Living in an apartment in the city can present unique challenges for dog owners, but there are several dog parks Washington, D.C. that are perfect for your pet to have fun and get some exercise. Living and working in the city also means your schedule is probably quite full, and having a dog park close to home makes it easier to make sure your dog gets enough exercise.
Dogs need to run around outside to be happy and healthy, and many owners enjoy socializing with other pet parents. Dogs are welcome in most of communities, and each of our pet-friendly buildings is located near at least one dog park where you can let your pet off the leash and get to know other owners from around your neighborhood.
Whether you’re new to the Washington, D.C. area or just looking for a new spot to take your favorite furry friend, this guide can help you choose a new dog park based on location, dog’s size, or other preferences. Here are our top picks for the best dog parks in our neighborhoods!
Explore the Best Dog Parks Near Our D.C. Apartments
D.C. is Pet-Friendly: Washington, D.C. offers several dog parks within close proximity to its pet-friendly apartment communities, making it easy for dog owners to find exercise spaces for their pets.
S Street Dog Park: This small park, ideal for smaller to medium-sized dogs, features artificial turf, small plastic pools, and high-quality gates for pet safety.
Rosedale Conservancy Gate Dog Park: Located in Cleveland Park, this scenic park is a favorite for dog owners, though it’s limited to residents of the Cleveland Park neighborhood.
Newark Street Dog Park: Features separate play areas for large and small dogs, with amenities like benches, shade, fresh water, and tennis balls to enhance the experience for dogs and their owners.
Shaw Dog Park: Washington, D.C.’s first official dog park, offers separate spaces for large and small dogs. It’s currently undergoing renovations but remains a popular destination for pet owners.
Columbia Heights Dog Park (11th & Bark): This newly established dog park offers a simple, fenced space for dogs to interact, though owners should bring their own toys and water.
Upshur Dog Park: One of the largest parks in D.C., with a gravel surface, double gates, and essential amenities like water and balls provided for dogs to enjoy.
Pet Policy: Most of the 18 buildings in the area are pet-friendly, allowing dogs, cats, and rabbits. The properties have a 75-pound weight limit, breed restrictions, and a maximum of two pets per apartment.
Ideal for Dog Owners: The proximity of dog parks to apartment communities in D.C. makes it easier for pet owners to ensure their dogs get enough exercise and social interaction.
Service Animals Welcome: All apartment communities welcome service and support animals.
Our communities are located in a variety of Washington, D.C.’s most popular neighborhoods, and these nearby parks help make our apartments the perfect home for your furry family members. Here are several of the city’s top dog parks that are conveniently located near at least one of our communities.
The Dupont Circle Neighborhood
Nearby communities:
S Street Dog Park
The S Street Dog Park is made with artificial turf instead of natural grass, which makes it a top choice for owners who are searching for ways to keep their dogs clean while playing outside. This park also provides small plastic pools to keep your dog cool on hot days, balls to play with, and high-quality double gates so you can be sure your dog is safe while having a good time. It is one of the smaller dog parks in town, though, which makes it a better choice for smaller to medium-sized breeds than especially large dogs.
The Cleveland Park Neighborhood
Nearby communities:
Residents of these communities have a variety of nearby dog parks to choose from. Mixing it up and becoming a regular at several parks also provides more space for your dog to explore!
Rosedale Conservancy Gate Dog Park
The Rosedale Conservancy is a scenic park that is a favorite among neighborhood dog owners. This “urban oasis” features an aesthetic landscape and a variety of events. Dogs must be registered to enter, however, and the park prefers that only owners within the Cleveland Park neighborhood bring dogs to the park.
Newark Street Dog Park
The Newark Street Dog Park includes separate play areas for large and small dogs. The park also recommends that dogs who are new to dog parks or not used to being around other dogs start by using the smaller area. Other amenities include tennis balls, benches, shade, fresh water, and bowls to make visiting enjoyable for both dogs and owners.
