Part of the fun of being a dog owner is being able to socialize with your pet. There is something to be said for the fact that dogs need to be properly socialized in order to be around other dogs. However, taking your dog to one of the local dog parks also gives you the chance to meet new people who share your love for canines. Listed below — in no particular order — we bring you the top four Chesapeake dog parks you and your pooch will love!
Dog Park Guidelines
Chesapeake boasts four fun and fabulous dog parks. Each of these parks is fenced in so you can let your pet off leash. However, you will still need to be directly responsible for the dog. This means that you need to clean up after him or her as well as monitor your dog’s behavior. While you do not need a leash when your dog in is the park, a collar is required and your dog must be leashed when you leave the park.
Dog Park Membership
In addition, you will need a dog park membership in order to use the city’s dog parks. The registration form is quick and easy to fill out. It requires only your basic information such as your address and name. You will also need a copy of your dog’s vaccination record.
1. Chesapeake City Park
Chesapeake City Park offers two separate dog parks to better serve the needs of dog owners and their pets. Located at 900 City Park Drive, one of Chesapeake City Park’s dog parks is located at the front of the park while the other can be found toward the rear. At the front of the park, you can find a dog park that is divided into small and large dog sections. Within the small dog area, there is a weight limit of 25 pounds and under. Overall, this park boasts well-located trees and an airy, open feel that encourages plenty of running and playing.
The park located at the rear of Chesapeake City Park is surrounded by a six-foot fence and spans 1.5 acres. In order to facilitate better flow of your furry canine friends, there is an area for small dogs that is separate from that of the medium and large dogs. In addition to having water readily available to quench the thirst of visiting dogs, a number of  mutt mitt dispensing stations are peppered throughout the area.
Before heading to the dog park, take advantage of the walking trail to get your pooch tired out. You can also make it a family day at Chesapeake City Park with nearby Fun Forest Playground so your kids can play while your dog is making new friends.
2. Western Branch Dog Park
Located at 4437 Portsmouth Blvd, Western Branch Park is near the Western Branch Community Center. Spanning a total of 80 acres, this park also holds a .65 acre dog park. A family-oriented park, Western Branch Park provides ample places for the whole family — including Fido — to have fun, relax and exercise. Drop your kids off at the Western Branch Community Center for sports classes or lessons before heading over to the dog park for a little bonding time with your favorite pooch. In addition to a water facility, this dog park also has round benches that encircle shady and relaxing trees. Two picnic tables that are covered provide additional shade and relaxation areas.
3. Elizabeth River Park
Situated on the shores of the beautiful Elizabeth River’s Southern Branch, you’ll find the Elizabeth River Park. Encompassing .75 acres, the dog park within this scenic park is located in the shadows of the engineering marvel — the South Norfolk Jordan Bridge that links Portsmouth with Chesapeake. Elizabeth River Park is located at 1400 Elizabeth River Way and features one area devoted to small dogs and another to medium and large pooches. For security purposes, the gates are outfitted with cipher locks that require that you input a code in order to enter. Park rangers have that code and are happy to share it with you.
4. Deep Creek Park
Deep Creek Park, located at 437 George Washington Highway South, features a huge area that is designed for dogs of all sizes. Of particular interest for dogs who love water — as well as those that simply love to quench their thirst on those hot summer afternoons in Virginia — is the drinking fountain designed specifically for canine use. It is important to note that this fountain is turned off during the winter months. Dog owners will enjoy have access to the mutt mitt dispenser available at this park as well as the relaxing benches that allow you to chat with new friends and old as your dogs frolic in the grass. Because this dog park is conveniently located right next to the playground, you can bring your children — even the small ones — and easily keep watch over them while your furry friend plays to his or her heart’s content.
2 Point Highlight
Listed below — in no particular order — we bring you the top four Chesapeake dog parks you and your pooch will love!
However, taking your dog to one of the local dog parks also gives you the chance to meet new people who share your love for canines.
