Jacksonville, FL is a great place to live and raise a family. For many people, however, their pet dog is an important member of their family. Finding a place for that family member to run and play, however, can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are a number of dog parks in Jacksonville, FL where your pooch will feel welcome. These are our five favorite Jacksonville dog parks. They're all excellent choices for your favorite furry family member to play safely, while you get to socialize with fellow dog lovers. Read carefully and pick the place that is right for you and your pooch.
Dog Wood Park
7407 Salisbury Rd.
Jacksonville, FL 32256
http://www.jaxdogs.com
Dog Wood Park is one of the nicest places you can take your dog, but it is a privately run, members-only club. The park consists of 42 acres, of which 25 acres are fenced and allow for dogs to be off-leash. There are wet and dry areas so dogs can swim and play.
Visitors can purchase a day pass for their dog, or buy a monthly or yearly membership. While you’re at the park, it’s also possible to take advantage of the self-service bathing tubs and a variety of obedience and agility classes. The park also features special events throughout the year such as vendor shows and pet parades for kids.
While this is the only dog park on the list that is privately owned and operated, many members believe the fee is well worth the cost. Being a members-only park means that the dogs are screened, and dogs or owners that don’t behave or clean up after themselves can be denied entry. Many members also claim that the park is taken care of better than some of the public parks.
Confederate Point Dog Park
949 Hubbard St
Jacksonville, FL, US
(904) 630-2489
http://www.bringfido.com/attraction/2207/
This public park is located inside of Confederate Park. The dog area is fully-fenced, allowing dogs to be off-leash. The park also includes benches and pavilions for pet owners. Designers made sure to include plenty of pet waste disposal stations and doggie drinking fountains. That means you don’t have to remember to pack water and a separate bowl.
There is a separate small dog area, but pet owners must determine on their own what a “small” dog is. Because the park is part of the much larger Confederate Park, there are several playgrounds and ball fields surrounding it. This means that some weekends there can be a lot of people and animals using the park. Dog owners with very skittish animals should probably plan on visiting the park in less busy times to get their pooch used to the area.
Paws Park
Penman Road S
Jacksonville Beach,Florida 32250
904-513-9240
Paws Park is open year-round from dawn to dusk except during maintenance on Thursdays. The entire park is fenced, but there are separate small and large dog areas. The park also features water fountains at the dogs’ height and human heights, benches, rinsing areas, clean up bag dispensers, and shaded areas. The rules state that in order to visit dogs must be sociable, current on all vaccinations and licensed. Make sure that your dog is under their owner's control at all times. Dogs must be leashed when not in designated off-lead areas.
Hanna Park
500 Wonderwood Dr
Jacksonville, Florida 32233
904-249-4700
This is one of Jacksonville’s favorite family beaches, and it’s also a great place to bring your dog. Dogs are allowed all through the park, including the camping, hiking, and beach areas. While it is required to have your dog on a leash in the camping and hiking areas, it is not necessary to keep your pooch on a leash while he or she is in the water, as long as the dog is well-behaved. Lifeguards will ask that dogs that are bothering other visitors to be put on a leash or taken to another park.
Hanna Park is known for its great beaches. Within the park you’ll find two types of beach. The calm inland waterway is a great place for small children, and it’s also a good place to introduce your dog to water. Once they discover how much they love the beach, take them across the road to the ocean side of the park. This is the only public dog-friendly beach in Jacksonville where dogs can be off-leash in the water.
Little Talbot Island State Park
12157 Heckscher Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32226
Little Talbot Island has been a favorite camping spot for many Jacksonville Families for years, but few people realize how dog-friendly the park is. While there is no designated area for dogs, they are allowed on all of the park’s nature trails and camping areas. It is important to note, however, that they are not allowed on the beach.
Dogs are not charged an additional fee to stay at the park with their owners, but they must be kept on a leash at all times.
2 Point Highlight
1. There are a number of dog parks in Jacksonville, FL where your pooch will feel welcome.
2. One of Jacksonville’s favorite family beaches is also a great place to bring your dog.
