Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

Dog Training Dog Reactivity Dog Enrichment Sniffspot Community Top Dog Trainers City Dog Parks Dog Breeds Dog Names Dog Rescues & Shelters

Home

Blog

Sniffspot Community

The State of Public Dog Parks Across the United States

The State of Public Dog Parks Across the United States

Haley Young

June 01, 2024

Sniffspot Community

The State of Public Dog Parks Across the United States thumbnail

From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.

On the surface, off-leash dog parks sound wonderful. A safe space for dogs where our companions can roam freely, interact with their own kind, and come home tired? Sign us up!

In reality, though, these environments are a mixed bag. For years, Sniffspot has been educating about the limitations, drawbacks, and safety concerns of public off-leash dog parks. Now Sniffspot has conducted a national survey of dog owners across the country to better understand the state of public off-leash dog parks.

Here’s what to know to keep you and your furry friend safe.

Survey highlights

The common stereotype is that the east and west coasts are the most dog-friendly regions of our country — but survey results show that public dog parks in the coasts are actually the dirtiest (posing the greatest health risks) and most dangerous (when it comes to physical injuries and attacks) in the country.
More than 1 in 7 dog owners report their dogs having been attacked in a public dog park!
We surveyed more than 1,000 dog owners in the United States.

General safety concerns with public off-leash dog parks

While the popularity of public off-leash dog parks has been skyrocketing in the United States, so has the number of professional trainers who caution against their use to keep our furry friends safe.

Here are some of the top risks associated with public off-leash spaces.

Irresponsible dog owners

26% of survey respondents reported that they feel other dog owners are irresponsible with their dogs in public. This is a common theme with public off-leash dog parks, where often there are a group of park attendees there with their dogs — and in a dedicated space that might make them more likely to let behavior slide.

It only takes one irresponsible owner to cause issues for other owners at the public dog park. Since these dog areas are open to the public, this limits the controls park users have available to prevent canine aggression, bite injuries, and other issues between social animals.

Public dog parks create an unnatural social environment

Many owners are drawn to public off-leash dog parks because they want to socialize their pets. We’re inundated with messages of the “perfect” friendly dog. Our social media feeds feature viral videos of animal best friends that echo the cutesy movies we loved as children — but they often show a false reality.

The truth is that while dogs are social mammals, it’s typically not natural for them to regularly engage in play with strangers. Doing so can create an uncomfortable social structure among a variety of dogs — instead of providing the social benefits we hope for at off-leash dog parks. Dog sociability can be viewed as a sliding scale:

Some dogs are truly dog social. This means they genuinely enjoy interaction with almost every dog they meet! We tend to think these dogs are more common than they really are — they’re the ones we most see out and about because they can handle the widest range of environments.
Most dogs are dog tolerant or dog selective. They don’t often seek out new friends, but they can comfortably interact with other dogs when needed after a proper introduction process.
Some dogs are dog aggressive. They might live with or know a few specific canine friends, but they don’t generally enjoy being around their own species.

Ultimately: It’s perfectly normal for our furry friends to not want to play with other pets outside of our families. What’s not normal is putting them into a confined environment with other canines and expecting everyone to get along perfectly. This is especially true when toys and food are involved. Resource guarding is a common behavioral problem.

Public dog parks can cause injuries and illnesses

We were surprised by how dangerous public off-leash dog parks actually are: 15% of dog owners report their dog having been attacked at a public dog park!

Aside from the obvious injuries and deaths that come from dog attacks, even minor dog attacks or brief interactions with aggressive dogs can have a long lasting impact on the psyche of the victim, leading to future issues with reactivity. This is especially common in urban parks or small park playgrounds that don't have adequate space dogs and pet owners to spread out.

On top of actual attacks, there are additional risks that might outweigh potential dog park benefits. Canines can be mismatched in size or inadvertently break skin while wrestling with untrimmed nails.

It’s also impossible to eliminate all infection risk, no matter how hard a city works to keep their parks clean. There’s no way to confirm that every dog entering an off-leash space has been fully vaccinated — or has had appropriate screening for parasites, like tests for hookworms and intestinal parasite infections. Bacterial diseases like leptospirosis often thrive in muddy terrain.

