Two main regulations guide Parks & Rec in the management of dogs on Parks & Rec property.

• City of Philadelphia leash laws
  City Council ordinance requires that dogs be on a six-foot or shorter leash and that owners clean up after their pets. See Philadelphia Ordinance Chapter 10, Sections 104 and 105 for complete rules.
• Philadelphia Code regulations governing the park system
  Parks & Rec has the authority to designate an animal-free area anywhere within the Parks & Rec system. This does not include support, service, or guide animals. See The Philadelphia Code Chapter 15-200, Section 111. Animal-free Area (PDF) for complete rules.

Dogs are prohibited in animal-free areas. An animal-free area is a zone where no animals are permitted, except service animals. Animal-free areas are usually in Parks & Rec playgrounds, ballfields, spraygrounds, athletic courts, and gardens.

Be a good neighbor and park steward.

• Help to keep your park clean and safe for all to enjoy by picking up after your dog and using the trash cans.
• Always obey park or playground signs.
• Always keep control of your dog. It is the owner/handler’s responsibility.
• Do not allow your dog to run and jump on other people or dogs uninvited.
• Do not leave your dog unattended.
• Do not tie your dog to fences, benches or any park furnishings.
• Keep off wet grass.
• Be considerate of picnickers and watch where your dog goes. Remember, urine damages grass and trees.
• Obey City of Philadelphia licensing laws (get a dog license) and follow Commonwealth of Pennsylvania vaccination requirements (find low-cost pet care and vaccinations.)

Dogs are permitted in the following locations:

Parks & Rec property
You may walk your dog anywhere on Parks & Rec property on a leash of 6 feet or less, unless specifically posted as an animal-free area.

Dog run
A dedicated, fenced-in area in a park or playground for dogs to exercise unleashed. There are currently seven authorized dog runs on Parks & Rec properties. All dog runs are managed and maintained by a local volunteer organization with oversight from Parks & Rec. Please follow dog run rules posted at each facility.

Dog run locations

• Black, Coyle & McBride Playground—2150 E Huntingdon St., 19125.
• Columbus Square—1200 Wharton St., 19147.
• Lanier Park—1600 S 29th St., 19145.
• Mario Lanza Park—214 Catharine St., 19147.
• Mitchell Park and Seger Recreation Center—1000-42 Lombard St., 19147.
• Pretzel Park—4300 Silverwood St., 19127.
• Schuylkill River Park—25th & Spruce Sts., 19103.
• Winter Street Greenway—2100 Winter St., 19103.

If you are interested in applying for a dog run in a Parks & Rec park, review our guidelines for requesting a dog run.