The Logan Circle Neighborhood
Nearby communities:
Shaw Dog Park
The Shaw Dog Park is Washington, D.C.’s first official dog park. It is a large park that is divided into separate spaces for large and small dogs, and the smaller enclosure also provides a safer area for older and less-energetic dogs. Although it is currently being renovated, it is a favorite among many Washington, D.C. dog owners. The Shaw Dog Park is currently asking owners to limit the park’s capacity to 10 people in an effort to maintain social distancing.
The Columbia Heights Neighborhood
Nearby communities:
Columbia Heights Dog Park
The Columbia Heights Dog Park, also known as 11th & Bark, is one of the city’s newest official dog parks. This park provides a simple, fenced-in space for dogs to mingle, but owners should plan to bring balls, toys, water, and anything else your pup might need to have a good time.
The Upper 16th and Crestwood Neighborhood
Nearby communities:
Upshur Dog Park
The Upshur Dog Park is one of Washington, D.C.’s largest dog parks. This park has a mostly gravel surface and a double gate, and balls and fresh water are provided.
We Love Pets!
We know that your pets are part of your family. Here are a few facts about our pet policy:
- Dogs, cats, and rabbits are welcome in most of our 18 buildings, while a few only accept cats and rabbits.
- Service/support animals are always welcome at all communities.
- We do have a maximum weight limit of 75 pounds, and have breed restrictions so please check in with the management team should you have questions.
- We allow up to two pets in each apartment.
- The proximity of our buildings to a variety of large and small dog parks makes our apartments the perfect choice for dog owners in the Washington, D.C. area.
Being located near spaces for your dog to get some exercise and have fun outdoors makes life easier for any pet owner — especially at the end of a busy day — and the right dog park can become an extension of home for your four-footed family members. We are proud to be among the most pet-friendly properties in town, so contact our team today to learn more about our pet policy or to schedule a tour of any of our beautiful and amenity-filled properties.
We can’t wait to welcome your family–including members with four legs–to your new home!
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Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Parks in Washington, D.C.
Is Washington, D.C. pet-friendly for dog owners?
Yes, Washington, D.C. offers several dog parks within close proximity to pet-friendly apartment communities, making it easy for dog owners to find spaces for their pets to exercise and socialize.
What can I expect from the S Street Dog Park?
The S Street Dog Park is a small park with artificial turf, ideal for smaller to medium-sized dogs. It also provides plastic pools to keep your dog cool and has high-quality gates to ensure safety.
What is the Rosedale Conservancy Gate Dog Park like?
The Rosedale Conservancy Gate Dog Park, located in Cleveland Park, is a scenic park with an aesthetic landscape. It is primarily for neighborhood residents, so only Cleveland Park residents can register their dogs to enter.
What amenities does Newark Street Dog Park offer?
Newark Street Dog Park has separate areas for large and small dogs. It also provides amenities like tennis balls, benches, shade, fresh water, and bowls, making it enjoyable for both dogs and their owners.
What is the Shaw Dog Park like?
The Shaw Dog Park, Washington, D.C.’s first official dog park, is divided into separate spaces for large and small dogs. It is currently being renovated, but remains a popular spot for dog owners. Social distancing measures are in place, limiting the number of people at the park.
What is the Columbia Heights Dog Park (11th & Bark) like?
The Columbia Heights Dog Park, also known as 11th & Bark, is a simple, fenced space for dogs to mingle. Owners are encouraged to bring their own balls, toys, and water for their pets to enjoy.
What should I know about Upshur Dog Park?
Upshur Dog Park is one of D.C.’s largest dog parks, featuring a gravel surface, double gates, and amenities such as fresh water and balls for dogs to enjoy while playing.
What is the pet policy at the apartment communities in Washington, D.C.?
Most apartment communities allow dogs, cats, and rabbits. There is a 75-pound weight limit and breed restrictions. Each apartment can accommodate up to two pets.
Are these D.C. apartments suitable for dog owners?
Yes, the proximity of dog parks to these apartment communities makes it easy for dog owners to ensure their pets get enough exercise and socialization. The apartments cater to pet owners with various amenities and nearby dog parks.
Are service animals allowed in these apartments?
Yes, all apartment communities welcome service and support animals in accordance with the law.
