Photo by Isaac Guardiola on Unsplash
Some days nothing beats a long walk through the park or around the neighborhood. It gives us a chance to bond with our pup, exercise, and maybe even socialize with those we pass. Then we have days where we’d rather just relax and watch our dog run around and play with other pups. Those are the perfect times to go to one of the many dogs parks in Pennsylvania. Going to a dog park, however, is about more than just letting your pooch run free. There are some general rules you should take into account before your first visit.
11 Tips for a Successful Visit to the Dog Park
Those of us who have ever Googled “dog park near me” might have been a bit surprised to see just how many dog parks there are in Pennsylvania, which means we have plenty of options for play time with our pup. Before, you go, though, especially if it’s your first time, keep a few things in mind, including:
- Teach your dog such basic commands as sit, stay, and come.
- Evaluate how your dog behaves around other dogs. If it’s their first time going to the dog park, take it slow. Go to the park at a quieter time, so they can get used to being around other dogs.
- Ensure your dog’s vaccinations, and the information on their dog license tag, are all up-to-date. Puppies who haven’t yet been vaccinated and unspayed dogs in heat should stay home.
- Bring water, but keep the food and treats in the car or at home.
- Leave toys at home. Toys can result in tussles between dogs.
- Read the rules of the dog park on the entrance sign, if applicable.
- Make sure the gate or access point to the dog park is firmly closed when entering and leaving.
- Remove your dog’s leash so he can run and play freely, but keep it close by, just in case.
- If it’s your first visit to a particular park, allow your dog time to acclimate but don’t overdo it and stay too long. Short is best at first.
- Even if you’re socializing with other dog parents, keep an eye on your dog, so you can stop any problems that may arise and to ensure they’re okay.
- Clean up after your dog. If the park doesn’t have poop bags, bring your own and properly dispose of your pup’s waste.
Following these simple but important tips will help both you and your pup have a fun and stress-free experience at your favorite dog park.
Here are nine dog parks in Pennsylvania worth checking out.
1. Beau’s Dream Park at Buchanan Park – Lancaster
Your pup’s sure to have a blast at Beau’s Dream Park at Buchanan Park, a popular dog park that features separate areas for large and small pups. On hot summer days, the pups in both parts of the park can cool off in their own splash pads. The park features such unique amenities as artificial turf and tennis balls with a ball launching machine. Because the park has artificial turf, you don’t have to worry about your pup getting muddy after it rains. Both humans and dogs have their own water fountain, and you can kick back on a chair on the deck to relax while keeping an eye on your dog.
Beau’s Dream Park at Buchanan Park is open daily from dawn to dusk.
Address: Beau’s Dream Park at Buchanan Park, 901 Buchanan Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603
2. Canine Meadows – York
Relax on a bench as you watch your pup run and play at Canine Meadows, a fenced-in dog park in York that features separate areas for large and small dogs. (Small dogs are 30 pounds or less.) Tucked in John Rudy County Park, Canine Meadows welcomes dogs four months and older to run, play, and socialize. Water fountains for pups and people are available during the warmer months. Bring your own bags to dispose of your dog’s waste.
Canine Meadows Dog Park is open daily from dawn to dusk.
Address: Canine Meadows Dog Park, 400 Mundis Race Rd, York, PA 17406
3. The Indoor Dog Park – Cranberry Township
Sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate, making it impossible to take your pup to the dog park or for a walk. The Indoor Dog Park offers 20,000 square feet of space for dogs to run, play, and socialize. Unlike traditional outdoor dog parks, The Indoor Dog Park is members-only and requires a monthly fee per dog. Additionally, all dogs must undergo and pass a temperament evaluation during orientation. Amenities include a pup pool, water fountains, and benches for two-legged family members.
The Indoor Dog Park is open 24 hours a day.
Address: The Indoor Dog Park, 2714 Rochester Rd, Cranberry Twp, PA 16066
We’re creating a directory of all of the dog parks in Pennsylvania. Have a favorite dog park? Share it with us!
