the top of Bellevue Memorial Park, the pooch oasis was transformed from an old dumping ground in 2013 through the help of the community.
The park features a wide open space completely with a fenced perimeter to ensure no curious pups can escape. There is a separate enclosure for smaller dogs under 25 pounds who might not be comfortable mixing with larger hounds. Your dog can practice its skills on the small agility obstacles or take a plunge in the tiny filtered pond.
The greatest part of this park, however, are the community events dedicated to helping pups be more social and outgoing. Every Sunday there is a Small Dog Social to help smaller pups become more confident, and every summer there is an annual dog swim at the Bellevue Pool.
5. South Park Dog Park
South Park is certainly the largest park on this list, boasting a massive 2,000 acre plot. While most of that space isn’t an off-leash zone, it still offers plenty of opportunities for you and your pup to bond over a nice long walk on one of the numerous trails. You can even walk to the game preserve to let your pup longingly gaze upon some wild bison.
To reach the specific off-leash zone, take a stroll along Maple Springs Drive. The dog park has drinking water to quench pup’s thirst, doggy bags to clean up messes, and benches for humans to sit and admire their fierce pooches in action. Another selling point is the nearby Woody’s Dog Wash and Boutique, a fine option for getting your dog clean after it has had too much fun.
All dogs who visit the park must be licensed and vaccinated, and the owner must have a leash available at all times.
2 Point Highlight
In fact, all nine Allegheny County parks allow dogs to be walked on leashes anywhere in the park.
In these parks, dogs can run free, play with fellow pooches, and sometimes even go for a cooling swim.
