Washington, D.C. is going to the dogs. But this isn’t a bad thing. It just means that D.C. is literally becoming a dog town. The evidence? In 2014, there were twice as many dog licenses issued than there were in 2013. That’s quite an impressive increase. Plus, dog-friendly amenities are catching on everywhere in the nation’s capital. In fact, at least two D.C. apartment complexes even boast their own rooftop canine play areas. And luckily for residents who don’t have a poochy playground on their roofs, a number of excellent Washington dog parks have sprouted up all over town, including the following five that Movoto considers the best that D.C. has to offer.
1.Shaw Dog ParkÂ
Address:Â 11th Street and Rhode Island Avenue, NW
Looking for a large dog park that is maintained by a dedicated group of canine owners? Then you need to check out the 15,000-square-foot Shaw Dog Park, which features two separate areas for pooches to play. First, there is a small fenced enclosure that is set aside for dogs under 25 pounds. But in a nice touch, Shaw recognizes the fact that it’s not just small dogs that need a separate play area, and so this enclosure also welcomes senior pooches or those that have physical challenges. The other fenced area is set aside for larger, more active dogs. Another nice touch? Shaw stays open late, until 10 p.m., which is a great plus for working pet parents. And this park also boasts plenty of parking.
Shaw, which first opened in 2008, was D.C.’s first official dog park. It is supported by the Shaw Dog Park Association, which raises money for its upkeep and also hosts special events, such as its annual Howl-O-Ween party, where costumed canines get to strut their stuff. Members of this association also spend time cleaning up the facility and have installed trees for shade, benches and a new water faucet. This park even has its own website where you can find information on upcoming events and interesting stories about different canine visitors and their owners.
2.Lansburgh Dog Park
Address: M Street and Delaware Avenue, SW
Opened in 2014, this is a 10,000-square-foot dog park that offers pups two fenced areas in which to romp. There is a 2000-square-foot lot for smaller canines and an 8,000-foot section for bigger dogs. And both areas boast their own fancy water stations. Lansburgh also offers some nice features for owners, including benches and trees for shade. Parking is available on the streets but is limited.
Lansburgh is another park where volunteers have made a huge difference. For instance, the funds for this park were raised by PAWS of Southwest through events such as its popular Running of the Chihuahuas.  Volunteers also open and close the park and spend time cleaning and maintaining it.
3.Congressional Cemetery
Address: 1801 E Street, Southeast
It’s a cemetery. It’s a private paradise for dogs and their owners. Well, actually, the 200-year-old Congressional Cemetery is both. While you might not normally consider a cemetery a place where you would take your canine for a stroll, residents near Congressional actually pay a $225 tax-deductible membership fee, plus $50 per dog to access the verdant grounds of this 35-acre graveyard. Dog walkers must also agree to volunteer at least 12 hours a year towards the upkeep of the grounds. If you’re interested in joining the dog walkers who frequent this park, you’ll have to get in contact with the K9 Corps at Historic Congressional Cemetery. Its membership is capped at 770, but believe it or not, there is a waiting list to join, and the spots are non-transferrable. If you are interested in visiting this cemetery to see what it’s all about, there are day passes available for $10. For safety reasons, dogs must be on a leash when they enter and exit the gates of the cemetery. But once you enter, look for signs that indicate where you can safely let your dog off its leash.
4.Yards Dog Run
Address: 355 Water Street, SE
At only 1,700 square feet, this isn’t a very big dog park, but it is located on the scenic Anacostia waterfront, just a short walk from Nationals Park, the home field for Major League Baseball’s Washington Nationals. You can find this fenced dog run on the western end of Yards Park. This doggy play yard features several benches for owners and a poop bag station. Although your dog is allowed to run loose while in the dog run, you must put it on a leash if you’ll be walking through the rest of Yards Park, which is arguably one of the most scenic places to take your canine for an outing in D.C. Your pup still need more exercise? Then take it for a nice stroll on the park’s riverfront boardwalk. One drawback? Parking can be a problem, especially if there is a baseball game being played at Nationals Park.
5.S Street Dog ParkÂ
Address: 17th and S Streets, NW
S Street Dog Park may be small but it is mighty. This little park, which is located close to Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan and Embassy Row, often tops the lists of favorite DC dog parks. Part of this park’s charm is that its footing is antimicrobial turf, which many pet owners prefer to gravel or dirt, as dogs often get grimy when playing on those surfaces. Owners also appreciate that this park has plenty of shaded seating so they don’t have to broil in D.C.’s infamous sultry summers. S Street also has water fountains and doggy bags available for pups. Unfortunately, there is only one area, so big and little canines must do their best to get along at Shaw, and street parking can be difficult to find.
2 Point Highlight
“But in a nice touch, this park recognizes the fact that it’s not just small dogs that need a separate play area and so this enclosure also welcomes senior pooches or those that have physical challenges.”
“Part of this park’s charm is that its footing is antimicrobial turf, which many pet owners prefer to gravel or dirt, as dogs often get grimy when playing on those surfaces.”