4. Franklin Dog Park at Twin Lakes – Greensburg
Explore the scenic trails at Twin Lakes Park after watching your pup play at Franklin Dog Park. A six-foot-tall chain link fence surrounds the dog park, which is divided into sections for small and large dogs. You and your pup(s) will stroll through double gates to enter the dog park that features plenty of space to run, water fountains for all, and a place to dispose of your dog’s waste.
Franklin Dog Park at Twin Lakes is open from 9 a.m. to dusk.
Address: Franklin Dog Park at Twin Lakes, State Rte 1053, Greensburg, PA 15601
5. Schuylkill River Dog Park – Philadelphia
Hailed as one of the best dog parks in Philadelphia, Schuylkill River Dog Park is a community-owned and run park and features two sections – one for larger dogs and one for smaller, elderly, and disabled pups. You can easily keep an eye on your pooch while you relax on one of the benches or the sitting wall. Dogs can cool off with a drink at the water fountain and sometimes pools dot the play areas during the summer. Optional paid memberships are available and help with the upkeep and expansion of the dog park.
Schuylkill River Dog Park is open 24 hours a day.
Address: Schuylkill River Dog Park, 300 S. 25th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
6. Stay and Play Indoor Dog Park – New Castle
Beat the heat or escape the rain, snow, or cold with your pooch at Stay and Play Indoor Dog Park in New Castle. With separate play areas for smaller and larger dogs, this unique indoor dog park in Pennsylvania offers plenty of space for your pup to run, play, and socialize. Stay and Play Indoor Dog Park features a variety of amenities, including a retail store, doggie daycare, and grooming. You can even host a birthday party for you or your pup. Both monthly and annual memberships are available, and all dogs must first pass a temperament test. Members receive a key fob that allows them to enter the building.
Stay and Play Indoor Dog Park is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Address: Stay and Play Indoor Dog Park, 2656 Ellwood Rd #104, New Castle, PA 16101
7. Overlook Dog Park – Lancaster
Watch your pup play, socialize, and run in one of the three areas at Overlook Dog Park. The popular community dog park features separate areas for small dogs and large dogs and an additional common space for dogs of all sizes. All dogs must be registered with Overlook Dog Park prior to their first visit. Print an application online, and send it and the appropriate fees (annual membership plus one-time key fob fee) to the Manheim Township Recreation Department.
Overlook Dog Park is open daily from dawn to dusk.
Address: Overlook Dog Park, 2215 Fruitville Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601
8. Paws Place Dog Park – Hermitage
With nearly two acres of open space, Paw’s Place Dog Park at Buhl Park offers obstacles to challenge and entertain your pup. Separate areas are available for small and large dogs. Watch as your dog frolics and socializes as you relax on a bench, or enjoy the shade of the towering trees. Bring along a bowl and water for your pup (and a water bottle for you) as the dog park does not have fountains. Purchase an annual membership online before your first visit.
Paws Place Dog Park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (the same hours as Buhl Park).
Address: Paws Place Dog Park, 715 Hazen Rd, Hermitage, PA 16148
9. Monocacy Dog Park – Bethlehem
Dogs can run and play all year long, weather-permitting, at one of the three play areas – large dog, small dog, and mixed – at Monocacy Dog Park in Bethlehem. Each area offers plenty of space to explore. However, the small dog park isn’t shaded, so make sure you bring bottled water to help you stay cool in the warmer months. Bring a bowl and water for your dog if you’re visiting during the winter as the water is typically turned off for the off-season.
Monocacy Dog Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Address: Monocacy Dog Park, 259 Illick’s Mill Rd, Bethlehem, PA 18018
These are just nine of the best dog parks in Pennsylvania. Before heading over to your favorite dog park, make sure you double-check the address, times the park is open, and whether the park is free admission or you’ll have to pay a fee.
