It’s a good time to be a dog in New Orleans, as the Crescent City is quite welcoming to canine companions looking to get in a good romp and sniff a few dog butts. So grab the leash and head out with Fideaux to check out the five top New Orleans dog parks!
1. NOLA City Bark
This is the Riviera of dog parks here in New Orleans, as it has many canine-centric features for all breeds and sizes of dogs. As such, they are strict about their doggy clientele and have lots of rules. Owners must apply and pay for a permit so their dogs can be admitted to the park. Annual permits cost $48; households with multiple dogs can register up to three for $53, but there’s a special rate of $43 for members of Friends of the Park. All dogs have to be in good health, spayed or neutered, and up to date on their annual shots (Rabies, Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosisparainfluenza and Parvo). Additionally, they need to have semi-annual Bordetella shots. Due to the innoculation and spay and neuter policies, no puppies younger than six months are permitted in the park.
While in the park, all dogs must wear collars with rabies and identification tags. Owners have to have leashes in hand to be ready to intercede in any doggy debacles should they occur.
But once all those pesky rules have been satisfied, let the games begin! Your dog will be chomping at the bit to romp around the landscaped 4.6 acres that is subdivided into separate play areas for large and small dogs. Watch the frisbees and balls fly through the air as the dogs frolic freely and untethered. There are plenty of shady pavilion areas for respite from the sun, along with water fountains for the pups and their human companions.
Best of all (for owners), they have Dog Washing Stations where owners can wash off the day’s debris from their dogs before heading for home.
NOLA City Bark is part of City Park and located at the rear of Popp Fountain. It’s easiest to drive in with your dog, and you can approach from Magnolia Drive, Zachary Taylor Drive or Diagonal Drive. The park opens at 5:30 a.m. every day but Tuesday, which is maintenance day, so they don’t open until 1 p.m. It closes all seven days at 9 p.m.
2. The Dog Levee
If rules and regs are not you and your dog’s cup of tea (“Rules? We don’t need no stinkin’ rules!”), you may be more at home at the Dog Levee. While this is not an officially sanctioned dog park, this was the dog park of New Orleans before the city had dog parks. As stated, it’s located on the levee fronting the Mississippi River where Leake Avenue (a/k/a River Road) turns into Magazine Street at the end of Broadway. There are no fences, and the grassy area is fairly close to an active train crossing, so if your dog is a runner, this spot might not be the best choice.
But there are plenty of pluses. The crowd is mellow and friendly, happy to share a conversation or some dog treats with newcomers. The humans are quirkier and more laid-back than some you might encounter at City Bark. For dogs that enjoy the water, there is also a muddy swimming hole formed by a sluice of the Mississippi River where pups cavort with abandon in the water.
As it lacks official park status, owners aren’t compelled to pick up their dogs’ leavings, so check your shoes before getting back into your vehicle. Make sure that you pack plenty of towels to dry Dogbert off for the ride home.
3. Wisner Dog Run
Another Uptown park, this one is situated at 4876 Laurel Street. The dog run is situated between the park’s playground area, softball field and basketball courts, making it a convenient one-stop recreation zone for busy families. The run itself has benches for humans to take a ball-tossing break and ground-level water fountains for the dogs to drink. The downside is that there is no separate area for smaller dogs to socialize.
4. Crescent Park
Bywater residents love to exercise their dogs at the fenced run down between the Mazant Street ramp and the Piety Street wharf. This free park is open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. Dogs that love a good workout will enjoy running the steps at the Arch at Piety Street.
5. Lafreniere Bark
This Metairie dog park at 3000 Downs Boulevard is a great spot for those in the ‘burbs to let their dogs burn off some pent up energy. The park is divided into an all access area and an enclosure for smaller dogs. Both have drinking fountain access. Rules are posted requiring spaying, neutering and vaccinations, but the enforcement tends to be lax.
Are you and your dog ready for some fun at New Orleans dog parks?
Come on out and set those puppies free for some dog time!
2 Point Highlight
It’s a good time to be a dog in New Orleans, as the Crescent City is quite welcoming to canine companions looking to get in a good romp and sniff a few dog butts.
Come on out and set those puppies free for some dog time!