While effective dog park setups try to mitigate these risks, there is no way to remove them completely in any public park setting, and the prevalence of infection is often high in urban parks.

Public dog parks can be an important public resource

Public off-leash dog parks, being free and open, do serve an important community service in cities. Park access can enable dogs and their guardians to live a more active lifestyle — and effective dog park setups can reduce the risks of injury and transmission of disease that are inherent in any city parks. If choosing to use a public dog park, park attendees can do a lot to manage the safety of their dog:

Make an honest assessment of the sociability of your dog. Is your dog one of the small portion of dogs that gets along with all other animals? Or are they more selective, a normal trait with a high prevalence among dogs?
Make sure your dog is up to date on vaccines to protect them against any bugs that may be present in the park. Your vet can also help you understand your pup's overall canine health with things like fecal samples, tests for for hookworms, screening for heartworm infections, and more to make sure they're a good candidate for a dog park setting. Positive tests mean you should provide your pup with appropriate treatment and avoid park access in the meantime. This can help reduce the overall prevalence of infection in your area.
Choose an appropriate public dog park. Make sure that it is large enough, fully fenced and free from hazards.
Assess the dog park pulse and other owners before entering. Are there any maintenance issues in the park that could be a hazard? Is it overly crowded? Are there owners that are not keeping a close eye on their dog? Are there dogs that could be an issue for your dog or others? Do you feel the park benefits outweigh the risks in this situation?
Keep a close watch and be an active part of your dog's play.

When things go right at public parks, dogs can find benefits there:

Biological fulfillment. At their best, off-leash park access provides an opportunity for park users to fulfill their dogs’ natural canine instincts (running, sniffing, digging, etc.) without impacting others in shared public spaces. This can be especially valuable if owners don’t have a yard of their own or walking trails nearby.
Distraction training. Public off-leash areas can be an ideal place to practice advanced training, like recalls, around the distractions of other dogs, people, and nature scents.
Playtime. While most dogs don’t want to play with strangers, some particularly outgoing canines might enjoy the social benefits of playing with brand-new friends. A small percentage of truly “dog social” dogs are good candidates for public dog parks.
Owner connections. Many park attendees enjoy the human social benefits of public off-leash dog parks — and public spaces enable those relationships without the costs commonly associated with formal group training classes or dog sports practices.

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you

Public dog park quality by region

Here are the United States’ regions, ordered from worst to best public dog park rankings, based on our survey.

#4: West

The West came in last place for their public dog park amenities.

18% of respondents say their dog has been attacked at a public dog park. This is remarkably high — that’s almost one in five owners who have experienced an altercation in a space designated as a safe exercise area.
17% of dog park attendees feel their local public off-leash dog parks are unsafe.
20% say they are dirty.
30% say they are crowded.

Unfortunately, other options for dog exercise are limited in the West as well:

29% of respondents say that local dog owners are generally irresponsible when it comes to dog handling common sense, limiting their ability to feel safe out and about.
34% report often being approached by off-leash dogs outside of a public dog park context.
35% report that their dog has been attacked in general.

Within the West, Nevada, Oregon, Colorado, and New Mexico had the lowest public dog park safety scores. The Bay Area was a bright spot, however — none of the survey respondents there report feeling unsafe in off-leash parks.

#3: Northeast

The Northeast came in third place for public dog park safety. It scored slightly better than the West on most criteria:

16% of respondents say their dog has been attacked at a public dog park.
14% say their local public dog parks are unsafe.
21% say they are crowded.
29% feel that local dog owners are generally irresponsible.

There’s one exception the Northeast has going for it, though. Only 10% of respondents say they feel their public dog parks are dirty — that’s the cleanest report of every region we surveyed.

#2: South

The South’s public dog parks came in second place on our survey.

13% of respondents say their dog has been attacked at a public dog park.
12% say their local public off-leash dog parks are unsafe.
14% say they are dirty.
20% say they are crowded.
26% feel that local dog owners are generally irresponsible.

#1: Midwest

Based on our survey, the Midwest has the best public dog parks.

10% of respondents say their dog has been attacked at a public dog park.
12% say their local public off-leash dog parks feel unsafe.
12% say they are dirty — Midwest public dog parks are only seen as slightly less clean than those in the Northeast.
18% say they are crowded.

Unfortunately, 22% of respondents — more than one in five dog owners who completed our survey — feel that local dog owners are generally irresponsible. Despite the better public dog park statistics, this reality can still make it difficult for pets and their people to safely get the exercise they need.

What does this mean for modern dog owners?

In order to accurately weigh the benefits and costs of visiting public dog parks, potential dog park attendees should carefully consider:

Their own dogs’ sociability
The size, shape, and terrain of their local off-leash areas
The rules in place at their public off-leash dog parks (some require fecal samples or a membership fee before allowing park access, for example)
The general dog ownership culture of fellow park users in their region, and what park attendance is usually like
How much risk they’re willing to take on
What they’ll do if something does go wrong on a public dog park visit — are there emergency vets and trusted trainers nearby in case their dog requires some type of rehabilitation?
What potentially better options are accessible (private spaces, nearby trail systems, obedience or dog sports classes, and similar)

Ultimately, every owner should make their own decision and rely on their common sense about whether or not to frequent public off-leash dog parks with their own dogs. The more information available, the more thoughtful that decision-making process can be!

Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot

Our survey methodology

Sniffspot surveyed more than 1,000 dog owners nationwide about their perceptions of local public dog parks. These dog owners are not Sniffspot users; respondents were sourced using SurveyMonkey Audience.

We asked about their dogs’ sociability, if they’ve ever been attacked by another canine, how often they’re approached outside of public dog parks (like in neighborhoods and other leash-required spaces), and how they feel about public dog park safety and cleanliness overall.

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot’s mission is to make the world a more dog-friendly place. We understand that life in modern human society can be tough for our canine companions — on even a casual walk many pets are assaulted with unfamiliar noises, movements, other dogs, and people.

Public off-leash parks work for some dogs but cause problems for others. We believe every dog deserves the opportunity to have their needs met in a truly safe environment. That’s why we’ve created a community of private spaces for owners to explore.

It’s also why we’re committed to helping owners understand the risks and benefits of any activity we do with our dogs. The more we know before entering a public dog park, the better we can protect our pets.

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you

Haley Young

June 01, 2024

Sniffspot Community

Haley Young

About the author

Haley is a self-proclaimed dog nerd and full-time freelance writer. She's passionate about connecting with fellow pet lovers through training and lifestyle content — learning from professional trainers, animal cognition researchers, and other experts along the way. Haley travels the country full time with her rescue dog, a shy blue heeler, and loves conquering new situation as a team. Dog-friendly national parks, hiking trails, and Sniffspots have become favorite places across the country! When she isn't writing or playing an intense game of tug with her cattle dog, you can find her reading books (her favorite author is late ethologist Frans de Waal), listening to a range of animal-related podcasts, and having conversations about (you guessed it) the many ways other creatures impact our lives.

10 Unconventional Ways to Exercise Your Dog

Dog Parent's Guide to Separation Anxiety

Most recent articles

Australian Shepherd: Breed Facts, Experience and Tips from 9K+ Owners

Golden Retriever: Breed Facts, Experience and Tips from 9K+ Owners

Vizsla: Breed Facts, Experience and Tips from 9K+ Owners

Jack Russell Terrier: Breed Facts, Experience and Tips from 9K+ Owners

Greyhound: Breed Facts, Experience and Tips from 9K+ Owners

Dalmatian: Breed Facts, Experience and Tips from 9K+ Owners

Australian Shepherd: Breed Facts, Experience and Tips from 9K+ Owners

Golden Retriever: Breed Facts, Experience and Tips from 9K+ Owners

Vizsla: Breed Facts, Experience and Tips from 9K+ Owners

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

My Dog Is Food Aggressive With Other Dogs: What To Do
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
Scent Training for Dogs: A Beginner's Guide
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
Service Dog Training Costs: DIY vs. Pro
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!

Dog enrichment guides

The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
Best Toys for Herding Dogs
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Ultimate Guide: Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
Daily Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?
Everyone knows dogs need exercise, but how much is enough? Walks are great, but creating a truly balanced fitness plan means understanding your dog's specific needs. This post helps you develop a daily exercise calculator for your dog, considering breed, age, and lifestyle. We'll cover fun activities, understanding exercise intensity, and recognizing when your pup has had enough. Let's create a plan that keeps your dog happy and healthy!
Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Dog reactivity guides

Rottweiler Aggression: Truth vs. Myth
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
What Is a Reactive Dog? A Guide to Understanding Reactivity
So: Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (cars, bikes, skateboards, and other fast-moving objects are also common triggers) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling not only feels embarrassing for you — it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
How to Socialize a Reactive Dog: A Step-by-Step Guide
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Definitive Guide: What is Dog Reactivity?
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
The 9 Best Online Communities for Reactive Dog Parents
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Sniffspot community guides

Top dog trainers in the US

The Best Dog Trainers in the United States of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in the United States, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Seattle, WA of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Seattle, WA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Portland, OR of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Portland, OR, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Los Angeles, CA of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Los Angeles, CA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in New York, NY of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in New York, NY, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.

City dog parks guides

Top 10 Indoor Dog Parks: A US Guide
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in the United States
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
Best Dog Parks Near Me in Las Vegas
Looking for the perfect dog park near me in Las Vegas? You're in luck! This guide explores all the best options for your pup, from public dog parks to private dog parks near me on Sniffspot. We'll help you find the ideal spot for playtime, socializing, and fresh air. Plus, we'll cover essential etiquette and safety tips to ensure a happy visit for everyone. Get ready for some tail-wagging fun!
The Best United States Dog Parks
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.

Dogs breeds

Top dog names in the US

Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new pup? We have created filterable lists of dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative dog names.
Most Popular Male Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new male pup? We have created filterable lists of male dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative male dog names.
Most Popular Female Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new female pup? We have created filterable lists of female dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative female dog names.
Most Popular Golden Retriever Names
Welcome to our comprehensive list of Golden Retriever dog names, curated from our vast database of Sniffspot users. Filter through hundreds of thousands of options by gender, breed, and state to discover the most adorable, original, and imaginative names for your beloved Golden Retriever.
Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names
Welcome to our Labrador Retriever dog names page! Here you can browse through filterable lists of names for your beloved furry friend, ranging from cute and classic to unique and creative options. Our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users ensures you'll find the perfect name for your Labrador Retriever, whether you're seeking a name for a male or female, based on breed or state.

Top dog rescues in the US

The Best Washington Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Washington. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best Oregon Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Oregon. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best California Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in California. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best Florida Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Florida. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best New York Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in New York. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot provides the best experiences and fun for you and your dog. Our dog parks are designed for the ultimate dog exercise. Our private spaces help you minimize distractions or triggers and maximize time with your dog. We provide off leash enrichment - exploration and activities you can't get anywhere else; wear your dog out for days. We make it easy to have playdates. Socialize your pup in a controlled, private spot - it's great exercise and it's fun for you and your dog.

The State of Public Dog Parks Across the United States

Survey highlights

General safety concerns with public off-leash dog parks

Irresponsible dog owners

Public dog parks create an unnatural social environment

Public dog parks can cause injuries and illnesses

Public dog parks can be an important public resource

Public dog park quality by region

#4: West

#3: Northeast

#2: South

#1: Midwest

What does this mean for modern dog owners?

Our survey methodology

About Sniffspot

Haley Young

About Sniffspot

Follow us

Related articles

All categories

Most recent articles

Related articles

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

Dog enrichment guides

Dog reactivity guides

Sniffspot community guides

Top dog trainers in the US

City dog parks guides

Dogs breeds

Top dog names in the US

Top dog rescues in the US

About Sniffspot

Browse by top cities

Atlanta

Austin

Boston

Calgary

Chicago

Columbus

Dallas

Denver

Edmonton

Houston

Las Vegas

Logan

Los Angeles

Milwaukee

Minneapolis

Nashville

New York

Old Toronto

Omaha

Ottawa

Philadelphia

Phoenix

Portland

San Antonio

San Diego

San Francisco

Seattle

Tampa

Washington

Westminster

Browse by top states

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa